20260219-003: Austin Parks & Recreation Concessions Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

. RECOMMENDATION TO AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20260219-003: The creation, continuation, terminations, and status of a concession including issuance for a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2025 Annual Report of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake. WHEREAS: The Annual Concession Report is created as the result of an Austin City Code provision. That ordinance states: § 8-1-73 - DEPARTMENT REPORT AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS. (A) On or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. (B) A report prepared under this section shall include: (1) the name of each concession operating in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; (2) an income and expenditure statement for each concession; (3) the total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; and (4) a statement describing any problems that are caused or created by a concession. (C) The board and the Environmental Commission may make a recommendation related to: (1) continuing an existing concession; (2) terminating an existing continuation; and (3) issuing a request for proposal for an expiring or new concession under this division. See Austin City Code § 8-1-73. • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission approves the 2025 concessions report acknowledging that the reporting requirements were met and additionally recommends that: Future joint reports should include information from contractors detailing the environmental stewardship initiatives and accomplishments they achieved, in specific qualitative and quantitative terms. We specifically request detailed metrics regarding erosion control, streambed restoration, grassland maintenance, trash pick-up, water quality, and biodiversity. . • Future reports should include information regarding environmental equity in terms of access and concession usage. • Include concessions from parks other than Lady Bird Lake. • Delay the implementation of Phase II of the Parks Operations and Maintenance Agreements with the Trail Conservancy until the financial audit is finalized and made public, and until it can be updated to include requirements for bi-annual environmental impact assessments. Date of Approval: February 19, 2026 Motioned By: Mariana Krueger Seconded By: Richard Brimer Vote: 7-1 For: Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, David Sullivan, Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, and Martin Luecke Against: Richard Brimer Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, and Allison Morrison Attest: _____________________________________________ Mariana Krueger, Vice-Chair