STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT For the Downtown Austin Community Court Geographic Service Area and Adjudicated Cases Analysis SEPTEMBER 2022 PROJECT SUMMARY DACC is conducting an analysis of its current and potential geographic service area (GSA) and adjudicated citations. Geographic service area: The neighborhoods for which DACC adjudicates citations. Currently: downtown, UT’s west campus, and east Austin Adjudicated cases: The charge codes, or offenses, that are heard at DACC. Currently Class C misdemeanors (includes Prop B and state camping ban violations) The purpose of this analysis is to understand the efficacy of DACC’s current GSA and adjudicated citations, and to determine whether expansion or alterations might better serve the community and DACC stakeholders. Current stage: Completion of stakeholder engagement period RESEARCH QUESTIONS How effective is DACC’s current set-up of geographic service area and adjudicated cases? Are there changes that should be considered, or potential reimagined operations structures that DACC management should explore? ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS SUMMARY STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT GOALS 1) Introduce the project to the stakeholder community 2) Educate the stakeholder community about DACC and the GSA analysis project 3) Provide stakeholders the opportunity to inform the project 4) Gather input from stakeholders to be used in future GSA/adjudicated cases discussions HOW WE REACHED STAKEHOLDERS Primary engagement period: June-August 2022 Stakeholder engagement partners: Austin Public Health, Public Information Office, Violet Keepsafe storage facility, Austin Public Library Promotion: Virtual and analog Online: Social media, City website, email distribution In the community: Flyers and promotion at DACC, libraries, cooling centers, Violet Keepsafe storage HOW WE ENGAGED WITH STAKEHOLDERS 1) Internal stakeholder workshops (4 total) 2) External community stakeholder meetings (3 total) 3) Open-house style 1:1 engagement opportunities (15 hours of in-person presence) 4) SpeakUp! Austin online community engagement hub WHO DID WE REACH? City staff who work with DACC or are affected by the GSA Internal stakeholders External stakeholders Members of the downtown community (business and residential) Members of the social services community People with lived experience of homelessness AHAC members People using Violet Keepsafe storage facility Results: 747 synthesizable data points ENGAGEMENT RESULTS WHAT THE DATA SHOWS SUMMARY OF THEMES Theme: Access to Resources (152 References) Summary: Respondents discussed general access to court and homelessness resources in Austin, and how DACC’s GSA can act as a facilitator for access, as well as a barrier. Quotes from Participants: “[I could] engage in a …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Special Called Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board convened in a Special Called meeting on September 30, 2022 at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road in Austin, Texas. Vice-Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler called the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Meeting to order at 8:06 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Kergin Bedell, Jason English, Kate Garza, and Jocelyn Schwartz Approve the minutes of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Regular Meeting on July 15, 2022. The minutes from the Regular meeting of July 15, 2022 were approved on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin motion, Board Member Jason English second on a (6-0) vote. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Yvonne Weldon APPROVAL OF MINUTES AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK 2. N/A DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation of community engagement process results of Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist An explanation of the effectiveness of DACC's present GSA and adjudicated citations was provided to the Board in order to assess if expansion or modification could better benefit the community and DACC stakeholders. 1 1. To debate and offer a framework for what we would like to share feedback on, the board should form a working group. The three board members who volunteered were Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Board Member Jason English and Board Member Kate Garza. The Board voted on forming a working group to present at the November meeting on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin motion, Board Member Jason English second on a (6-0) vote. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) No discussion took place at this time ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 8:55am. The minutes were approved at the November 18, 2022 meeting on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin motion, Board Member Jason English second on a (8-0) vote. 2
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 15, 2022 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Vice Chair Kate Garza Kergin Bedell Nicole Golden Jason English Jocelyn Schwartz CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 (five) 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 the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on MAY 20, 2022. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. DISCUSSION ITEMS Update on the project progress of Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist Status of DACC operations, any new trends noticed. Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) 2. 3. 4. a. Homeless Services b. Court Services c. Community Services d. General DACC Updates DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Annual Internal Review Report 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. 7. Update on Intensive Case Management program evaluation project Update on homelessness mapping initiative 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas …
