REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JANUARY 27, 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/u06zfWJnkm 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 November 25, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation and City Staff who led the development and assisted with the premiere of a short documentary focused on the historic Haskell House. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Alyssa Tharrett, Project Management Supervisor, Architectural Development Division, and Ellen Colfax, Project Manager and HPT Program Manager, Architectural Development Division, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Recreation Programs. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programs Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 2. 3. Page 1 of 2 4. 5. 6. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist III; Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department. WORKING GROUP UPDATES STAFF BRIEFINGS …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on November 25, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Vice Chair Flowers called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Cathleen Eady, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Pedro Villalobos. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Wolf Sittler - Norwood House Carol Baxter - Austin Rowing Club Scott Cobb - City Personnel Issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of October 28, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of October 28, 2024 was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Eady’s second on a 8-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme and Villalobos absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and approve a letter of recognition for Council Member Alison Alter for her legacy of service to Austin's parks during her eight-year tenure as a City Council Member. The motion to approve a letter of recognition for Council Member Alison Alter for her legacy of service to Austin's parks during her eight-year tenure as a City Council Member was approved on Board Member Reed’s motion, Board Member Taylor’s second on an 8-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme and Villalobos absent. 3. Discussion and approve a letter of recognition for Council Member Leslie Pool for her legacy of service to Austin’s Parks during her ten-year tenure as City Council Member. Council Member Pool expressed her appreciation for the Parks and Recreation Board’s recognition and for Austin’s parks. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 2024 The motion to approve a letter of recognition for Council Member Leslie Pool for her legacy of service to Austin’s Parks during her ten-year tenure as City Council Member was approved on Vice Chair Flower’s motion, Board Member Bazan’s second on an 8-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme and Villalobos absent. 4. Discussion and approve a letter of recognition for Council Member Mackenzie Kelly for her legacy of service to Austin’s Parks during her four-year tenure as City Council Member. The motion to approve a …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Haskell House & the Story of Clarksville Documentary Premiere Presented by the Historic Preservation & Tourism Program Historic Preservation & Tourism Program (HPT) • City Council allocated Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding in 2017 to support projects and initiatives that meet allowable uses defined under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. HOT revenue is an essential tool for promoting tourism and supporting the growth of the tourism, convention, and hotel industry. • HPT Program established in 2017 Architectural Development Division – HPT group: • Ellen Colfax, Project Manager, HPT Program Manager • Cynthia Jefferies, Program Development Coordinator • Sarah Marshall, Program Development Coordinator • Kim McKnight, Former Program Manager, Current Planning Department Historic Preservation Office Division Manager Mission Statement The mission of PARD’s Historic Preservation and Tourism Program (HPT) is to lead the identification, restoration, stewardship, interpretation, and promotion of the historic resources and cultural associations of Austin’s park system, allowing visitors and residents to discover and experience an authentic connection to the city’s diverse history. Historic Preservation & Tourism Program (HPT) • Did you know? PARD’s inventory contains about 550 historic and cultural resources, including structures, sites, buildings, objects – including some of the most iconic buildings and significant landmarks in the city and region Public history: interpretive signage, landmark designations, cultural resource management Marketing: digital and print advertising, brochures, graphic design, photography, video production Architecture: CIP & small projects Historic Preservation & Tourism Program (HPT) Projects in Construction Historic Preservation & Tourism Program (HPT) Projects in the Works HPT - Completed Projects Haskell House & the Story of Clarksville https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWE42 dozBAw Haskell House & the Story of Clarksville Questions Find Haskell House documentary on PARD’s YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AustinCityParks
Local Standards of Care Parks and Recreation Board January 27, 2025 Presented By: Christa McCarthy Ordinance State of Texas Human Resource Code Ch. 42 exempts municipalities of Child Care Licensure • Annually adopts standards of care by ordinance after a public hearing • Specific to elementary-age (ages 5-13) programs • Mechanism for monitoring and enforcing ordinance • Minimum staffing/ supervision ratios • Minimum staff qualifications • Minimum facility, health and safety standards • Means of distribution 2 Board Action Make a recommendation to City Council for renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Recreation Programs (20230413-055) • Public Hearing as required for State of Texas. Child Care Licensing exemption for youth programs operated by a municipality. • Austin City Council – March 27, 2025 3
