Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board - Meeting to be held with Social Distancing Modifications. See agenda for details.
Versión en español a continuación. Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 23, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board to be held March 23, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (March 22, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 23, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). 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 made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time 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 sammi.curless@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 • Reunión del Parks and Recreation Board March 23, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (March 22, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • Una vez que se haya realizado una solicitud …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Tuesday, February 23, 2021 – 6:00pm MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:07pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis, Laura Cottam Sajbel, Sarah Faust, Francoise Luca, Kate Mason-Murphy, Fred Morgan and Kimberly Taylor. Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Romteen Farasat, Richard DePalma, Anna Di Carlo and Nina Rinaldi. Board Member Taylor joined the meeting at approximately 6:12pm. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Kevin Johnson; Amanda Ross; Christine Chute Canul and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Gene Smith – large sized boat permit to use Walsh Boat Landing. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of January 26, 2021 were approved on Board Member Morgan motion, Board Member Faust second on a 7-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Members DePalma, Di Carlo and Rinaldi absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action regarding Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: 20210113-O3B regarding seating in parks, greenbelts, trails and other open spaces. Board Member Faust made a motion to support Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: 20210113-O3B regarding seating in parks, greenbelts, trails and other open spaces; Board Member Cottam Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Members DePalma, Di Carlo and Rinaldi absent. Page 1 of 2 2. Presentation and discussion regarding update on Zilker Train. Presentation by Colin Wallis and Ladye Anne Wofford of the Austin Parks Foundations. Discussion followed but no action was taken by the Board. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council of the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Board Member Morgan made a motion to recommend to the City Council the preferred design scenario (Option 1B) for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Program; Board Member Luca seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 6-1 vote with Board Member Faust voting nay and Vice Chair Farasat and Board Members DePalma, Di Carlo and Rinaldi absent. 4. Discussion and possible action regarding Barton Creek Greenbelt reservation pilot program recommendations. Presentation made by Amanda Ross of the Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion followed but no action was taken by the Board. 5. Discussion of partnership …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 2022 BUDGET FORECAST Department Budget Overview FY 2021 Totals at a Glance FY 2021 Approved Budget FY 2021 Positions FY 2021 Sources $109.7 Million 744.75 FTEs Tax Supported: 75% Fees/Other: 22.3% Grants/Other: 2.7% FY 2021 Budget by Program FY 2021 Budget Highlights • • • $638K for Forestry Services for Parkland Acquisitions $150K for Contractual Increases $1.2M Operations & Maintenance Support Support Services 5% Transfers, Debt Service, and Other Requirements 11% Park Planning, Development, Operations and Maintenance 27% Community Services 57% 2 Department Overview Data and Highlights PARD SD23 Goals and Measures • Activate and enhance urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming • • • Align accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests Ensure the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life Expand and improve access to parks and facilities for all 85% 75% 65% 55% FY21 Expenditure Budget by Category 85% 74% 70% 64% Residents satisfied Residents with access 2020 Actual 2021 Goal 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 734.75 744.75 693.75 695.75 719.25 694.75 FTE 3 Contractuals 30.2% Commodities 4.5% 750 740 730 720 710 700 690 680 670 660 Personnel 65.3% Department Budget Overview FY 2022 Proposed Total PARD Budget Forecast FY 2022 Proposed Budget FY 2022 Proposed Positions $113.5 Million* 766.75 FTEs FY 2022 General Fund Highlights General Fund Budget Increase - $3.8M** Standard City-Wide Cost Drivers - $1.3M • • • Employee Wage Adjustment Increases Fleet Maintenance and Fuel City Support Services Requested Department-Wide Cost Drivers - $2.5M Increases to accommodate items previously authorized by Council Park Ranger Program Increase Cemetery Interment Unit Increase Operations & Maintenance Support *Includes Enterprise Golf Fund **Estimate only. FY22 Budget is still under development, pending City Council approval. FY 2022 Sources Tax Supported: 75% Fees/Other: 22.3% Grants/Other: 2.7% 4 Department Budget Overview FY 2022 Budget Proposal BASE COST DRIVER DEFINITION: General Fund and Support Services departments must develop a forecast with only baseline requirements. In other words, the only increases allowable are those necessary to accommodate items previously authorized by Council. Examples of acceptable forecast items that increase the Department’s budget are: • Costs of a new facility that will be opened part-way through FY 2022 • Costs related to annexations or new facilities • Lease increases, legislative directives, contractual commitments Unmet Needs: Due to …
Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project Preliminary Design Phase Update Boards and Commissions March 2021 Site Map & Context 2 Previous City Council Direction • Butler Shores location approved on 5/9/19 • Council direction to consider site alternatives: on site 1. New DAC & existing PARD Main Office remain 2. New DAC & New PARD Main Office rebuilt on site (unfunded) 3. New DAC on site, existing PARD is removed/relocated elsewhere (unfunded) • Consolidated Arts District Parking (underground, partially unfunded) • Seek alternative financing mechanisms & interest in philanthropy Conceptual development scenario from 2018/2019 planning process 3 Existing PARD Main Office • Constructed 1959, 2-story addition in 1976 • First permanent home for COA Parks Department • High degree of historic integrity • Architect: R. Earl Dillard • Defining features: wide eaves, flat roof, curtain • Eligible for listing on National Register of Historic windows Places Image credits: Austin History Center 4 Recent Stakeholder Engagement • Two Open House Community Meetings • Meeting #1: Oct. 28, 2020 • Meeting #2: Jan. 26, 2021 • (10) Small Group Meetings • Dougherty Arts Center Staff: 11/10/2020 • Painting, Photography, and Drawing Artists and Instructors: 11/19/2020 • Youth Program Instructors and Parents: 12/1/2020 • Gallery Artists: 12/2/2020 • Artist Professional Development Programs: 12/3/2020 • Theater Organizations and Technical Staff: 12/7/2020 • Friends of the Dougherty Arts Center: 12/9/2020 • Ceramics Studio Artists and Instructors: 12/10/2020 • Neighbors to the Dougherty Arts Center: 12/15/2020 • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Arts: 1/7/2021 • Electronic Survey • 221 Participants & 894 Responses • Ongoing Partner Coordination • ZACH Scott Theater • The Trail Foundation • Austin Transportation Dept. 5 Project Mission Statement 6 Site Constraints Map 7 Four Options Key operational criteria and site considerations • Preservation of heritage trees • Relationship to adjacent ZACH • Underground parking solution • Pick-up & drop-off for youth programs • Load-in areas for theater programs • Balancing traffic impact between Toomey Rd. & Riverside Dr. • Preservation of PARD Main Office (1959) • Allowance for possible expansion • Activates parkland & enhance trail access • Civic presence/identity • Back of house areas for kiln yard, etc. 8 • Compact building footprint tucked closely behind PARD Main & ZACH School • One heritage oak impacted • Proposed parking garage sits between ZACH and new DAC, within ZACH lease boundary • PARD Main is retained and renovated/expanded (future scope, unfunded) …
DESIGN OPTION NARRATIVES: Dougherty Arts Center at Butler Shores Park In May 2019, City Council directed PARD to proceed with preliminary design for the new Dougherty Arts Center on Butler Shores Park, but also asked that this analysis include the following criteria: 2019 Planning Commission recommendations, including incorporation of a parking and transportation demand management strategy for the entire arts complex 2019 Design Commission recommendations, including the provision of access to the site from both Toomey Rd. and Riverside Dr. and integration of a district parking structure The possible relocation or reconstruction of the existing PARD Main Office building to allow for adjustments to the location of the DAC and to reduce traffic impact on Toomey Rd. The location of a parking structure away from Toomey Rd., or consolidation of parking with others in the area Exploring revenue-financed, underground parking and Mechanisms by which the City could engage philanthropic interest in the DAC project In response, and through a robust series of community engagement meetings in Fall 2020 through Spring 2021, the project team developed four (4) different scenarios which address all the topics above differently. Additionally, the team coordinated with the developer for the adjacent 218 S. Lamar PUD to secure 30 spaces for PARD/DAC use as well as 50 discounted visitor spaces on a daily basis. It should be noted that, in addition to above, the following criteria and constraints emerged as primary drivers of the design options: Eligibility of the existing PARD Main Office for listing on National Register of Historic Places Preservation of existing heritage trees The DAC’s relationship to the existing ZACH building & the existing ZACH ground lease boundary Feasibility of underground parking locations Car pick-up and drop-off to support youth programs Vehicle load-in areas for theater programs Activation of parkland and enhancement of existing trail access Opportunities for incorporation of public art with the AIPP Program Allowance for possible expansion, should additional funding become available The civic presence and identity of the DAC, a vital arts institution for Austin’s creative culture The need for back-of-house space, including a covered kiln yard for ceramics functions OPTION 1A – NEW DAC BUILDING TO THE SOUTH; PARD MAIN OFFICE REMAINS AT ITS CURRENT LOCATION Brief Description: Option 1A locates the DAC building to the south of PARD Main Office. …
