REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MARCH 24, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/Jriy8PSnxa or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) The first 10 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 24, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff who have increased low- income access to PARD programs by improving financial aid programs, effective collaboration and removal of barriers. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programming Division Manager and Davin Bjornaas, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons during the summer months when AISD is not in session. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Ashley Wells, Aquatics Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on February 24, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Cathleen Eady, Nicole Merritt. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Frank Cruz IV - Thankful to the City for not banning pier fishing Carol Baxter - ARC learn to row and paddle programs Phil Thomas - Deep Holly Advocates and Nash Hernandez Building Larry Akers - Public transit to parks APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 27, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 27, 2025 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Bazan, Eady and Merritt absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation Forestry Staff for their work planting, watering and maintaining trees, as well as participating in and hosting tree climbs. Josh Erickson, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Parks and Recreation gave a presentation. The motion to approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation Forestry Staff for their work planting, watering and maintaining trees, as well as participating in and hosting tree climbs was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Bazan, Eady and Merritt absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. Devon Farber, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation gave a presentation. The motion to recommend that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 7-0 …
Interlocal Agreement Between Austin Independent School District and City of Austin Contracts and Concessions Committee March 21, 2025 Ashley Wells, Division Manager Aquatics and Nature - Based Division Presentation Overview Mission/Purpose Goals and Objectives History Expenditures Deliverables Current Status Mission/Purpose Formalize partnership with Austin Independent School District Project SAFE (Safety and Fitness Education) is an aquatic safety education and swim training program Teach 1st grade students swimming skills approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute in an 8-day, two-week long swim lesson program Instruct students in a water safety discussion to equip them with ways they can be safe in, on, and around the water Provide an opportunity for students to continue their water safety education by offering summer program information as well as information pertaining to our scholarships Goals & Objectives To enhance students’ comfort, ability, and knowledge of the water which leads to greater water safety practices To familiarize and bring awareness to the presence of nearby aquatic facilities to boost attendance and use To promote healthy activities that can be enjoyed at any age To promote aquatic programs that further increase water abilities History Springs Pool Project SAFE pilot program begins Spring 2011 with Perez Elementary School at Dove Spring 2013 – Widén Elementary joins the program at Dove Springs Pool Spring 2014 – Travis Heights Elementary joins the program and is based at Stacy Pool Spring 2019 – Harris Elementary joins the program and is based at the newly reconstructed Bartholomew Pool Spring 2020 – Project SAFE is put on hold due to COVID-19 Spring 2021 – Project SAFE returns, but Widén Elementary is unable to participate Spring 2024 – The green light is given to offer Project SAFE at the newly reconstructed Govalle Pool. Ortega, Zavala and Govalle Elementary join the program Spring 2025 – Widén again joins the program City of Austin Expenditures 2024 Project SAFE Transportation total was $1700 This paid for busses for four different schools as one school was able to walk to the aquatic facility Staff expenditures HG/MGR Hourly Rate LG's Hourly rate WSE $ WSE WSE Cost Cost HG/MGR/LG HG/MGR/LG FICA/MD Combined total HG/MGR/LG Staff combined cost Staff Total with FICA/MD School Govalle Zavala Harris Travis Heights Ortega Pool Govalle Govalle Bartholomew …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Austin Community College Welding Partnership Agreement Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee March 21, 2025 Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager Ryan Dees, Environmental Program Coordinator Agenda • Mission/Purpose • Goals & Objectives • Requested Board Action Mission/Purpose • Formalize partnership with Austin Community College Welding department to restore cast iron fencing for family lots at Oakwood that have been damaged, stolen, or have severely deteriorated over the years • This project will address damaged, missing, or degrading iron fencing seen at Oakwood. The restoration will only address family lots that have either lost their fencing or have sustained damage to their fencing • Students will follow guidelines set forth by both the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the National Park Service (NPS) and in accordance to Texas State law. Designs will be approved before construction can begin. Designs will be submitted to the THC on behalf of the CoA Cemeteries Division for final recommendations or approvals. Goals & Objectives • Design and Detail Students will design fencing of their selected lot reflective of the appropriate time period. Designs will be submitted to both the instructor overseeing the students and to the CoA conservator for final changes and approvals. • Construction • Installation Students will construct the approved designs throughout the course of their semester. The final product after construction will be reevaluated by both the instructor overseeing the class and the CoA conservator for final approvals before installation can take place. Students will install the approved piece to the correct family lot that was chosen at the beginning of the semester. Installation will be overseen by both the ACC instructor and the COA conservator. Requested Board Action • Recommend to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. Questions Additional Information Additional Information
Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group Meeting #2 Friday, February 21 Attendees: Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Nicole Merritt 1. Updates from City Process Discussed that we still have not yet heard guidance from the Clerk’s oEice regarding timeline. City Manager has announced public sessions. Vice Chair Flowers noted that she believes the timeline will be unchanged, as the budget is due at the same time and she is concerned if we continue to wait for guidance, we will get late notice. We were notified of the timeline last year in late January, so it is at least a month late. Agreed we should proceed with a March recommendation in the absence of guidance. 2. Strategy for Recommendation + Updated from Board Member Becker Board Member Becker noted he is already far along on a draft recommendation related to wildfire prevention for Joint Sustainability Committee and that we can and should use aspects of it for our own recommendation. It was also discussed that we should focus on a few key issues we are aware of from last cycle and from Board activities this year that are high priority. Those issues were determined to be wildfire prevention, staEing for extended hours for aquatics over the summer (lifeguards), staEing for increased cemetery maintenance, and staEing for park patrol to address property crime in parks. 3. Action Items Per discussion, action items were determined to be as follows: - Board Member Merritt and Vice Chair Flowers to reach out to their respective council oEices to inquire regarding guidance and any budget priorities for Parks from their perspective - Board Member Becker to share his draft wildfire prevention recommendation for Joint Sustainability Committee with the group - Vice Chair Flowers to draft a shell recommendation and share with the group for populating before our March 7 meeting - Vice Chair Flowers to shift our next meeting from Friday, February 28, to Friday, March 7 at the same time (12pm – 1pm)
Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group Meeting #3 Friday, March 7 Attendees: Jennifer Franklin, Kathryn Flowers, Nicole Merritt Absent: Lane Becker 1. Review of Draft Recommendation The group reviewed the draft shell recommendation that Vice Chair Flowers drafted and Board Member Becker added wildfire prevention language to. Some small edits were made to language throughout. It was discussed whether we should carry forward the summer camp staJing recommendation from last year, as it was unfunded. As there were no objections, this was added. The group reviewed publicly available information related to Park Ranger and cemetery staJing, but noted that it was outdated and not available for the most recently closed fiscal year. It was discussed that in order to provide more specific dollar and staJing values, we had follow up questions for PARD staJ. The wildfire prevention details were agreed to be suJicient as were the summer camp staJing details, being carried forward without change from the previous year. Questions related to park ranger staJing, extended pool hours staJing, and cemetery maintenance staJing were outstanding. 2. Next Steps + Action Items It was discussed that we likely can finalize the recommendation asynchronously and plan to get it to Tim Dombeck, Liaison, by the week of 3/17 for posting prior to the Parks Board meeting. In order to do so, we would aim to get responses to our questions from PARD no later than 3/14. Action items were determined to be as follows: Vice Chair Flowers to email PARD staJ with the following questions to inform recommendation edits: 1. How many FTEs are currently in the Park Rangers group (both filled FTEs and any funded vacancies)? Can you provide any statistics similar to what is in the annual report but for FY24 (i.e. # contacts, # of directed patrols at # of parks, etc.) 2. What was the estimated cost to the department of keeping seasonal pools open through September 2024 during last year's heat wave (including FTE cost and any maintenance cost)? 3. How many FTEs are currently working in the Historic Cemeteries area specifically on maintenance, monument settings, and interments (both filled FTEs and any funded vacancies) ? a. Relatedly, is this considered to be full staJing for appropriate level of maintenance service for the acreage of the cemeteries? If not, what would full staJing be in terms of number of FTEs? When Vice Chair Flowers receives a …
