DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MARCH 20, 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 February 21, 2024 meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to City Council for immediate and future funding that is consistent with other Cultural Districts to support activities in the Red River Cultural District through its management entity, the Red River Merchants Association. Presentation by Nicole Klepadlo, Interim Executive Director, Red River Cultural District. 3. Approve a recommendation to City Council to appropriate funding during the FY 2025 Budget to equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. 4. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding Downtown graffiti policy with updated information presented by Chair Harris, Downtown Commission. DISCUSSION Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. Presentation on the Downtown Historic Survey by Emily Payne with HHM, Inc., on behalf of the Planning Department, Historic Preservation Division. 6. Presentation on the Equity-Based Preservation Plan by Cara Bertron, Planning 7. Update and discussion regarding actions related to the Downtown Commission taken at …
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 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 Wood, EVP - Engineering and Construction, and Courtney Chavez, SVP - Equity and Community Partnership. Presentation was …
OUR MISSION The Red River Cultural District is a creative community providing authentic Austin experiences through diverse local music, art and food for every fan and guest. In an ever-changing ATX, our nonprofit seeks to preserve and grow Red River's creative, business, and music scene. As a community rooted in artists, musicians, performers, music venues, cultural institutions and small businesses, the District embodies the soul and heart of Austin. WHO is the RED RIVER Cultural District The District is managed by the Red River Merchant’s Association, a coalition of 50+ businesses including live music venues, food, hospitality, entertainment businesses and also the Austin Symphony Orchestra, First Baptist Church, German-Texan Heritage Society and Waterloo Greenway. The District was designated a State Cultural District in 2020 by the Texas Commision on the Arts and a local Cultural District by the City of Austin in 2013. RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Conserve Austin's only walkable live music hub of over dozen independent music venues • Support thousands of local musicians and performers annually through direct financial support • Foster 1000+ music and service industry jobs in the district • Backbone to major tourism and economic generators including SXSW, ACL, Levitation, Oblivion Access, GTHS Oktoberfest and more RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Local, State, and Federal Policy advocacy for live music ecosystem and small and local business assistance • Creative economy hub including opportunities for photographers, video production, designers, fashion, artists, and more • Destination for local and Texas music heritage • Industry Development Incubator RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • $200K in direct pandemic relief to music and service industry to 3,000 individuals served • Curb appeal, district identify and safety enhancements $1.5M+ improvements • FREE Signature Music Festivals Our premier all-ages district-wide festivals Free Week and Hot Summer Nights fuel community growth in the traditionally dog-days of summer and dead of winter. • Support with direct payment 500+ musicians, artists, and performers per festival over 3 days • Average 15,000+ attendees of locals and visitors • Leverage industry support and causes through partnerships • Average 15-25% first time performers during either fest Hot Summer Nights 2023 Highlights 30+ Million media impressions in July alone including the front page of the Austin Chronicle Total Participating Venues: 14 total (largest participation yet) Total Music Acts: 130 Our largest Hot Summer Nights Estimated total musicians supported: 400+ Estimated Attendance: 10,000+ Media Partners: Chronicle, …
RECOMMENDATION DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Recommendation Number: 20240320-002 Immediate and future funding for the Red River Cultural District WHEREAS, On February 9, 2024, City Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to return to Council with an Economic and Cultural District Framework, identifying funding and support for Red River Cultural District, and WHEREAS, The Red River Cultural District is the Austin’s largest geographically contiguous collection of live music venues hosting local and touring artists from a diverse range of backgrounds and a wealth of genres, from hip-hip to Latin to LGBTQIA+ to independent rock and more; and WHEREAS, other designated Austin Cultural Districts have received recent funding in amounts ranging from $120,000 to $300,000; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music industry is a primary driver of tourism; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music venues face dramatically escalating rent and operating costs; and WHEREAS, the Red River Cultural District produces two annual festival which are completely free and open to the public, and on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open-to-the-public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council to allocate immediate and future funding to the Red River Cultural District consistent with amounts allocated to other Cultural Districts, through its managing entity, Red River Merchants Associaiton. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20240320-003: Downtown Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan FY 2025 Budget Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that the Austin City Council appropriate funding in the amount of $518,291.19 purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street barricades and associated equipment and training as shown on the attached Quote from to Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC and thereby equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. Motioned By: ________________________ Seconded By: __________________________ Date of Approval: March 20, 2024 Attest: Christine Maguire, Commission Executive Liaison, Economic Development Department __________________________________________ Vote: ___-___ For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Vacant:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Downtown Commission) Recommendation Number: (20230315-5) Recommendation for Anti-Graffiti Policy WHEREAS graffiti is a crime under the laws of the State of Texas; and WHEREAS Title 7 of the Texas State Penal Code §28.08 addresses offenses against property, including graffiti. A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner with paint, an indelible marker, or an etching or engraving device. WHEREAS Title 7 of the Texas Penal Code §30.05 addresses criminal trespass. With notice, a person commits an offense if he enters or remains on or in property, including an aircraft or other vehicle, of another without effective consent or he enters or remains in a building of another without effective consent; and WHEREAS Title 3, of the Texas Penal Code §12.43 establishes penalties for repeat and habitual misdemeanor offenders. WHEREAS graffiti is a public nuisance; and WHEREAS graffiti defaces private, business and public property leaving the property owner and the taxpayer to bear the burden of remediation and adversely affecting citizens, communities, businesses and property values; and WHEREAS vandals risk their lives and potentially the lives of others when tagging or attempting to tag property; and WHEREAS the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing estimates the graffiti problem costs our nation $12 billion annually; and WHEREAS graffiti is a growing and ever more costly problem in the City of Austin per the following examples; 1) Austin Parks and Recreation Department spends $546,000, Building Services contracts with a third party for $437,325 for graffiti abatement, and while other departments neither track instances of graffiti nor costs associated with abatement, they periodically conduct graffiti abatement in the course of their other work thus drawing time and resources away from their primary service; and TXDoT and CTRMA together incur costs of more than $150,000 annually abating graffiti through just the central sections of IH35 and MoPac Loop 1; and Graffiti on private property in Austin costs individuals and businesses significant expense; and The Downtown Austin Alliance abated 26,485 instances of graffiti and stickers/posters in the Austin Downtown Public Improvement District in 2022 through a third party vendor 2) 3) 4) requiring the expenditure of significant funds that could be utilized better elsewhere; and Tagging of traffic signage creates public safety hazards and the signs must be discarded because abatement …
City of Austin Historic Resource Survey of Downtown Downtown Commission March 20, 2024 1. Survey Boundary 2. Project Schedule & Status 3. Scope and Methodology 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Opportunities for Input 6. Questions Survey Boundary Survey Boundary: Downtown Austin and Adjacent Neighborhoods - HHM will survey both parcels with CAD dates of 1979 or earlier and parcels with no known date - Excludes local historic districts and recently surveyed areas - Estimated maximum of 1,553 parcels Map illustrating the survey boundary and excluded areas. Project Schedule & Status Project Schedule Task Task 1. Project Initiation/Project Plan and Schedule Task 2a. Draft Fieldwork Methodology Task 2b. Final Fieldwork Methodology Task 3. Fieldwork and Community Coordination Task 4a. Draft Research Design Task 4b. Final Research Design Task 5. Research & Community Input Task 6. First Draft Survey Report and Contexts for City Task 7. Second Draft Survey Report and Contexts for Public Task 8. Final Survey Report and Contexts Deadline Friday, October 13, 2023 Friday, November 17, 2023 Friday, December 15, 2023 Friday, March 29, 2024 Friday, May 10, 2024 Friday, June 7, 2024 Friday, August 9, 2024 Friday, October 18, 2024 Monday, January 6, 2025 Friday, February 28, 2025 Survey Status: Downtown Austin and Adjacent Neighborhoods - 1,989 resources surveyed as of March 15, 2024 - City Directory research complete for all historic-age resources not previously designated - Occupant research underway - Evaluation of significance and potential eligibility underway Map illustrating survey completed to date as of March 15,2024 Scope and Methodology Survey Preparation and Prior Data Integration The GIS-based survey forms will be prepopulated with locational points, County Appraisal District data, and prior designation data, and prior survey data prior to fieldwork. Map illustrating prior historic designations intersecting with the survey area. Reconnaissance-Level Field Documentation In the field, surveyors will take photographs and gather basic information about each resource’s form, architectural style, materials, and alterations. Example: Reconnaissance-Level Survey Form for 4512 Avenue D from the North Hyde Park Survey Intensive-Level Documentation After completing fieldwork, surveyors will integrate historic research and compile additional documentation for potential individual landmarks and/or individual NRHP-eligible resources. Example: Intensive-Level Survey Form for 905 E. 2nd Street from the East Austin Survey Historic District Analysis For potential historic districts, summary forms will document district-level trends. Example: Historic District Summary form for Swedish Hill from the East Austin survey. Historic District Analysis Documentation of historic districts …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION | MARCH 20, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process 26 working group members 1,100 working group hours 300+ people involved Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners and audiences San …