D OW N TOW N AU S T I N C O M M U N I T Y C O U R T GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA AND ADJUDICATED CASES ANALYSIS Project Update - July 2022 SCOPE AND PURPOSE DACC is conducting an analysis of its current and potential geographic service area (GSA) and adjudicated cases. The purpose of this analysis is to understand the efficacy of DACC’s current GSA and adjudicated cases, and to determine whether expansion or alterations might better serve the community and DACC stakeholders. CURRENT GSA /ADJUDICATED CITATIONS Geographic service area: The neighborhoods for which DACC adjudicates citations. Currently downtown, west campus, and east Austin Adjudicated cases: The charge codes, or offenses, that are heard at DACC. Currently Class C misdemeanors (includes Prop B and state camping ban violations) that are generally non-traffic related PROJECT TIMELINE March/April 2022 – DACC internal discussions and information analysis May 2022 – Planning for stakeholder engagement (interdepartmental workshops, community engagement process), update to DACC Advisory Board June 2022 – Stakeholder engagement July 2022 – Stakeholder engagement continued, update to DACC Advisory Board August 2022 – Analysis of stakeholder input data September 2022 – Stakeholder data analysis report presentation, guided discussion with DACC Advisory Board November 2022 (tentative) – Finalized GSA analysis report presented to DACC Advisory Board STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PRIORITIES 1. Provide different ways for people to engage on this topic, accounting for access abilities, safety, and knowledge of DACC. 2. Work to provide effective education about DACC/GSA alongside engagement opportunities ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Internal stakeholder engagement: - - Interdepartmental workshops Individual discussions - Department-level presentations External stakeholder engagement: - Public community meetings - SpeakUp! Austin project education portal and survey - Open-house style engagement opportunities - Ad-hoc engagement solicitation - AHAC input DATA ANALYSIS Data analysis will take place once data collection is largely complete (late July) A combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis will be used Highlights of the engagement effort: - 17 City departments - 50 community meeting registrants - 50+ survey respondents - 150+ engagements on SpeakUp! Austin Major theme across all engagement platforms: Equity NEXT STEPS Continuing engagement through the end of July: - Internal/external stakeholders invited to reach out to request engagement meetings with DACC staff/leadership - SpeakUp! Austin educational and input opportunities open until August 1 Stakeholder engagement report: - Data analysis to take place in August - Report presented to DACC Advisory Board …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2022 __Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board__ The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The mission of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board (“Board”), according to article 2-1-130 of the City Code, is to “advise the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operational issues and advise the council on the policies and operations of the court.” The purpose of the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) is to collaboratively address the quality of all residents in the downtown Austin community through the swift, creative sentencing of public order offenders. The Court seeks to hold people responsible while also offering help to change behavior. 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. During the reporting period (7/1/2021 to 6/30/2022), the Board met four (4) times. Due to health and safety recommendations in the ongoing Public Health Emergency, meetings were held either virtually or a hybrid of virtually and in person. All meetings were posted and open to the public. Our actions during this time were primarily educational, including: - The board received feedback from individuals with first-hand lived experience being served in Austin’s homelessness system. - The Board received regular updates from DACC staff concerning homelessness efforts including the status of operations during COVID-19 and continuing Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # adjustments needed to address the changing needs of staff and clients during the pandemic. Updates were provided regarding staffing; Rapid Rehousing efforts, housing placements, and the waitlist for services; virtual hearings and warrant confirmation policies; facilities, including the transition from DACC’s temporary Terrazas Library location to the longer-term space at One Texas; and the Violet Keep Safe Program. - Liz Baker, Chief Strategy Officer of The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF), presented on the efforts of her organization. - Ruth Ahearn of Austin Travis County Integral Care presented on the Homeless Health and Wellness Center program. - Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney, presented on a proposed ordinance codifying or expanding DACC’s geographic service area and adjudicated offenses. - Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist, presented further analysis on DACC’s geographic service area and adjudicated offenses. The Board also discussed the DACC budget, including items coming to an end in FY22 …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting MAY 20, 2022 AT 8:00 AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the COMMISSION/BOARD may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, contact Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Jason English Kate Garza Nicole Golden AGENDA Jocelyn Schwartz Seneca Savoie THERE MAY BE DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five (5) 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. 1. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 11, 2022 2. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM CLIENT FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Project progress presentation of Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Status of DACC operations during COVID-19, changes in operations, any new trends noticed. Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) i Rapid Rehousing efforts, staffing and housing placement ii Court dockets iii DACC facility update iv Violet Keep Safe Program FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Update on Intensive Case Management program evaluation project B. Update on homelessness mapping initiative C. Annual Internal Review 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users …