Approve the proposed Dougherty Arts Center redevelopment site at Butler Shores Park. District(s) Affected: District 5. The amendments are as follows: The motion to approve the proposed redevelopment site with amendments was made by Council Member Kitchen, seconded by Council Member Pool. City Council approves location of the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) on Butler Shores. The City Council also authorizes the City Manager to proceed with design, subject to the directions included in this amendment and to return to Council for approval prior to construction. Design for redevelopment of the DAC at the Toomey Rd./Riverside Drive location shall include analysis of the following options: 1) Planning Commission recommendations: • A parking and transportation demand management strategy be developed for the entire arts complex that considers area on-and off-street parking, and under-shoots parking supply in anticipation of public transit investments. • Any structured parking should be innovative, employ LEED strategies, charge for parking, and be available for future conversion. • The arts complex should be developed as an active transportation hub and generally minimize space dedicated to automobile use. 2) Design Commission recommendations: • Providing access from both Toomey Road and West Riverside Drive • • Streetscape improvements along Toomey Road REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES Integration of district public parking structure THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 8 • Enhancing the cultural arts district around Zach Scott Theater • Connection to the Hike & Bike Trail and public restroom • Outdoor education and performance spaces 3) Moving the existing PARD main office building to another location, to allow for adjustments to the location of the DAC building and parking structure to reduce impact of traffic on Toomey Road. 4) If appropriate and feasible, opportunities to incorporate the PARD office building into the DAC structure, to allow for adjustments of the DAC building and parking structure to reduce impact of traffic on Toomey Rd. 5) Options for locating the DAC parking structure away from Toomey Rd and combining with existing Zachary Scott Theatre surface parking and/or other parking structures in the area. 6) Creation of an Advisory Group consisting of neighbors living along Toomey Rd, DAC users, and other community members, to provide feedback during the design process. A motion to approve the following amendment to the amendment was made by Council Member Tovo, seconded by Council Member Pool. The amendment was approved on an 8- 2 vote. Council Members Flannigan and Renteria voted nay. …
March 9, 2021 Kimberly McNeeley Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department City of Austin Dear Ms. McNeeley, Recognizing the Trail Foundation as a steward of the trail, PARD has asked for comment on the in-progress Dougherty Arts Center Redevelopment Project with specific emphasis on Option 1B and its relationship to, and potential effect on the trail. TTF has attended several public meetings and a presentation from PARD, and understand that Option 1B is PARD’s preferred scenario for reasons that include preservation of existing trees, parking garage access, minimizing utility conflicts and preservation of the historic PARD headquarters building. The Trail Foundation has reviewed this option and provides the following comments: • TTF is excited to have the redevelopment of the Dougherty adjacent to the Trail and sees it as a benefit to patrons of the Arts Center and Trail users. • TTF appreciates that the proposed parking garage is buried under a green roof that should be a water quality enhancement over a more-conventional above- ground solution. • TTF sees public benefit to the trail in the design’s public restrooms, gathering spaces and enhanced park spaces. • TTF’s primary area of interest regarding this option is the placement of the studio spaces adjacent to the Trail and possible resulting congestion. With the recent release of the Butler Trail Safety & Mobility Study, recommendations were made for enhancements on this portion of the Trail. We will work with PARD to implement those into the plan. • In a related comment, TTF notes that the current upper Trail (shown just above the north facades of the proposed building) is also a maintenance corridor. TTF suggests that an alternative maintenance access path with sufficient width and turning radii should be considered. The Trail Foundation was created in 2003 to protect, enhance and connect the Butler Trail for all Austinites and visitors. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail has served as a natural community sanctuary and pathway in the heart of Austin since the 1970s. Since its formation as a 501 (c)(3), it has fulfilled its mission through careful improvements to the Trail’s infrastructure and environment, while honoring the original vision of the Trail’s founders. Sincerely, Heidi Anderson, CEO
