REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION September 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, 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 register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ralph E. Ishmael Jr, Vice Chair VACANT (District 5) David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson VACANT (District 6) Tania Ortega Sania Shifferd VACANT (District 8) CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Carl Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) VACANT (Design 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan’s path to adoption by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding safety issues and a yearly overview of the Downtown Area Command by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Nightlife and Entertainment Services Program by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. 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, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 21, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Mike Lavigne Taylor Major Tania Ortega Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission special called meeting on June 26, The minutes from the meeting on 06/26/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was absent. 2024. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, August 21, 2024 2. Presentation by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library, on construction at the John Henry Faulk Building at the Austin History Center Campus and programming at the Central Library and Austin History Center. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. 3. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works, on Our Future 35 Project, a project that aims to co-create public spaces over IH 35. The presentation was made by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Downtown Austin Plan Update (Ishmael, Harris) Austin Core Transportation (Ishmael, Levinson) Great Streets Update (Carroll, Levinson) Seaholm TIRZ – Cesar Chavez Update (Ishmael, Shifferd) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:09 pm without any objection.
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION | SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only 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. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 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. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), 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 displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, craftspeople, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian American Film …
COMPSTAT George Sector (DTAC) Region I Commander Craig Smith September 5, 2024 George Sector Yearly Overview Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Persons George Sector 137 124 120 111 112 112 103 104 97 109 93 111 108 104 88 89 91 78 78 79 72 17 14 3 2 1 1 1 NIBRS Desc – Excluding FMV: August 2024 Count 13B Simple Assault 13C Intimidation 13A Aggravated Assault 11D Fondling 11A Rape 11C Sexual Assault with an Object 2023 2024 100 Kidnapping / Abduction 09A Homicide: Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter Grand Total 111 TOP THREE PERSON OFFENSES: AUG 2024 Simple Assault: 72 74.86% of Crimes Against Persons Intimidation: 17 15.31% of Crimes Against Persons Aggravated Assault: 14 12.61% of Crimes Against Persons D I e s n e f f O f o t n u o C 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Property George Sector D I e s n e f f O f o t n u o C 330 300 270 240 210 180 150 120 90 60 30 0 319 291 279 264 265 245 251 243 230 239 227 241 224 207 204 224 204 200 191 151 2023 2024 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec NIBRS Desc – Excluding FMV: August 2024 23H Theft: All Other Larceny 290 Destruction / Damage / Vandalism of Property 23F Theft: from Motor Vehicle (BOV) 23A Theft: Pocket Picking 240 Motor Vehicle Theft 26A Fraud: False Pretenses / Swindle / Confidence Game 26B Fraud: Credit Card / ATM Fraud 220 Burglary / Breaking & Entering 26C Fraud: Impersonation 120 Robbery 23C Theft: Shoplifting 210 Extortion / Blackmail 23G Theft: Motor Vehicle Parts or Accessories 250 Counterfeiting / Forgery Grand Total Count 46 41 27 26 16 15 10 7 4 4 3 2 2 1 204 TOP FOUR PROPERTY OFFENSES: AUG 2024 Theft: All Other Larceny: 46 22.55% of Crimes Against Property Destruction / Damage / Vandalism of Property: 41 20.09% of Crimes Against Property Theft: from Motor Vehicle (BOV): 27 13.23% of Crimes Against Property Theft: Pocket Picking: 26 12.74% of Crimes Against Property Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Society George Sector 170 117 …
Entertainment Services Program Downtown Commission Briefing September 18, 2024 Program Overview • Oversee Entertainment-Related Sound Management • Serve as a liaison to bars, clubs and music venues and residents • Support programs and efforts to create a welcoming and safe environment across all of Austin’s entertainment districts and establishments Program Updates SIP Safely • Drink Spiking Awareness Program Nightlife Establishment Training Program • Providing Training and Support to Bars, Clubs, and Venues SIP Safely Drink Spiking Awareness Program Goals • Raise awareness among patrons, staff and the community about what drink spiking is • Educate about how to reduce the threat, identify suspicious activity, support victims and report incidents Program Components • Bar, Club, and Venue Partnership • Public Outreach SIP Safely Drink Spiking Awareness Program Bar, Club and Venue Partnership • Provide drink testing kits, patron-facing awareness flyer, and educational materials for staff for bars to post Public Outreach • Partner with the Sobering Center to conduct public outreach in the entertainment districts • Distribute drink testing kits, educational materials, and drink covers to the public & patrons SIP Safely Results Bar, Club & Venue Partnerships • 70 bars, clubs, and venues • 3,500 test strips distributed • Patron and Staff Education Posters provided Public Outreach • Four Saturday night tabling activations • ~ 1,200 people engaged • 1,375 test strips distributed • 275 drink covers distributed Nightlife Establishment Training Program Purpose • Provide training and support to bars, clubs, and venues • Enhance safety in Austin’s entertainment establishments and districts districts Goals • Elevate operating standards • Focus on education and prevention • Increase coordination and communication • Enhance safety in Austin’s entertainment establishments and Nightlife Establishment Training Program Types of Training Provided • Active Shooter Response & Stop the Bleed • Overdose Awareness and Prevention • Door Staff Training (de-escalation, conflict resolution, reducing liability) Nightlife Establishment Training Program Active Shooter Response and Stop the Bleed Training Nightlife Establishment Training Program Overdose Awareness & Prevention Training Nightlife Establishment Training Program Door Staff Training Thank you!
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, September 18, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair David Carroll Carl Larosche Kimberly Levinson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Tania Ortega CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August The minutes from the meeting on 08/21/2024 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 3. Staff Briefing regarding safety issues and a yearly overview of the Downtown Area Command by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan’s path to adoption by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 4. Staff Briefing on the Nightlife and Entertainment Services Program by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. The presentation was made by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:03 pm without any objection. The minutes were approved at the October 16, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was off the dais. Commissioners Breton and Ortega were absent.