City of Austin Office of the City Auditor Special Report Ball and Soccer Field Contracts March 2025 The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) works with many different organizations to provide recreational baseball, softball, and soccer opportunities for residents of all ages. The City has 28 ball and soccer field contracts with 25 different organizations, both public and private. PARD uses these contracts to outline both the responsibilities of the City and those of the partnering organizations to support recreational activities. Some contracts are only for one year and can be renewed annually, while others are much longer. The public remains able to use City-owned facilities when not reserved by a partnering organization. However, fields and sites used for these contracts vary in how they are used, reserved, and how the public is informed about availability. All contracts contained language about breaches and/ or the steps to terminate the contract. The contracts did not contain specific language regarding breaches or termination on issues related to public access. Contents Objective & Background What We Learned Appendix A: Inventory of All Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Contracts Why We Did This Report, Scope, & Methodology 2 4 10 17 Cover: Photo of Downs Field, February 2025 Objective The objective of this special request was to: 1. Provide information about the existing contracts and associated amendments between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use City-owned baseball and soccer fields, including: a. Number of contracts in effect; b. Organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and c. Start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. 2. Provide information about the terms of each contract and associated amendments related to public and community access, including: a. Details in the contracts about level and schedule of access to the general public and how the public is notified about access; and, b. Details in the contracts as to how often the fields are available to the general public versus reserved for the contracted organization. 3. Provide information about the terms and conditions in each contract and associated amendments related to breaches of contract and any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of a material breach, especially related to community access. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) works with many different organizations to provide recreational baseball, softball, and soccer opportunities for residents of all ages. Most of the …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Additional Funding Sources Resolution No. 20241121-072 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 24, 2025 Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow Assistant Director Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB Architectural Development Division Manager Council Resolution • Resolution No. 20241121-072 directs the City Manager to assemble a team from key City departments (PARD, Financial Services, Law, and others) with assistance of external consultants to explore additional funding sources for parks management, land acquisition, amenities, facilities, and maintenance. Example funding structures: • Park Districts • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) • Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) • PARD fee setting and cost recovery policies • Public/Private Partnerships (PPPs) • Expanding the Community PARKnership Program • Park User Fees • Resources from other departments • Internal cost saving strategies Our Consultants Trust for Public Land (TPL) • Sam Savin, Associate Director PFM Group Consulting (PFM) • Danielle Scott Parker, Director • National nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors • Public Finance consultants that support local government leaders and staff in analysis of budget, finances, and operations • Conservation Finance program that serves as a trusted advisor to design, pass, and implement ballot and legislative measures to fund parks • Existing City consultant for Financial Services Department • Specialize in consulting for alternative funding to achieve a public benefit Project Scope • Phase 1: Benchmarking of comparable Parks and Recreation Departments, both within Texas and nationally, to determine best practices related to Department funding and operations • Comparator Group: Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, San Diego and Seattle • Best Practice Group: Boston, Minneapolis, San Francisco • Selected Regional Comparator: Travis County • Phase 2: Conducting revenue, economic benefit, and landscape analysis to determine the gaps in funding and total budget shortfall, quantify the economic benefits of PARD, and identify funding opportunities • Phase 3: Develop recommendations regarding potential revenue sources for PARD, to be summarized via memo and presentation to Council Timeline November 21, 2024 March 31, 2025 May 31, 2025 • Resolution launched • Progress report to Council • Report to Council with recommendations PUBLIC SURVEY March 11, 2025 April 11, 2025 • Public Survey Opens • Public Survey Closes Public Survey https://publicinput.com/fundingquestions Thank You Learn More: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/alternative-funding-exploration Contacts: Liana Kallivoka, Assistant Director, Liana.Kallivoka@austintexas.gov Alyssa Tharrett, Division Manager, Alyssa.Tharrett@austintexas.gov
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Project SAFE Seconded By: Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that Austin City Council approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons during the summer months when AISD is not in session. Rationale: This recommendation was referred to the Parks and Recreation Board by the Contracts and Concessions Committee on a 4-0 vote. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Seconded By: ACC Welding Interlocal Agreement Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that Austin City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery Rationale: This recommendation was referred to the Parks and Recreation Board by the Contracts and Concessions Committee on a 4-0 vote. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign]
