DOWNTOWN COMMISSION FEBRUARY 21, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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, please contact Christine Maguire at Christine.maguire@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7131. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris (Chair) VACANT (District 1) Tania A. Ortega (District 2) Liz Coufal (District 3) Ralph E. Ishmael, Jr. (Vice-Chair) Darilynn Cardona-Beiler (District 5) Taylor Major (District 6) Mike Lavigne (District 7) VACANT (District 8) Kimberly Levinson (District 9) Sania D. Shifferd (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER Marissa McKinney (Design Commission) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) Carl J. Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission January 17, 2024 meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. 3. Approve a recommendation on the renewal of the Sixth Street Public Improvement District. Presentation by Donald E Jackson of the Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department on Downtown Command public safety trends. 5. Presentations by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department (APD), William Manno of the Austin Center for Events, Brian Block of the Development Services Department, and Division Chief Stephen Truesdell of the Austin Fire Department (AFD) on South by Southwest Festival 2024 preparedness. 6. Presentation on the status of Austin Light Rail by Peter Mullan, EVP Architecture and Urban Design, Lindsay Wood, EVP - Engineering and Construction, and Courtney Chavez, SVP - Equity and Community Partnership. 7. Presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program by April Geruso of the …
Austin Light Rail Update FEBRUARY 21, 2024 Downtown Commission 1 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & INTEGRATED APPROACH WORK EFFORTS SCOPING 22 Upcoming Public Outreach Federal Process: NEPA MEETING LOCATION DATE/TIME University of Texas, Eastwoods Room, 2nd floor (ground level), Texas Union 2308 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78712 Thursday, February 1, 2024 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Montopolis Recreation and Community Center 1200 Montopolis Dr., Austin, TX 78741 Saturday, February 10, 2024 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. League of Women Voters, Cafetorium 3908 Avenue B, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78751 Virtual Open House Twin Oaks Library, Rooms 1 & 2 1800 S. 5th St., Austin, TX 78704 St. David's Episcopal, Sumners Hall 301 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78701 Monday, February 12, 2024 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. 3 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL PHASE 1- BASE DESIGN 9.8-mile Light Rail Transit (LRT) branched line, including 15 stations located north, south, and east of downtown Austin Light rail embedded in center of street PRIORITY EXTENSIONS Not included in the NEPA analysis Could be accelerated if additional funding becomes available 4 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL ADVANCING DESIGN Evaluating design options identified through previous public engagement, technical and design opportunities STATION LOCATIONS Evaluating and optimizing proposed station locations MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Study area to locate bike and pedestrian facilities next to light rail, east of I-35 (center-running) along Riverside Drive Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 5 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL NORTH SECTION Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 6 6 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL DOWNTOWN SECTION DESIGN OPTION Option to add station near Wooldridge Square 7 7 DESIGN OPTION Option to locate station in private joint development off-street AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations DESIGN OPTION Consider options with and without Travis Heights station 8 8 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) FOR SOUTH OF LADY BIRD LAKE 1 OPTION Evaluating light rail running at street level 2 OPTION Evaluating light rail running on extended bridge 99 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL EAST …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd Jen Weaver COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Jennifer Franklin Kimberly Levinson Taylor Major Amy Mok Tania Ortega Ann Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:32 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES meeting. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission November 20, 2023, Special Called A motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd on a vote of 9-0. Commissioners Lavigne, McKinney, Holmes and Laroche were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Discussion and possible action for the Commission to draft a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. A motion to approve the drafting of a recommendation similar to the Music Commission Recommendation 20231106-11 with the additional provision of a member of the Downtown Commission becoming a member of the Advisory Board by Commissioner Ishmael and seconded by Commissioner Levinson on a vote of 9-0. Commissioners Lavigne, McKinney, Holmes and Laroche were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Stevie Greathouse of the Planning Department presented on the Palm District Plan. Presentation was made by Stevie Greathouse, Capital Program Consultant, Planning Department. 4. Laura Dierenfield of the Transportation and Public Works Department presented on the Seaholm District Multimodal Connectivity Projects. Presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Transportation and Public Works Department. 5. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission. Commissioner Amy Mok updated the Commission on a partnership between the Austin Economic Development Corporation and the Austin Playhouse. Additionally, the Commissioner updated the Commission on another initiative on a community discussion on neighborhood connections with arts. 6. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission. Withdrawn. 7. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission. Commissioner Ann Charlotte Patterson updated the Commission on discussions and actions by the Music Commission including a presentation on future funding needs of the Red River Cultural District. 8. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board. Commissioner Franklin had no updates at this …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240221-003 Date: February 21, 2024 Subject: Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council adopt the Music Commission recommendation that directs Convention Center Staff to create a Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board, consisting of stakeholders from the art, music, and other relevant communities and industries, to provide critical input for expansion planning. We further recommend that the Austin City Council direct the Music Commission to include a member of the Downtown Commission, to be chosen by the Downtown Commission Chairman, on the Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board. Description of Recommendation to Council Convention Center staff has announced plans for a comprehensive public information campaign for the expansion. As part of this public outreach, the Downtown Commission recommends that an advisory board be formed to provide community insight for this significant downtown project. Precedent is set by the South-Central Waterfront redevelopment, I-35 expansion, and Project Connect anti-displacement initiative – current public projects which benefit from project-specific community advisory boards or committees. This motion is based on study and recommendation from the Joint Arts & Music Urban Core Land Use Working Group. Rationale: • The convention center expansion will be financed by over $1 billion in public funds • The Convention Center expansion is a landmark capital project with tremendous potential for public benefits to Austin, including increased tourism revenue, exceptional public spaces, and robust programming. • City of Austin Music and Cultural grant programs are funded by Hotel Occupancy Taxes, which are directly impacted by Convention Center operations. • The adjacent publicly owned Palm School parcel holds significant historic and cultural importance, especially to Austin’s Latinx community. • The Convention Center should set itself apart and above competing facilities by leveraging and strengthening Austin’s status as a thriving mecca for creativity, arts, music, and diverse culture. • Stakeholder input from Austin’s diverse communities will enhance expansion planning vision and help the new Austin Convention Center become unique world-class destination attracting visitors from across the US and the world. Vote For: 7 (Chair Harris, Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Weaver, Coufal, Major, Levinson and Shifferd) Against: 0 1 of 1
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Downtown Commission February 21, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. ▪ Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. ▪ Increased development square footage only available through the Density Bonus Program. ▪ Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and ▪ Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, public art, etc. and trails. 6 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. ▪ Support Project Connect transit investment. ▪ Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. ▪ Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. ▪ Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 7 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 8 Updates / Changes ▪ First re-evaluation will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. ▪ The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. 9 Combining District Components ▪ General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) ▪ Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) ▪ Development Standards (What will be built and where) ▪ Design Standards (How it will look) ▪ Definitions 10 Density Bonus Components ▪ Procedures/Requirements ▪ “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment ▪ In-Lieu Fees and Dedications ▪ Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 11 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect lightrail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Streets and Light Rail 13 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums 14 Critical Water Quality Zones 15 Land Uses ▪ Permitted land uses support: …
Crime Intelligence Analysis Unit Data provided by: Austin Police Department: Crime Intelligence Analysis Unit Date delivered: Request: Compiled by: Requested by: Information Request: Date Data Compiled: Sources used: 2/14/2024 DTAC Crime Trends Edward R. Anderson, Ph.D. Commander Jeff Olson 2/12/2024 Versadex RMS Provide crime trends for a period of 3-5 years for DTAC Overall crime trends for DTAC DATES: January 2019 – December 2023 ANALYSIS Overall crime incidents in DTAC dropped dramatically between February and April 2020 at the time of the COVID lockdown. Two distinct patterns are evident the corresponding to pre- and post-pandemic periods. in trend data, While overall crime incidents in the downtown Austin area have increased over the past two years, they remain below pre- pandemic levels. Month-to-month fluctuations in crime incidents are normal and to be expected, although there are notable spikes every March (denoted by stars on the graph), except for the two years when there were no in-person South by Southwest events. About 15 crime incidents occurred on any given day in DTAC during 2023. Average daily number of crime incidents in DTAC 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 19.6 13.5 14.2 14.5 15.4 Comparison of crime types DATES: January 2019 – December 2023 ANALYSIS A similar pattern holds regardless of crime type: crime incidents in 2023 are comparable to, or somewhat higher than 2022, but are below pre-pandemic levels: • The daily rate of Crimes Against Persons in 2023 (3.8 per day) is similar to the 2022 rate (3.9 per day). • Crimes Against Property have increased in 2023 (7.0 per day) compared to 2022 (6.7 per day) but remain well below pre-pandemic levels (8.6 per day in 2019). • Similar patterns are seen for Crimes Against Society and Group B Crimes. Simple assault and theft remain the most common crimes in the downtown area. Pocket-picking has been increasing in recent years and is now the third most common crime in the downtown area. Crimes trending upward DATES: January 2019 – December 2023 ANALYSIS: Pocket picking Two crime types have shown consistent upward trends over recent years. The monthly rate of pickpocketing has increased over the past year to rates higher than even pre-pandemic levels. The 52 pickpocketing incidents in March 2022 was higher than any observed in the previous 38 months. Although there were fewer pickpocketing incidents in March 2023 (37 incidents), higher monthly incidents occurred throughout much of the year. ANALYSIS: …