D OW N TOWN AUSTI N C OM MU N IT Y C O UR T GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA AND ADJUDICATED CITATION ANALYSIS May 20, 2022 SCOPE AND PURPOSE DACC is conducting an analysis of its current and potential geographic service area (GSA) and adjudicated citations. The purpose of this analysis is to understand the efficacy of DACC’s current GSA and adjudicated citations, and to determine whether expansion or alterations might better serve the community and DACC stakeholders. CURRENT GSA /ADJUDICATED CITATIONS Geographic service area: The neighborhoods for which DACC adjudicates citations. Currently downtown, west campus, and east Austin Adjudicated citations: The charge codes, or offenses, that are heard at DACC. Currently Class C misdemeanors (includes Prop B and state camping ban violations) KEY PROJECT ELEMENTS Methodology: What does this process look like? Stakeholders: Who is involved in different parts of this project? Community Engagement: How is DACC engaging with members of the public on this project? Considerations: What legal, budgetary, or partnership-related considerations are being made? Goals/Expected Outcomes: What are the expected process results? PROJECT TIMELINE March and April 2022 – DACC internal discussions and information analysis May 2022 – Planning for interdepartmental workshops, community engagement process June 2022 – Interdepartmental workshops, community engagement process July 2022 – Analysis of data, preliminary report to DACC Advisory Board
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting MARCH 11, 2022 AT 8:00 AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the COMMISSION/BOARD may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, contact Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Jason English Kate Garza Nicole Golden Jocelyn Schwartz Seneca Savoie Andrew Williams AGENDA THERE MAY BE DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five (5) 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. 1. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2022 2. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM CLIENT FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. FY23 Budget Recommendations (Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) B. Election of new officers with term for newly elected officers (Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Robert Kingham, Court Operations Manager, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Status of DACC operations during COVID-19, changes in operations, any new trends noticed. Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) i Rapid Rehousing efforts, staffing and housing placement ii Court dockets iii DACC facility update iv Violet Keep Safe Program FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Update on Intensive Case Management program evaluation project B. Update on homelessness mapping initiative 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 Edna …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220311-002A Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Recommendations March 11, 2022 Date: Subject: Motioned By: Commissioner Jason English Seconded By: Commissioner Lea Downey Gallatin Recommendation 1. The DACC needs to locate a new facility and temporarily equip case management staff with the ability to work out of a fleet of vehicles and from their homes; 2. Funding for case management fleet vehicles; 3. Sustained funding for six grant funded COVID-19 case managers; 4. Funds to continue the Violet KeepSafe Program; 5. Funds to continue the Homeless Health and Wellness collaborative with Integral Care and the Downtown Austin Alliance; 6. Funding to augment DACC’s case management capacity by adding 12 positions; and 7. Additional social service dollars to include funding for client rental assistance. Description of Recommendation to Council 1. For more than 7 years, DACC functioned without adequate space for its operation. Its current location at One Texas Center is more spacious, but only temporary and less proximate to other downtown services. It is vital that DACC be provided a permanent home and continued support for the fleet of vehicles its Case Management team uses to provide community-based services. 2. By the end of this fiscal year, DACC will own nine case manager fleet vehicles in addition to renting eight vehicles. To maintain the status quo in a more cost-effective manner, the Court needs funding to purchase eight vehicles. 3. Funds for up to twelve additional permanent Case Manager positions, along with an additional vehicle and corresponding social service dollars per case manager, to serve the 260 individuals experiencing homelessness on DACC’s waiting list. 1 of 2 4. Additional social service support dollars to include funding for rental assistance and intensive wrap-around services for clients served by dollars associated with a DACC Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). 5. Funds to enhance the Violet KeepSafe Program 6. Ongoing funding for the Homeless Health and Wellness collaborative with Integral Care and the Downtown Austin Alliance to continue positively impacting DACC clientele and waiting individuals by treating individuals with complex medical needs. 7. Funding to retain two community service crew leaders whose funding from Austin Resource Recovery is being discontinued Rationale: DACC is serving Austin’s most vulnerable citizens and stabilizing their lives to the benefit of the entire Austin community. The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board wholeheartedly and enthusiastically supports the DACC services and the Courts request for …