RECOMMENDATION DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Recommendation Number: 20240320‐002 Immediate and future funding for the Red River Cultural District WHEREAS, On February 9, 2024, City Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to return to Council with an Economic and Cultural District Framework, identifying funding and support for Red River Cultural District, and WHEREAS, The Red River Cultural District is the Austin’s largest geographically contiguous collection of live music venues hosting local and touring artists from a diverse range of backgrounds and a wealth of genres, from hip‐hip to Latin to LGBTQIA+ to independent rock and more; and WHEREAS, other designated Austin Cultural Districts have received recent funding in amounts ranging from $120,000 to $300,000; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music industry is a primary driver of tourism; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music venues face dramatically escalating rent and operating costs; and WHEREAS, the Red River Cultural District produces two annual festival which are completely free and open to the public, and on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open‐to‐the‐public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council to allocate immediate and future funding to include in the Fiscal Year 24‐25 Budget to the Red River Cultural District consistent with amounts allocated to other Cultural Districts, through its managing entity, Red River Merchants Association. Date of Approval: March 20,2024 Record of the vote: 6‐0 For: Chair Harris, Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Coufal, Lavigne, Levinson and Shifferd Absent: Commissioners Cardona‐Beiler, Major and Ortega (Staff or board member can sign) Attest: Christine Maguire, Executive Liaison 3/22/2024
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20240320-003: Downtown Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan FY 2025 Budget Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that the Austin City Council appropriate funding in the amount of $518,291.19 purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street barricades and associated equipment and training as shown on the attached Quote from to Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC and thereby equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. Motioned By: ________________________ Commissioner Levinson Seconded By: __________________________ Commissioner Coufal Date of Approval: March 20, 2024 Vote: ___-___ 0 6 0 0 Against: Abstain: Absent: Vacant: two vacancies For: Chair Harris, Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Coufal, Lavigne, Levinson and Shifferd Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Major and Ortega Attest: Christine Maguire, Commission Executive Liaison, Economic Development Department __________________________________________
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 20, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin David Holmes Mike Lavigne Anne Charlotte Patterson Spencer Schumacher 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 February 21, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 02/21/24 were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona- Beiler, Major and Ortega were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Approve a recommendation to City Council for immediate and future funding that is consistent with other Cultural Districts to support activities in the Red River Cultural District through its management entity, the Red River Merchants Association. Presentation by Nicole Klepadlo, Interim Executive Director, Red River Cultural District. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 20, 2024 A motion to approve Recommendation 20240320-002 was made by Commissioner Levinson, Commissioner Coufal’s second. Chair Harris recessed the Downtown Commission meeting without objection at 6:03pm. Chair Harris reconvened the Downtown Commission meeting at 6:15pm. A motion to amend was made by Vice Chair Ishmael and seconded by Commissioner Levinson. The amendment was to edit the final passage to read as follows: “…that the Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council to allocate immediate and future funding to include the Fiscal Year 24-25 Budget to the Red River Cultural District consistent with amounts allocated to other Cultural Districts, through its managing entity, Red River Merchants Association.” The amendment was approved on a 6-0 vote. The motion to approve Recommendation 20240320-002 as amended was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Coufal’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Major and Ortega were absent. 3. Approve a recommendation to City Council to appropriate funding during the FY 2025 Budget to equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. The motion to approve Recommendation 20240320-003 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Coufal’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Major and Ortega were absent. 4. Approve a …