SXSW Conference & Spring Festivals 2024 Austin Police Department – Downtown Area Command SXSW OVERVIEW • March 8th - March 16th, 2024 • The 2023 SXSW Conference & Festivals and SXSW EDU drew approximately 345,066 people • ~60 venues have authorized SXSW Activations • Numerous unauthorized activations STAFFING • DTAC Days: Staffed at 100% + for the duration of SXSW. • DTAC Evenings/Nights: Staffed at 100% + for the duration of SXSW. • Inside 6th - Designated patrol area inside the 6th Street/Red River enclosure. (Call takers). • Outside 6th - Designated patrol area outside the 6th Street enclosure • Additional patrols for Congress Ave, Warehouse District, W 6th St District, and Rainey District. DTAC Call Takers • Overtime officers are hired to support call taking duties outside 6th St/Red River closure. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Standard police operations • Street Closures/Barricade Officers – APD/Other Central Texas LE Agencies • Towing enforcement Shifts • Additional Call taking Shifts • PACE Teams – Code Enforcement • Traffic Congestion Shift • Sound Enforcement – 2 officers per day A TEAM EFFORT • In addition to the officers assigned to the Downtown Area Command, officers from all over the department will assist during Spring Festival Season to ensure public safety throughout the event: • Counter Assault Strike Team (CAST) • Mounted • EOD (Bomb Squad) • Special response Team (SRT) • Organized Crime Division (OCD) • Metro Tactical Units 2023 SPRING FESTIVAL SEASON VIOLENT CRIME INITIATIVE The 2023 Spring Festival Season Violent Crime Initiative was a joint effort from the Austin Police Department (APD) Violent Crimes Interdiction Unit, Organized Crime Division, Tactical Intelligence Unit, and Metro Tactical Units, the Downtown Area Command and the Special Response Team. The initiative ran between March 8th - March 18th, 2023. This initiative yielded: • 131 Arrests/61 Seized Firearms • Seized Narcotics: 3.5 kg cocaine, 26.6 kg of methamphetamine, 41.38 g fentanyl/heroin, and 90 pounds of marijuana. From March 15th – March 18th,2023 (last weekend on E 6th St/Red River St) the Special Response Team and the Downtown Area Command had : • 77 Arrests/26 Seized Firearms • Seized Narcotics: 26.69 g cocaine, 31.32 g methamphetamine, 8.15g fentanyl UNIFIED COMMAND • SXSW Representatives • Austin PD • Austin FD • ATCEMS • COA Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) • COA Transportation • COA Code Enforcement • COA Public Information Office (PIO) • Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC) …
Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan Event Details Austin TX 6th Street Closure Unknown Street fair Chris Juusola Austin TX Meridian Contact Michael Bochsler • Secure access points • Protect pedestrian activities Event Name Event Date Event Type Contact Location Objectives Additional Considerations Creation Date 1/11/2024 SUPPORT@MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 434.529.6903 WWW.MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM Guidance on utilizing the Meridian VSMP: Orientation: Each deployment location is visualized as an aerial view represented in a compass north orientation followed by a ground-level view represented from the perspective of on-coming traffic (unless otherwise noted). Barriers and beam gates will be deployed with the ramp facing in the direction of the potential threat. Barrier placement is specifically designed to account for stopping distance as well as to take advantage of adjacent physical structures which will further support effective mitigation. Please Note: This Assessment utilizes satellite imagery and street views provided by a third-Party and represents Meridian’s estimate based upon incomplete knowledge and a lack of familiarity with the proposed closure locations. Meridian recommends an on-site examination by a Company Representative in order to provide a certified hostile vehicle mitigation plan and solutions. The Assessment reflects the planned closures at the time of publishing and may be superseded by updated plans. Please ensure that updates are disseminated to the appropriate stakeholders. This vehicle mitigation plan is created for internal use only by Meridian and its customers. Plans may not be distributed to outside agencies without permission. SUPPORT@MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 434.529.6903 WWW.MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM Deployment Locations D E F C B A SUPPORT@MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 434.529.6903 WWW.MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM Location : A E 6th Street east of Brazos Street Distance 40 Feet Equipment 1 – Barrier 1 – Beam Gate 1 – 4’ Cable 2 – Cable Covers Note : Deployment is subject to change based on site circumstances SUPPORT@MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 434.529.6903 WWW.MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940 Location : B San Jacinto Blvd north of 6th Street Distance 58 Feet Equipment 9 – Barriers 8 – 4’ Cables 16 – Cable Covers Note : Deployment is subject to change based on site circumstances SUPPORT@MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 434.529.6903 WWW.MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758 Location : C San Jacinto Blvd south of 6th Street Distance 42 Feet Equipment 9 – Barriers 8 – 4’ Cables 16 – Cable Covers Note : Deployment is subject to change based