DACC Permanent Location Study Old Municipal Building 124 W. 8th st. $27M Not Suitable Site Resides on Steep Hill Waller Creek Center 625 E 10th St Move-In Ready (~$100K) Suitable Flat Surrounding Area – Highly Accessible None Business Hours Only – Following DACC Relocation 24/7 Security Already Operating in the Building 20 feet 1 Mile Building Infrastructure Renovations Costs ADA Compliance Safety / Security Congress Ave (National Register Historic District) Proximity to Services The Sobering Center 0.6 Miles Violet KeepSafe Program 0.55 Miles Breckenridge Hospital ARCH Austin’s Resource Center for the Homeless 0.6 Miles 0.4 Miles Economic Impact 1200ft 1150ft 0.3m 1150ft Brown Building Homeowners $10M Losses – $125K Loss Per Owner Austin Business Owner TBD $0 TBD Study Outcome Considerably Disadvantaged DACC Permanent Location Better Suitable DACC Permanent Location Study – Proximity Disruptive Effective Old Municipal Building 124 W. 8th st. Waller Creek Center 625 E 10th St Sobering Center 0.6 Miles Avg. Distance to Facilities 0.54 Miles (2851 ft) Sobering Center 1200ft Avg. Distance to Facilities 1271 ft KeepSafe 0.55 Miles Public Transit Density 4 (Good), 12 Stations / 3 Blocs Radius Hospital 0.6 Miles Downtown Station 0.5 Miles KeepSafe Hospital ARCH 0.4 Miles All Facilities Within 68 Acres, 0.6 Miles / 10 Blocs Radius ARCH 1150ft 0.3m 1150ft Public Transit Density 5 (Excellent), 15 Stations / 3 Blocs Radius Downtown Station 1500 ft All Facilities Within 17 Acres, 0.3m / 5 Blocs Radius Integral Care 1.2 Miles Max Travel Distance 2.65 Miles Integral Care 0.8m Max Travel Distance 1.23 m Proximity to National Registered Historical Districts Old Municipal Building 124 W. 8th st. Renovation Costs at Waller Creek Center • $~100K is an estimated cost to renovation Waller Creek Center to support a Court function. • 24/7 Security is already setup at the Waller Creek Center building - No additional costs / budget allocation required. Safety & Security destroyed. • 24/7 Security Proved Necessary and is already present at One Texas Center. • Even with this, there’s considerable damage to the center. There have been a busted windows, decorative vases have been • Drugs have been found and homeless try to stay overnight in the One Texas Center garage even with this 24/7 security. • Extended Stay America (50 ft away from DACC) updated all security measures around the building due to DACC homeless presence. DACC users show up looking for food, shelter, and scaring guests. • …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Budget and Resources Workgroup Memorandum: FY22 - 23 Budget Recommendations March 11, 2022 The Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) collaboratively addresses the quality-of-life issues of all residents in the downtown Austin, West Campus, and a portion of East Austin communities through creative and rehabilitative approaches to public order citations. The Court seeks to hold people responsible while also offering help to change behavior; and the DACC Case Management team aims to end homelessness by providing comprehensive, long term case management services and housing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness regardless of criminal justice involvement. Homelessness has been identified, by City Council, as the top priority for the city strategic plan, and as a strategic outcome indicator in Austin’s strategic direction. To address the growing needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, DACC must be supported and adequately funded. The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board supports the mission of the Court and its case management services as an integral part of the continuum of care provided by an array of stakeholders and partners providing much needed services to high needs individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. DACC leadership has been flexible and intentional in its approach to serve the most in need during these difficult times and has accomplished extraordinary work. However, data shows that community programs for individuals experiencing homelessness are running at capacity and demand for services greatly exceeds the supply. In the 2021–22 fiscal year, DACC received none of the twelve permanent Case Manager positions it requested. For that reason, and due to the intensive long-term needs of existing clients, the waiting list for DACC services has barely changed since last year. Roughly 260 individuals experiencing homelessness await assignment to a DACC Case Manager. For more than 7 years, DACC functioned without adequate space for its operation. Its current location at One Texas Center is more spacious, but only temporary and less proximate to other downtown services. It is vital that DACC be provided a permanent home and continued support for the fleet of vehicles its Case Management team uses to provide community-based services. By the end of this fiscal year, DACC will own nine case manager fleet vehicles in addition to renting eight vehicles. To maintain the status quo in a more cost-effective manner, the Court needs funding to purchase eight vehicles. Funds for up to twelve additional permanent …
