DRAFT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200518-002d: Universal Basic Electricity WHEREAS, inability to access electricity is a violation of an individuals human rights according to the 3rd, 14th, 22nd, 25th, and 28th Articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and, WHEREAS, Austin has previously been a leader in providing cheap electricity for its residents; and, WHEREAS, the stated purpose of Austin Energy is said to embrace the public utility model; and, WHEREAS, Austin Energy makes an average of $100 million in profits each year; and, WHEREAS, the elimination of a utility bill can have incredible impacts on working class residents; and, WHEREAS, Austin Energy customers are already stakeholders by participating in a $200 refundable deposit program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission for the City of Austin recommends the City Council of Austin direct Austin energy to restructure it’s payment schedule to fit the following: Expand Tier 1 to include up to 700 Kwh/Month at $0.00/Kwh with fee-exemption, and create a flat-fee of $10 for Tier 2 which should be from 700-1300 Kwh/Month at $0.01/Kwh.
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, May 18, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 18, 2020 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of April 27, 2020 were approved on a vote of 11-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Museitif second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion on the process and logistics for NDO hearings, specifically related to the Human Rights Commission special called meeting on November 13th, 2019 to “hear and rule on the appeal of No Reasonable Cause determination of the Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office in Case No. HRC-CF-18-003 under City Code Chapter 5-2 Discrimination in Public Accommodations.” (Caballero/White) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Presentation by Ann Baddour, Texas Appleseed, and discussion and possible action in regards to changes in Ordinance No. 20190910-002 with the intent to establish fair lending practices and consumer protections. (Caballero/Weigel) Ann Baddour, Texas Appleseed, and Rondella Hawkins, Officer, City of Austin Office of Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs, addressed the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item and worked informally to finalize the draft recommendation. Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Griffith second. The Commission adopted the recommendation on a vote 1 of 10-0-1. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Commissioner Breckenridge abstained. c. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation to Address Under-banking by Allowing City Libraries to Perform Limited Financial Services. (White/Caballero) The Commission agreed informally to return this item to a future agenda. d. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation regarding Universal Basic Electricity. (White/Caballero) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Griffith second. The Commission adopted the recommendation on a …
Special Meeting of the Human Rights Commission Monday, April 27, 2020 Human Rights Commission to be held Monday, April 27, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance Sunday, April 26, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Monday, April 27, 2020 Human Rights Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3276 or Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, April 26, 2020. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 1 a E, j HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, April 27, 2020 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Kristian Caballero, Vice Chair Jared Breckenridge Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Isabel Casas Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Courtney Santana Alicia Weigel Nathan White AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2020 Regular Meeting. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMUNITY FORUM a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 24, The commission will conduct a forum on community priorities for the 2020-2021 City of Austin budget. The commission may take action concerning recommendations related to the budget. (Davis/Caballero) i. ii. Evictions in Travis County Financial assistance for families in Travis County 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding new commissioner assignments to the Joint Inclusion Committee (Davis/Caballero) 2 ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: : Fiscal Year 2021 Budget WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Commission conducted a Budget Engagement Community Forum on February 24, 2020 during the regularly scheduled meeting to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Proposal: WHEREAS, Brook with TRAPPNCODE, provided testimony that her organization investigates corporations evading taxes and engaging in housing and employment discrimination in Austin, Texas, and found that 33 families on average per day are subject to illegal evictions; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission Request the Austin City Council: Audit property owners and review complaints of evictions and; Ensure all procedures and steps in the eviction process were followed and; Red flag and take action against properties and property owners that are violating and evading the regulated eviction process.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: : Fiscal Year 2021 Budget WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Commission conducted a Budget Engagement Community Forum on February 24, 2020 during the regularly scheduled meeting to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Proposal: WHEREAS, Ivanna Neri, Director, Family Independence Initiative, provided testimony that her organization has tracked 380 families in Austin, Texas, and found that families that are provided funds directly with no restrictions on the use of the funds, eventually experience an aggregate 25% raise in their incomes; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission Request the Austin City Council: Reallocate $1 million dollars from existing social services contracts to direct and unrestricted cash transfers to 500 families struggling with poverty as a way to advance their social and economic mobility.
