REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JULY 22, 2024 – 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/3Uyvu0e2qf 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) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Cathleen Eady (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 June 17, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for community members and active participation in community engagement for the playscape replacement at Metz Neighborhood Park. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Reynaldo Hernandez, Project Manager and Jonathan Haynes, Program Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Approve the Parks and Recreation board Annual Internal Review and Report. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department Community PARKnership Program. (Sponsors: Reed, Taylor). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Christine Chute Canul, Program Manager II, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Staff briefing on progress of the Festival Beach Soundwall and pedestrian improvements. (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): JT Stewart, Senior Planner, Parks and Recreation Department. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement events, planning updates, development updates, maintenance updates, program updates and administrative updates. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces, Park Access …
City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Community PARKnerships Program Christine Chute Canul, Community PARKnerships Manager I City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Park Planning Division Community PARKnerships Briefing Overview PARKnerships Program Briefing Includes: Does Not Include: • Programs and Initiatives Overview • Alignment with City and Department • Lease, Usage and License Agreements Goals • PARD PARKners • PARKnership Configurations and Collaborative Partnership Agreements • Program Impact • Contractual Obligation and Service Agreements • Concession Contracts Community PARKnerships |Encompasses the Following Programs & Initiatives Environmental Volunteer Stewardship Community Activated Park Projects Program (CAPP) Adopt-A-Park Program Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) School Parks | AISD JUA PARD PARKners Environmental Stewardship Volunteers on City parkland annually provide over $1 million in labor—they pick up litter, mulch trees, remove invasive species, plant saplings, serve as citizen scientists, and more. Partners facilitate stewardship events that are aligned with City standards for safety and environmental compliance. PARD reviews these events and provides guidance on all projects proposed on parkland. • Over 11,900 volunteers worked more than 31,000 hours in FY23 • FY23 volunteers planted over 1,400 trees and collected over 82,000 lbs. of trash Adopt-A-Park This collaboration between PARD and the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) helps community members become stewards and civic leaders. Leaders organize a community- based group that makes an ongoing commitment to engage their neighborhood around park related issues. Adopt-A-Park aims to build community agency and ownership around every neighborhood park in Austin. • 108 parks had adopters in FY23 • An additional 106 eligible parks (district, neighborhood, and pocket) were not adopted Adopt-A-Park group volunteering with It’s My Park Day at St. John Pocket Park, District 4 Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) Program The CAPP Program streamlines a proposal and implementation process for our nonprofit partners and community members seeking to initiate, engage, plan, design and implement improvements on parkland. • 133 CAPP proposals received in FY23 • 549 CAPP proposals received since program launch in 2018 Lighting at Heath Eiland and Morgan Moss Skatepark, District 9 Examples of CAPPs, FY23 Lighting at Davis White Neighborhood Park, District 1 Bike polo facilities at Metz Neighborhood Park, District 3 Basketball court resurfacing at Dove Springs (pictured) & Garrison District Parks, District 2 Community Activated Park Project Program Feasibility Review Submission Review Site Visit Approval or Denial Proposing community member completes form with project description. CAPP coordinator routes proposal for …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JULY 22, 2024 – 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/3Uyvu0e2qf 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) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Cathleen Eady (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year-round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Discussion on community engagement opportunities for the permanent location for boating concessions at Festival Beach and the amendment to the Holly Shores/Edward Rendon Sr. at Festival Beach Vision Plan to include that location, per City Council Ordinance No. 20191205- 070. (Sponsors: Reed, Taylor). 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 Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Tim Dombeck at (512) 974-6716 Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Page 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on June 17, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Sharon Blythe - Cemetery advocate Scott Cobb - Lifeguard hiring Andrea Hill - Lifeguard hiring and chain of command issues Chris Flores - Violet Crown and Barton Springs Pool Joy Casnovsky - Austin Parks Foundation Elisa Rendon Montoya - Holly Shores concerns Bertha Rendon Delgado - Edward Rendon Holly Shores Master Plan Frank Estrada - Possible renaming of Camacho Activity Center Phillip Thomas - Edward Rendon Sr. Park and Holly Shores concerns Ricardo Chavana - Hispanic Baseball League APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 20, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 20, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flower’s second on a 9-0 vote with two vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for enhancements to the PARD Cemeteries Program. 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2024 Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager and Lucas Massie, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on private organizations doing interments. The motion to approve letters of support for enhancements to the PARD Cemeteries Program was approved on Chair Villalobos' motion, Board Member Reed’s second on a 9-0 vote with two vacancies. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of a Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy for the Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead project that includes a maximum amount of funding of $900,000 the Parks and Recreation Department will allocate to Hill Country Conservancy for a portion of the cost to construct the project. D'Anne Williams, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department and Kathy Miller, CEO, Hill Country Conservancy gave a presentation and answered questions on …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Metz Playground Replacement Recognition Parks and Recreation Board, July 22, 2024 Reynaldo Hernandez Jr, PLA, PMP, Park Development Jonathan Haynes, Supervisor, Rudy Mendez Recreation Center Seth Conway, Activity Specialist, Rudy Mendez Recreation Center Background • Council District 3 • Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center built in 1972 and renovated in 2006. • Existing playscape installed in 2001 • PARD through the playground condition assessment identified this playground to be in poor condition and prioritized for replacement Background cont. Project Goals: • Replace existing playscape to provide enhanced opportunities for play within existing playground area • Increase shade in and around the playscape • Increase accessibility per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Engage community on play opportunities, theming and nature- based play elements Community Engagement • ROUND #1 (May 23- June 17): • Gathered over 100 responses from online survey and Mendez Rec. Kid's survey • ROUND #2 (July 1 – July 19): • Launched second survey with 45 Mendez Rec. Campers Recognition How can we help?! • Mendez After School Program • Scarlett and Ayden • Mr. Seth • Metz Playscape community engagement survey served as inspiration Creating Community & Opportunity Incorporating planning strategies can be fun! This project created youth opportunities to: • Plan, do, review • Interact and share ideas • Collaborate • Activate Youth Choice • Amplify Youth Voice Round # 1 Engagement Results • 72 paper surveys completed. • 31 online survey responses • Results determined ranked theming and preferred play features Project Participants • PARD Development • Reynaldo Hernandez, PLA, PMP • Katie Kimball, Landscape Designer • Mendez Recreation Center Staff • Jonathon Haynes, Supervisor • Seth Conway, Activity Specialist • PARD Communications and • Mendez Recreation Center Engagement Unit • Adrienne O'Keefe, Community Engagement Specialist Participant Leaders • Scarlett Reyes • Ayden Delgado Questions?
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Sound Wall at Festival Beach Staff Briefing Parks and Recreation Board, July 22nd, 2024 JT Stewart, Planner Sr., Parks and Recreation Department Project Progress Summary • First briefed Parks Board on January 22nd, 2024 • Previous Department Director Kimberly McNeeley accepted sound wall offer from Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in February 2024 • PARD Planning staff met w/ Transportation and Public Works (TPW), CapMetro, Urban Trails, and community stakeholders to gather feedback on necessary and desired amenities related to the wall • TPW developed concept sketch (slide 6) and reviewed with stakeholders. Concept included: • ADA ramps • Crosswalks • Curb bulb-out • Water fountain • Irrigation • TxDOT reviewed and responded with modified concept map (slide 7) Traffic Noise Analysis Results 2 Barriers (north barrier removed) 3 Barriers Festival Beach Food Forest and Festival Beach Community Garden Original Concept Festival Beach Food Forest and Festival Beach Community Garden Add drinking fountain. Include SUP connection to Flores/ Waller intersection for access to ADA crossings. Show existing sidewalk that connects IH 35 frontage to Waller (constructed 2023). Show new curb line. Can reduce FOC to FOC on Flores to 24' with bulbout to make space for ramps without moving poles. Corner radii should be 10' to match existing. 0.63 ft 24 ft Add irrigation meter at each sound wall. Include ADA ramps for crossing Flores and Waller. Appears the existing MH can remain, verify if adjustment is needed from SUP slab Existing guy wires will need to be adjusted. Can reduce FOC to FOC on Flores to 24' with bulbout to make space for ramps without moving poles. Corner radii should be 10' to match existing. Show existing sidewalk that connects IH 35 frontage to Waller (constructed 2023). Show new curb line. Add irrigation meter at each sound wall (on the side of IH-35) 0.63 ft 2244fftt Add drinking fountain. LOCATION IS IN CONFLICT WITH ILLUMINATION MOVE TO PINK STAR Include SUP connection to Flores/Waller intersection for access to ADA crossings. Add irrigation meter at each sound wall City/PARD's proposed meter locations are too close to noise walls, AW will likely not approve. Please confirm. In addition, meter at north of Flores is within Critical Root Zone. City Markups GEC Remarks Pape Dawson Coordination with AW IF THIS CHANGE PLACES THE WL IN CURB/GUTTER, IT WOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR AW Include ADA ramps for …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Seconded By: Additional Funding for Maintenance and Homeless Response Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends that Austin City Council allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year- round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. Rationale: Whereas, the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) plays a critical role in maintaining the city's parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities, contributing to the overall quality of life and well-being of Austin residents; and Whereas, the demand for park maintenance has increased significantly due to the growing population and the increased use of park facilities, necessitating additional resources to ensure these spaces are safe, clean, and accessible to all residents; and Whereas, the Parks and Recreation Department is currently underfunded, limiting its ability to adequately maintain park facilities, leading to deteriorating conditions and reduced enjoyment for the community; and Whereas, the Homeless Encampment Response Team (HERT) provides essential services by addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness within parks and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of these public spaces for all users; and Whereas, the HERT requires additional funding to effectively manage and respond to homeless encampments, ensuring that all park users, including those experiencing homelessness, receive the support and services they need; Therefore, be it resolved, that the Austin City Council is hereby recommended to allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and Be it further resolved, that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year-round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and 1 of 2 Be it further resolved, that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of …