DACC Advisory Board MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 11, 2022 REGULAR MEETING FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES The Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Advisory Board convened in a special called meeting on Friday, March 11, 2022 in Austin, Texas. Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler called the Board Meeting to order at 8:09am. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Vice Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Kergin Bedell, Jason English, Kate Garza, Jocelyn Schwartz, and Andrew Williams. Staff in Attendance: Pete Valdez, Judge Coffey, Robert Kingham, Lauren Stott, Laura Williamson, Edna Staniszewski PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jeff Steinley – item #4Aiii (comparison between Old Municipal bldg. vs. Waller bldg.) Chris Harshbarger – item #4Aiii (comparison between Old Municipal bldg. vs. Waller bldg.) Hanan Levy – item #4Aiii (comparison between Old Municipal bldg. vs. Waller bldg.) Joell McNew – item #4Aiii (supports Waller bldg) 1. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 11, 2022 MEETING MINUTES Commissioner Jason English moved to approve the meeting minutes. Commissioner Kate Garza seconded the motion. Motion passed by 7-0 vote. 2. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM CLIENT FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. Thomas Woodward – Participant at the VioletKeepSafe program and explained how his belongings were stolen from his bin. The gentleman who stole his belongings is no longer in town, he estimates his belongings worth $3,500. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. FY23 Budget Recommendations (Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Commissioner Jason English motioned to accept the recommendation. Vice Chair Lea Downey Gallatin seconded the motion. Motioned passed 7-0. 1 DACC Advisory Board MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 11, 2022 B. Election of new officers with term for newly elected officers (Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Robert Kingham, Court Operations Manager, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Nomination to elect Vice Chair Lea Downey Gallatin as Chair. Commissioner Kate Garza made the motion to approve. Commissioner Jason English seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0 vote. Nomination to elect Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler as Vice Chair. Darilynn stated she would be comfortable with a term end as Vice Chair that would end in six months. Commissioner Andrew Williams stated he can fill in until the end of the year. Commissioner Kate Garza …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Special Called Meeting FEBRUARY 11, 2022 AT 8:00 AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the COMMISSION/BOARD may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, contact Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Jason English Kate Garza Nicole Golden Susan Requejo Jocelyn Schwartz Seneca Savoie Andrew Williams AGENDA THERE MAY BE DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five (5) 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. 1. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 16, 2021 2. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM CLIENT FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Expand the jurisdiction of Downtown Austin Community Court. (Cardona- Beiler/Downey Gallatin) Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney. B. Adopt 2022 Meeting Schedule – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) C. FY 22-23 Budget Recommendations (Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Status of DACC operations during COVID-19, changes in operations, any new trends noticed. Cardona-Beiler/Downey Gallatin) – Robert Kingham, Court Operations Manager, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) i Rapid Rehousing efforts, staffing and housing placement ii Court dockets iii DACC facility update iv Violet Keep Safe Program FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Update on Intensive Case Management program evaluation project B. Update on homelessness mapping initiative 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 …
Downtown Austin Community Court Jurisdiction Recommended City Code Amendment of Section 2-10-32 – Offenses Adjudicated Proposition B – May 2021 On May 1, 2021, Austin voters approved Proposition B, making it a criminal offense (Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine) for anyone to sit, lie down, or camp in public areas and prohibiting solicitation of money or other things of value at specific hours and locations. The above law can be found in City of Austin Code, Sections 9-4-11 (Camping), 9-4-13 (Solicitation Prohibited), 9-4-14 (Sitting or Lying down on Public Sidewalks or Sleeping Outdoors in the Downtown Austin Community Court Area Prohibited). On Sept. 1, HB 1925 took effect creating a statewide camping prohibition that is largely compatible with Austin City Code. It is Tex. Pen. Code §48.05 Prohibited Camping (Statewide). Tex. Penal Code 48.05 - Excerpts “A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly camps in a public place without the effective consent of the officer or agency having the legal duty or authority to manage the public place.” An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. This section does not preempt an ordinance adopted by a political subdivision, like the City of Austin, relating to prohibiting camping in a public place or affect the authority of a political subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance relating to prohibiting camping in a public place if the ordinance is compatible with and equal to or more stringent than the offense prescribed by this section. Tex. Penal Code 48.05 - Excerpts Before or at the time a peace officer issues a citation to a person, the peace officer must make a reasonable effort to: (1) advise the person of an alternative place to lawfully camp; and (2) contact, if reasonable and appropriate, an appropriate official of the political subdivision in which the public place is located, or an appropriate nonprofit organization operating within that political subdivision, and request the official or organization to provide the person with: … (B) any other services that would reduce the likelihood of the person continuing to camp in the public place. If the person is arrested or detained solely for an offense under this section, a peace officer enforcing this section shall ensure that all of the person's personal property not designated as contraband under other law is preserved by: (1) permitting the person …