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: March 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: MLK Station Neighborhood Park Nature Play Virtual Community Meeting #2: The next community meeting will be held on March 27 at 10am. The Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) program will share the final nature play design and show how community input helped shape it. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, meeting registration. Project Webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/mlk-station-neighborhood-park-nature- play. District 1 Highland Neighborhood Park Virtual Community Meeting: Implementation of the park plan continues at Highland Neighborhood Park. Phase 2 Implementation will kick off with a virtual community meeting on March 31 at 5:30pm. During this meeting, the project team will share information on park designs outlined in the adopted concept plan and seek feedback from the community to prioritize elements to include in the current construction phase. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, meeting registration. Project Webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/HighlandParkProject. District 4 Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park Vision Plan: RVi, the consultant for the plan, hosted a kickoff meeting and initial TAG (technical advisory group) meeting with City staff in late February. The vision planning process began this month with a community survey (launched on March 23). The first of three, public small-group meetings is scheduled for April 6, with the proposed focus being recreation and park activities. A small-group meeting on April 20 will focus on neighborhoods, community, and school feedback, and on April 28, PARD will hold a small-group meeting looking at nature and environmental issues for the park. The first community-wide meeting is scheduled for May 4, meeting registration. Project Webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/beverly-s-sheffield- northwest-district-park-vision-plan. District 7 Givens Aquatic Facility Renovation: On April 26 at 5:30pm, PARD will host a virtual community meeting to reveal draft concepts. The ideas presented will be created from the community input received so far through input at Givens Swims in 2019, the first community meeting in January, and the community survey that followed. Community members will be asked to identify how well the draft design ideas connect with key values and align with feedback collected. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, meeting registration. Project Webpage: http://austintexas.gov/givenspool. District 1 Colony Park Aquatic Facility: On April 28 at 5:30pm, PARD will host a virtual community meeting that will be shared over YouTube Live and Facebook Live to reveal draft concepts of the new aquatic facility. The ideas presented …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – 5:30pm MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 5:31pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice Chair Romteen Farasat, Laura Cottam Sajbel, Richard DePalma, Anna Di Carlo, Sarah Faust, Kate Mason-Murphy and Nina Rinaldi. Board Members Absent: Francoise Luca, Fred Morgan and Kimberly Taylor. Board Member Di Carlo joined the meeting at approximately 5:36pm and Vice Chair Farasat joined at approximately 5:48pm. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Kevin Johnson; Vanorda Richardson; Michael Benbow; Nicholas Johnson; Ed Morris and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jim Schwobel – enforcement of park curfew and no camping rules in Eastwoods Park. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of February 23, 2021 were approved on Board Member Faust motion, Board Member Cottam Sajbel second on an 8-0 with Board Members Luca, Morgan and Taylor absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. Presentation by Vanorda Richardson of the Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion with request to bring back to April meeting of the Board. 2. Discussion and possible action to rescind the recommendation made February 23, 2021 regarding the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Public comment by Bill Bunch encouraging alternate sites for the Dougherty Arts Center such as AISD schools to be closed and maintaining central parkland as parkland; Megan Page 1 of 3 Meisenbach encouraging the City to re-look at other locations and that schools are a wonderful location for the Center and Linda Guerrero explaining the recommendation approved by the Environmental Commission. Chair Lewis made a motion to rescind the recommendation made February 23, 2021 regarding the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project; Board Member Mason-Murphy seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Vice Chair Farasat abstaining and Board Members Luca, Morgan and Taylor absent. 3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council of the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Board Member DePalma made a motion to recommend to the City Council Option 1A for the …