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Seconded By: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group met over the course of several months, taking into account both Board member and resident input, as well as input from City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) staff, and provided the Parks and Recreation Board with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board notes that no finalized PARD FY 2026 Operating Budget is yet available, and as of now no Under Resourced Service Expectations are being solicited by PARD during this process; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures will continue to grow significantly during the 2026 fiscal year, as it has the past several years; WHEREAS, Park Rangers had 41,914 contacts and managed 505 directed patrols at 36 different parks in FY24; WHEREAS, the City of Austin PARD has 378 parks in its system (excluding cemeteries), of which 36 parks represent only 9.5% of the system; WHEREAS, cemetery maintenance continues to be a challenge for existing PARD staff and the department is consistently understaffed for the maintenance requirements of the cemeteries under their purview, with 32 FTEs currently across the entire division and 7 vacancies; WHEREAS, according to a 2024 report by CoreLogic, Austin ranks fifth in number of homes with moderate or greater wildfire risk, with a reconstruction cost value of over $40 billion, and the number of homes at risk in the city is the highest of any metropolitan area outside of California; WHEREAS, most city parkland natural areas have not been managed for ecosystem health and are degraded, and as a result are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire and present safety risks to both park users and neighbors; WHEREAS, land management efforts within City of Austin PARD have been very successful where they have occurred and are ready for additional scaling to more quickly address areas of need across the system; WHEREAS, in 2020 PARD created a Land Management Program, which developed a land management plan approved by City Council in 2023 to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk; WHEREAS, this Land Management Program program is currently underfunded, with a budget of only $828,000 and four FTEs, who oversee the …
PARD Youth Financial Aid & Program Scholarships Goal: Increase Low-income Access to PARD Programs Establishment of Parks & Libraries Fund PARD began offering Financial Aid to qualified residents – 50% discount on registration fees Introduction of Youth Scholarship – additional 25% discount on youth programs Introduction of AE CAP program and auto-renewals 2014 2015 2016 2020 2023 2024 Moved to a revenue forgiveness model Moved to a 2-year renewal cycle. Application available in 5 additional languages Increase scholarship amounts to $700/child 2 Accomplishments Partnerships • Austin Energy: Auto-Renewals w/Customer Assistance Program • Austin Parks Foundation: Significant donation to fund • AISD: Community Eligibility Provision for auto-enrollment Reduction of Barriers • Two-year renewal cycle along with auto-renewals • Online application • Multi-Language application • Early registration process for summer camp programs Expanded Opportunities • Increase scholarship amounts • Removed limits on scholarship funds 3 • New scholarship payment option with online registration Early Enrollment Trends Year 2022 2023 2024 2025 % FA 16% 18% 29% 42% 4 Scholarship Funds Utilization Year 2022 2023 2024 Utilization Rate 64% 25% 81% 5 Impact in Numbers (Insert increase in total households enrolled in financial aid program) 1,105 participants approved for Financial Aid 400%more families awarded scholarships than in 2022 $700 equals 10 Weeks of summer camp programs 42% of early summer camp enrollment (needs rewording) $100,000 yearly donation by Austin Parks Foundation ____ households receive auto-renewals in the program 6 19% of program enrollments receive financial assistance “We really appreciated receiving the scholarship. It helped out a lot, and early registration allowed us to get what we needed. We both work, so summers are tough, and our son loves your camps!” Thank you! “I'm very thankful that the city offers this. It's a huge stress relief knowing that I can afford summer camp and basketball for my kids.” “This was a lifesaver at a very difficult time in our lives. I was unemployed, our house was under construction, and we unexpectedly took in a fourth child who was extremely emotionally unstable. Being able to afford programs that would offer consistency to the kids was huge.” “Me and my child were fortunate and very grateful to be able to participate in the scholarship program. Without that he wouldn’t have been able to go to camp. Thank you again and I really appreciate the opportunity.” “This helped my family so much. Thank you, it’s a blessing!” …
Ball and Soccer Field Contracts Special Request Presentation to the Parks and Recreation Board Monday March 24, 2025 Background • Parks Board issued related recommendation in October 2024 (20241028-5) • CM Pool and MPT Fuentes sponsored the special request project • Special requests are designed to answer specific questions to assist Council in decision-making • We do not draw conclusions or make recommendations in these reports Objective 1. 2. 