on site circumstances SUPPORT@MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 434.529.6903 WWW.MERIDIAN-BARRIER.COM 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758 Location : D Trinity Street north of 6th Street Distance 45 Feet Equipment 7 – Barriers 6 – 4’ Cables 12 – Cable Covers Note : Deployment is …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Downtown Commission February 21, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. ▪ Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. ▪ Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Program. public art, etc. and trails. ▪ Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and ▪ Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, 6 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. ▪ Support Project Connect transit investment. ▪ Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. ▪ Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. ▪ Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 7 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 8 Updates / Changes ▪ The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. ▪ Regulation review will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. 9 Combining District Components ▪ General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) ▪ Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) ▪ Development Standards (What can be built and where) ▪ Design Standards (How it will look) ▪ Definitions 10 Density Bonus Components ▪ Procedures/Requirements ▪ “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment ▪ In-Lieu Fees and Dedications ▪ Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 11 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Streets and Light Rail 13 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums 14 Critical Water Quality Zones 15 Land Uses ▪ Permitted land uses support: …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240221-002 Date: February 21, 2024 Subject: Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council adopt the Music Commission recommendation that directs Convention Center Staff to create a Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board, consisting of stakeholders from the art, music, and other relevant communities and industries, to provide critical input for expansion planning. We further recommend that the Austin City Council direct the Music Commission to include a member of the Downtown Commission, to be chosen by the Downtown Commission Chairman, on the Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board. Description of Recommendation to Council Convention Center staff has announced plans for a comprehensive public information campaign for the expansion. As part of this public outreach, the Downtown Commission recommends that an advisory board be formed to provide community insight for this significant downtown project. Precedent is set by the South-Central Waterfront redevelopment, I-35 expansion, and Project Connect anti-displacement initiative – current public projects which benefit from project-specific community advisory boards or committees. This motion is based on study and recommendation from the Joint Arts & Music Urban Core Land Use Working Group. Rationale: • The convention center expansion will be financed by over $1 billion in public funds • The Convention Center expansion is a landmark capital project with tremendous potential for public benefits to Austin, including increased tourism revenue, exceptional public spaces, and robust programming. • City of Austin Music and Cultural grant programs are funded by Hotel Occupancy Taxes, which are directly impacted by Convention Center operations. • The adjacent publicly owned Palm School parcel holds significant historic and cultural importance, especially to Austin’s Latinx community. • The Convention Center should set itself apart and above competing facilities by leveraging and strengthening Austin’s status as a thriving mecca for creativity, arts, music, and diverse culture. • Stakeholder input from Austin’s diverse communities will enhance expansion planning vision and help the new Austin Convention Center become unique world-class destination attracting visitors from across the US and the world. Vote For:6-Chair Harris, Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Coufal, Levinson, and Ortega Off Dais: Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd Absent: Commissioner Major Against: 0 Christi Vitela attest 1 of 1
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 21, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Jennifer Franklin David Holmes Amy Mok Tania Ortega Ann Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:32 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission January 17, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 01/17/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 21, 2024 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. The motion to approve Recommendation 20240221-002 to create a Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Coufal’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. 3. Approve a recommendation on the renewal of the Sixth Street Public Improvement District. Presentation by Donald E Jackson of the Economic Development Department. The motion to postpone this item to 3/20/2024 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department on Downtown Command public safety trends. Presentation was given by Commander Jeff Olson, Downtown Area Command Unit, Austin Police Department. 5. Presentations by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department (APD), William Manno of the Austin Center for Events, Brian Block of the Development Services Department, and Division Chief Stephen Truesdell of the Austin Fire Department (AFD) on South by Southwest Festival 2024 preparedness. Presentations were given by Commander Jeff Olson, Downtown Area Command Unit, Austin Police Department; Lieutenant Christopher Juusola, Austin Police Department; Brian Patterson, Fire Battalion Chief, Special Events; and Bill Manno, Program Manager, Office of Special Events. 6. Presentation on the status of Austin Light Rail by Peter Mullan, EVP Architecture and Urban Design, Lindsay …