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, April 27, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2020 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of February 24, 2020 were approved on a vote of 7-0: Commissioner Garry Brown motion, Chair Davis second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMUNITY FORUM The commission will conduct a forum on community priorities for the 2020-2021 City of Austin budget. The commission may take action concerning recommendations related to the budget. (Davis/Caballero) i. Evictions in Travis County The Commission discussed this item and worked informally to finalize the recommendation. After the draft was finalized, Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Jamarr Brown second. The Commission adopted the recommendation on a vote of 7-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. ii. Financial assistance for families in Travis County The Commission discussed this item and worked informally to finalize the recommendation. After the draft was finalized, Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Museitif second. The Commission adopted the recommendation on a 1 vote of 8-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding new commissioner assignments to the Joint Inclusion Committee (Davis/Caballero) Chair Davis moved to send to Mayor and Council the nomination of Commissioner Jamarr Brown to serve on the Joint Inclusion Committee as the primary representative of the Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Breckenridge second. Commissioner Jamarr Brown accepted the nomination. The motion was adopted on a vote of 8-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, …
a E, j HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AGENDA Monday, February 24, 2020 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Learning and Research Center – Auditorium 5202 East Ben White Boulevard Austin, TX 78741 CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Kristian Caballero, Vice Chair Jared Breckenridge Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Isabel Casas CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Courtney Santana Alicia Weigel Nathan White Citizens 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 MINUTES Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s January 27, 2020 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. COMMUNITY FORUM The commission will conduct a forum on community priorities for the 2020-2021 City of Austin budget. The commission may take action concerning recommendations related to the budget. (Davis/Caballero) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3276, Human Resources Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3276 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc. 1
FY 2020-21 Budget Overview City of Austin Budget Timeline Policy Input & Forecasting Budget Development Council Deliberation & Adoption JANUARY - APRIL MAY - JUNE JULY - AUGUST Boards and Commissions Council Town Hall Meetings Public Hearings Community Engagement KEY DATES: March 13 – 5-year Financial Forecast Update May 8 – Department budget submittals due to Budget Office July 13 – Presentation of Proposed Budget to City Council July 23, 30 – Public Hearings August 12 – Budget and tax rate adoption 2/3/2020 2 FY 2019-20 ALL FUNDS BUDGET $4.2 BILLION General Fund 24% Other 31% 2/3/2020 Austin Energy $254.7 M Austin Energy 31% Aviation $198.0 M Austin Water $175.4 M Planning & Development Center $81.8 M Voter-Approved Bonds $201.0 M Austin Water 14% Other $289.4 M $0 $100 $200 $300 FY 2019-20 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM $1.2 BILLION SPEND PLAN 3 FY 2019-20 GENERAL FUND BUDGET $1.1 BILLION Transfers & Other 13.5% Austin Public Library 4.9% Austin Public Health 7.7% Parks and Recreation 8.8% Emergency Medical Services 8.3% Police 38.9% Other Revenue 13.5% Utility Transfers 14.6% Sales Tax 23.1% Property Tax 48.8% 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% Fire 17.9% FY 2019-20 GENERAL FUND REVENUE $1.1 BILLION 2/3/2020 4 General Fund Budget Forecast 2/3/2020 5 FY 2020-21 Budget Initiatives • Review of the equity and efficiency of Fire and EMS services • Develop homelessness services performance framework and review service contracts improvements • Strategic Direction 2023 program alignment and operational efficiency • Explore opportunities to broaden and increase General Fund revenues • Develop fiscal sustainability plans for City retirement systems 2/3/2020 6 FY 2020-21 Equity Focus • Examine equity of existing programs and resource allocation $1.2 M Chamber of Commerce Funding • Reviewed the distribution of City funding to all chambers of commerce • Recommended an equitable distribution formula and new methodology $12.8 M Cultural Arts Funding • Community input and program review occurred in 2019 • Goal to have recommendations for future program structure and operations to broaden and deepen access to resources and opportunities 2/3/2020 7 Community Meeting Schedule Saturday, January 11th, 1pm City Hall Saturday, January 25th, 10am South Austin Recreation Center Tuesday, January 28th, 6:30pm Millennium Youth Entertainment Center Tuesday, February 4th, 1pm Gus Garcia Recreation Center Wednesday, February 5th, 6pm City Hall Friday, February 7th, 5pm City Hall Thursday, February 13th, 6:30pm Asian American Resource Center Saturday, February 22nd, 2pm Asian American …
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, February 24, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:49 p.m. and recessed the meeting at 5:49 p.m. to allow for more members to arrive. Chair Davis reconvened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Staff in Attendance: Monika Arvelo, Assistant Director, Human Resources Department (HRD); Gail McCant, Administrator, Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office, HRD; Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, HRD CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of January 27, 2020 were approved on a vote of 7-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Jamarr Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. COMMUNITY FORUM The commission will conduct a forum on community priorities for the 2020-2021 City of Austin budget. The commission may take action concerning recommendations related to the budget. (Davis/Caballero) Ed Van Eenoo, Budget Officer, presented an overview of the 2020-2021 City of Austin budget and answered questions from the Commission. Ivanna Neri and Brooke D. addressed the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m. on unanimous consent. 1
a E, j HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AGENDA Monday, January 27, 2020 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City Hall Executive Session Conference Room (Room 1027) (This meeting is open to the public.) 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Courtney Santana Alicia Weigel Nathan White CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Kristian Caballero, Vice Chair Jared Breckenridge Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Isabel Casas CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS Citizens 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. Undoing Racism and Community Organizing workshop hosted by the city of Austin Equity Office and facilitated by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond: March 26 to March 28. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s November 25, 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2019 Regular Meeting. 3. NEW BUSINESS Cemetery. (Davis/Caballero) a. Presentation by Dr. Fred McGhee and discussion regarding the situation with Oakwood b. Presentation from a representative from Go! Austin/Vamos! Austin (GAVA), and discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council to include Equity Overlay for the City of Austin’s Land Development Code. (Davis/Casas) c. Possible presentation by an Austin business owner, and discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Austin City Council to ban cashless retail establishments. (Brown, G./Santana) 1 d. Discussion on United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and what qualifies as human rights in the 21st Century. (White/Caballero) e. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Austin City Council to Cease Arrest and/or Prosecution for Limited Controlled Substance Possession. (White/Caballero) f. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Austin City Council to Cease Arrest and/or Prosecution Against Sex Workers. (White/Caballero) g. Discussion and possible action on the City of Austin and Austin ISD creating an Anti- School Closure Plan. (Breckenridge/Brown, J.) h. Discussion and possible action on the City of Austin enacting an Anti-Displacement Housing Program. (Breckenridge/Brown, J.) i. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Austin City Council to Adopt a Climate Emergency Plan. (White/Caballero) j. Discussion regarding planning and logistics of February 24, 2020 meeting agenda item related to Community Budget Forum. (Davis/Caballero) 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2019-2020, including plans and …