3. Provide information about the existing contracts and associated amendments between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use City-owned baseball and soccer fields, including: a) b) c) Number of contracts in effect; Organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and Start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. Provide information about the terms of each contract and associated amendments related to public and community access, including: a) Details in the contracts about level and schedule of access to the general public and how the public is notified about access; and, Details in the contracts as to how often the fields are available to the general public versus reserved for the contracted organization. b) Provide information about the terms and conditions in each contract and associated amendments related to breaches of contract and any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of a material breach, especially related to community access. 5questions Questions 1 & 2 How many active contracts does PARD have related to use of ball and soccer fields? 28 contracts Which organizations or entities does the City contract with to support recreation opportunities at ball and soccer fields? 25 organizations Question 3 What are the start and end dates for each contract? What are the options for renewal or extension for each contract? Contract Type Average Contract Length Minimum Contract Length Maximum Contract Length Contract Length in Years Athletic Field Use Agreements with Youth Sports Organizations Contractor Instructor Programs Facility Use & Maintenance Agreements Parkland Improvement & Land Use Agreements Youth Field Agreement for Athletic Facility Use 1.0 1.1 1.3 18.3 11.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 5.5 3.0 1.0 1.3 3.0 25.0 20.0 Start and End Dates Renewals and Extensions Athletic Field Use Agreements with Youth Sports Organizations Contractor Instructor Programs Facility Use and Maintenance Agreements Parkland Improvement and Land Use Agreements Question 4 Youth Field Agreement for Athletic Facility Use According to the contract language, how often are the …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250324-003 Project SAFE March 24, 2025 Seconded By: Holly Reed Date: Subject: Motioned By: Nicole Merritt Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that Austin City Council approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons during the summer months when AISD is not in session. Rationale: This recommendation was referred to the Parks and Recreation Board by the Contracts and Concessions Committee on a 4-0 vote. Vote: The motion to recommend that Austin City Council approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons during the summer months when AISD is not in session was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Board Member Reed’s second on 6-0 vote. Board Member Abou-Amara abstaining. Board Members Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Against: None. Abstain: Luai Abou-Emara. Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. For:
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250324-004 March 24, 2025 Seconded By: Nicole Merritt ACC Welding Interlocal Agreement Date: Subject: Motioned By: Lane Becker Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that Austin City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. Rationale: This recommendation was referred to the Parks and Recreation Board by the Contracts and Concessions Committee on a 4-0 vote. Vote: The motion to recommend that Austin City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery was approved on Board Member Becker’s motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. For: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250324-005 March 24, 2025 Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group met over the course of several months, taking into account both Board member and resident input, as well as input from City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) staff, and provided the Parks and Recreation Board with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board notes that no finalized PARD FY 2026 Operating Budget is yet available, and as of now no Under Resourced Service Expectations are being solicited by PARD during this process; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures will continue to grow significantly during the 2026 fiscal year, as it has the past several years; WHEREAS, Park Rangers had 41,914 contacts and managed 505 directed patrols at 36 different parks in FY24; WHEREAS, the City of Austin PARD has 378 parks in its system (excluding cemeteries), of which 36 parks represent only 9.5% of the system; WHEREAS, cemetery maintenance continues to be a challenge for existing PARD staff and the department is consistently understaffed for the maintenance requirements of the cemeteries under their purview, with 32 FTEs currently across the entire division and 7 vacancies; WHEREAS, according to a 2024 report by CoreLogic, Austin ranks fifth in number of homes with moderate or greater wildfire risk, with a reconstruction cost value of over $40 billion, and the number of homes at risk in the city is the highest of any metropolitan area outside of California; WHEREAS, most city parkland natural areas have not been managed for ecosystem health and are degraded, and as a result are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire and present safety risks to both park users and neighbors; WHEREAS, land management efforts within City of Austin PARD have been very successful where they have occurred and are ready for additional scaling to more quickly address areas of need across the system; WHEREAS, in 2020 PARD created a Land Management Program, which developed a land management plan approved by City Council in 2023 to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk; WHEREAS, this Land Management Program program is currently underfunded, with a budget of only …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2025 – 12:00 PM CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference. 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 to speak remotely, call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. Kim Taylor (D-8) Holly Reed (D-10) CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lane Becker (Mayor), Chair Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on January 17, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on an upcoming RFP solicitation for management and operation of the Zilker Café. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Andrew Benford, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 1. 2. Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development and on the FY25 Annual Concession Activity Report summarizes year to date concessionaire activity per Austin City Code § 8-1-73 Annual Concession Report required data. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the …