Page 1 of 8 Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Parks and Recreation Board The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: (A) The Parks and Recreation Board membership should include citizens of the city who are interested in public parks and public recreation and persons who are knowledgeable in recreation matters. The director of the Parks and Recreation Department, the city manager or designee, the director of the Financial and Administrative Services Department, and the city attorney are ex officio members of the board. (B) The board shall advise the city council and the city manager regarding: (1)the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin; (2)the purchase of additional land to be managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin. (C) The board shall outline a general plan of development for land, facilities, and programs. The board may submit the plan to the Planning Commission and the city manager for detail development, and the city manager may then submit the plan to the city council for approval as may be required by the City Code. (D) The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public welfare. (E) The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the city council. Source: The Code of the City of Austin, Texas § 2-1-165 – Parks and Recreation Board Page 2 of 8 Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board has three areas of responsibility in its advisory function to the City Council. The activities this board took for fiscal year 2023-2024 are listed by area below. Unless otherwise noted, all recommendation were adopted at a meeting of the whole Parks and Recreation Board. A. The board shall advise the city council and the city manager regarding: (1) the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: July 2024 DEVELOPMENT UPDATES: Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields: On July 19th, the Department hosted a ribbon- cutting event for the Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields Phase 2 Development. This project included two 125’ kickball fields, park lighting, a loop walking trail, benches, a new drinking fountain, a new parking lot, utilities for a future restroom/community building, a new site irrigation system, and 45 additional trees. In late 2024, a pedestrian bridge will be installed over Waller Creek, connecting to the natural surface trail along Waller Creek. The park is now re-opened to the public. This project was funded through the 2018 General Obligation Bond, Parkland Dedication Funding, and was awarded an Urban Forestry Grant through the City of Austin Development Services for the planting of 25 additional trees. The Highland Park Neighborhood Association also successfully applied for an Austin Parks Foundation grant for supplemental improvements, including a drinking fountain and a pedestrian bridge to be installed later. District 4 1 New ball fields and bleachers at Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields Rainey Street Trailhead: The Trail Conservancy (TTC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 12th to celebrate the completion of the Rainey Street Trailhead project. This approximately 2-acre trailhead and park space includes multiple shaded seating areas, a new neighborhood lawn, a nature play area, a water access point, and protects the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail by adding new native restoration areas designed to prevent runoff and erosion from Rainey Street to Lady Bird Lake. Over 7,000 native plants and 130 new shade trees were planted in the restoration areas along with native grass and wildflower seeding. It also adds an ADA-accessible connection from the Rainey Street district to the trail, and components for increased safety, including lighting, signage, and wayfinding. This project was funded by The Trail Conservancy with support from Intracorp. A separate project focused on safety enhancements for the trail, as detailed in a 2023 memo, is in progress. The security camera was installed in November 2023, and new trail lighting, a sidewalk extension on East Avenue, and extensions to the split rail fence installed last year are expected to be completed by the end of the summer. District 9 Aerial view of the new Rainey Street Trailhead 2 2018 General Obligation Bond Program Proposition C - Parks and Recreation ($149 million) Update: The …
Minutes for the first meeting of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board’s Baseball Field Working Group June 19, 2024 Participants: Lane Becker (PARB board member), Stephanie Bazan (PARB board member), Tyler Sneed (Austin Sandlot Baseball), Joel Manzo (Austin Sandlot Baseball) Introduction of Current WG Members ● Tyler Sneed is a Sandlot Baseball member who handles scheduling duties for the Austin Sandlot group, interfaces with the city. ● Joel Manzo is a baseball advocate involved with Sandlot men's league, focusing on accessibility and space for community baseball. ● Lane Becker is a Parks Board member. ● Stephanie Bazan is a Parks Board member who was involved in dealing with similar issues regarding soccer fields earlier this year. Overview of Agenda for Today's Meeting ● Lane Becker outlines the agenda: What, when, and who regarding baseball fields. Topics include meeting cadence and specific subjects to cover. ● Lane Becker discusses the timeline for group output and meeting cadence, including consideration of additional participants in the Working Group as well as potential featured speakers. ● Stephanie Bazan is asked to share her experience about what makes a Working Group effective from her previous experience with the Zilker Park Bathhouse Working Group. Discussion on Agenda Overview ● Lane Becker suggests discussing potential recommendations and reports that could result from the Working Group. ● Stephanie Bazan agrees to share details on structuring a successful Working Group, including identifying key members who can consistently participate in meetings. ● Stephanie Bazan explains the process of selecting key Working Group members, including using meetings with special guests to address specific questions. ○ In her previous Working Group, weekly meetings with special guests were used to quickly progress tasks. ○ Special guests provided insights at the start of each meeting before leaving and helped answer key questions for the Working Group. Topics to Cover ● Team members offered up potential topics for discussion by the Working Group. Topics mentioned were: ○ Up-to-date contact info for any field not fully under PARD control, which includes every field except for Govalle; ○ Public, available in advance calendar for every baseball field in Austin; ○ Sensible field allocation, where adults play on fields that can support adult ball, kids play on fields that can support kids ball; ○ Sensible field hours, ensuring keep the fields that can be open later, especially during summer; ○ Maintenance of the fields and how …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240722-7 July 22, 2024 Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Additional Funding for Maintenance and Homeless Response Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends that Austin City Council allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year-round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. Rationale: Whereas, the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is responsible for maintaining the city's parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities, contributing to the overall quality of life and well-being of Austin residents; and Whereas, the demand for park maintenance has increased significantly due to the growing population and the increased use of park facilities, necessitating additional resources to ensure these spaces are safe, clean, and accessible to all residents; and Whereas, the Parks and Recreation Department is currently underfunded, limiting its ability to adequately maintain park facilities, leading to deteriorating conditions and reduced enjoyment for the community; and Whereas, the Homeless Encampment Response Team (HERT) provides essential services by addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness within parks and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of these public spaces for all users; and Whereas, the HERT requires additional funding to effectively manage and respond to homeless encampments, ensuring that all park users, including those experiencing homelessness, receive the support and services they need; Therefore, be it resolved, that the Austin City Council is hereby recommended to allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and Be it further resolved, that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year-round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and 1 of 2 Be it further resolved, that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. The motion to recommend that Austin City Council allocate an …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240722-7 July 22, 2024 Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Additional Funding for Maintenance and Homeless Response Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends that Austin City Council allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year-round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. Rationale: Whereas, the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is responsible for maintaining the city's parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities, contributing to the overall quality of life and well-being of Austin residents; and Whereas, the demand for park maintenance has increased significantly due to the growing population and the increased use of park facilities, necessitating additional resources to ensure these spaces are safe, clean, and accessible to all residents; and Whereas, the Parks and Recreation Department is currently underfunded, limiting its ability to adequately maintain park facilities, leading to deteriorating conditions and reduced enjoyment for the community; and Whereas, the Homeless Encampment Response Team (HERT) provides essential services by addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness within parks and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of these public spaces for all users; and Whereas, the HERT requires additional funding to effectively manage and respond to homeless encampments, ensuring that all park users, including those experiencing homelessness, receive the support and services they need; Therefore, be it resolved, that the Austin City Council is hereby recommended to allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department's budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and Be it further resolved, that of this amount, $2.24 million be allocated towards parks maintenance, including $1.5 million in ongoing funding and $740,000 in one-time funding, to support 16 year-round full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and necessary supplies; and 1 of 2 Be it further resolved, that $385,000 be allocated towards the Homeless Encampment Response Team, including $375,000 in ongoing funding and $10,000 in one-time funding, to support 4 year-round FTE positions, operations, and necessary supplies. The motion to recommend that Austin City Council allocate an …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JULY 22, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 22, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on July 22, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Nicole Merritt. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Netherton - Pease Park Conservancy Claire Krebs - Festival Beach Community Garden Grace Gilker - Festival Beach Food Forest Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Santiago Tza-Wan - Historic pecan grove at Festival Beach Scott Cobb - Barton Springs Lifeguard Gail Rothe - PARD PARKnership Program Chris Flores - PARD PARKnership Program Bertha Delgado Rendon - East Town Lake Citizen Neighborhood Association Elisa Montoya - East Town Lake Citizen Neighborhood Association APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of June 17, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of June 17, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Bord Member Eady abstaining. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for community members and active participation in community engagement for the playscape replacement at Metz Neighborhood Park. Reynaldo Hernandez, Project Manager, Jonathan Haynes, Program Supervisor and Seth Conway, Activity Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JULY 22, 2024 The motion to approve letters of support for community members and active participation in community engagement for the playscape replacement at Metz Neighborhood Park was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second, on an 8-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. 3. Approve the Parks and Recreation Board Annual Internal Review and Report. Board Members discussed this item. The motion to approve the Parks and Recreation Board Annual Internal Review and Report was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Bord Member Eady abstaining. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department …