Zilker Cafe Food and Beverage Concession Solicitation Scope of Work Briefing Concessions and Contracts Committee Meeting March 21, 2025 Presenter: Andrew Benford, PARD Contract Management Specialist IV Denisha Cox, PARD Contract Management Supervisor II 1 Zilker Cafe Location Zilker Café is located next to the entrance to the Barton Springs Municipal Pool 2 Zilker Cafe History & Improvements The Barton Springs Pool/Zilker Park concession building was constructed circa 1960. Zilker Park is listed as a National Register Historic District, and the 60+-year old building, which has been modified over time, contributes to the historic character of the park and pool entrance. The Zilker Café has not been used as a food and beverage concession since 2016 due to a need for extensive renovations, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the dissolution of contract with previous vendor. and A solicitation is needed to select a vendor to manage and operate it once again as a food and beverage concession. 3 Zilker Cafe Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse Rehabilitation Impact • The Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse, near the Zilker Café, is undergoing a major renovation. Its anticipated completion is April 2025. • During the construction period, access to the café is impacted. • The impact to concession sales was cited in comments during the previous solicitation as a deterrent to the success of food concession. • Now that the construction is near completion, PARD is soliciting for a vendor to manage and operate the Café. 4 Zilker Cafe Solicitation • City seeks to contract with a qualified Concessionaire to manage and operate the food and beverage concession on the north side of Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities include: • Have a minimum of three years’ experience in commercial food and beverage concession operations. • Operate during the preferred minimum hours of operation defined as: seven days per week, six-hours per day. Maximum hours of operation will be in accordance with park policy for curfew, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. • Have price points for healthy, nutritious foods that are reasonable and affordable for every visitor. • Make improvements, which comply with the American with Disabilities Act, to both the indoor and outdoor areas of the Concession, including capital improvements, furnishings, and equipment in order to meet the City’s vision for the concession. • The sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited. 5 Zilker Cafe Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities …
Parks and Recreation Department Contracts Under Development Concessions and Contracts Committee Mar-25 Contract/Project Contract Type Phase NCP S / NS CCC PARB Council Notes Interlocal Agreement with AISD/ Go Project Interlocal P/D NA NS N/A Feb-25 Apr-25 Interlocal Agreement with AISD/S.A.F.E. (Swimming and Fitness Education) Swim Interlocal P/D NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 Interlocal ACC Welding Program Partnership Interlocal P/D NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 The City and AISD entered into an agreement in 2005 relating to an educational program known as the GO PROJECT that is a community-based transition program for students with disabilities who are 18-22 years of age and that enables students to move beyond the high school setting and finish their education in a college or work environment. The City provides facilities for AISD's use in providing such classes to the identified students and is interested in continuing to do this. As the current agreement in almost 20 years old, the City wants to revisit and refresh the agreement to better meet all needs. A draft agreement has been sent to the Legal Department for review. On February 24, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Board approved by a vote of 7-0 a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. The item is scheduled for Council action on April 24, 2025. Project SAFE is an aquatic safety education and swim training program provided to the Austin Independent School District by the City of Austin’s Aquatic Division. Each spring, students are invited to their nearby City of Austin-operated aquatic facility for a two-week long learn-to-swim session. Each day, participants will get an opportunity to engage in curriculums approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is the City's hope that participation in the program leads to greater water safety practices among the participants. At the conclusion of the program, registration information will be provided for students to continue their learning by participating in additional City of Austin Parks and Recreation programs. City of Austin PARD and Austin Community College are seeking to partner together in order to offer a unique opportunity for students currently enrolled in their welding program. Throughout the semester, students will engage in a meaningful project aimed at restoring the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery that …