2024 ANNUAL CONCESSION REPORT Presented by Karen Charles and Denisha Cox Parks and Recreation Board Meeting January 27, 2025 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. The annual report, prepared under this section, shall include: • The name of each concession operating in Town Lake • An income and expenditure statement for each • The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; concession; Metropolitan Park; and by a concession. • A statement describing any problems caused or created 2 Concessions Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms 4 FY24 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City s n o i l l i M $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Butler Pitch and Putt (Pecan Grove Golf Partners) Gross Sales Reported Expenditures Payments $3,167,723 $1,087,331 $255,218 *EpicSUP $346,788 $213,122 $42,302 Expedition School $28,877 $12,986 $2,712 Lone Star Riverboats $1,111,905 $1,098,532 $93,662 Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse *Zilker Eagle Zilker Park Boat Rentals $1,696,571 $1,226,323 $175,953 $2,453,441 $2,102,044 $359,170 $3,387,564 $3,064,653 $237,925 $315,563 $268,229 $- $976,444 $645,066 $90,285 5 Total Gross Sales $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 Annual Gross Sales Since 2020 $- FY20 Total Gross Sales $6,722,615 FY21 $12,380,735 FY22 $15,994,081 FY23 $13,554,936 FY24 $13,484,877 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $93,894 • New well water pump • Seasonal tree maintenance • Sod/Turfgrass installation • Updates to the putting green drainage system • Metal roof installation over outdoor trellis structures Rowing Dock – $6,676 • Ground Improvements • Redo granite pathways • Repairs and restaining picnic tables and beams around the parking • Tree trimming • Sanding, staining and replacing boards on the boxes around the lot trash containers 7 Concessions Outside of Lady Bird Lake Permit Type Term Permits Issued Cost / Permit Revenue Commercial Use – Food or Other Specific Park Use Commercial Use – Fitness Trainers Commercial Use – Performing Artists Golf Concessions (4 golf courses) TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED Six month Single …
Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Concession Locations ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Concession Contracts ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Contract Terms Solicitations and New Contracts Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Zilker Café ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Contract Extensions Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse ................................................................................................................ 6 EpicSUP/The Trail Conservancy .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Zilker Park Boat Rentals ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Zilker Eagle ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Parkland Operation and Management Agreement .......................................................................................................... 10 Concession Sales, Payments, and Expenditures .............................................................................................................. 12 Expiring Contracts Other Contract Changes Revenue Share Payments Capital Improvements Public Benefit Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Austin Rowing Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 EpicSUP ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Expedition School ............................................................................................................................................................. 17 Lone Star Riverboat .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Zilker Park Boat Rentals ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Zilker Eagle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19 i 4 4 6 8 9 13 15 16 Concessions Outside of Town Lake Park ......................................................................................................................... 20 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 21 Environmental Commission Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 21 Short-Term Permits Concessions at Golf Courses Toxic Algae and Extreme Heat Transportation Shuttles Public Benefit Watercraft Census New Concessions Carrying Capacity Zilker Eagle Update Appendix 1. Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Report FY24 .......................................................................... 26 Temporary Concession Permits and Commercial Use Revenue for Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Summary of Revenue for Temporary Concessions Temporary Concession Permits – Six Month and Single Day Targeted Concessions Commercial Use – Fitness Instructors and Instructor-Led Classes Performing Artists – Balloon Artist and Face Painting Appendix 2. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste Information ............................................................. 29 20 20 22 22 22 22 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 ii Executive Summary The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. In carrying out its mission, PARD has established nine permanent concessions in Town Lake Park that provide recreation services. These services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs); rowing instruction and memberships; food and beverage sales; short-course golf; excursion boats; and a mini train. The concessions were established pursuant to City of Austin Code Section 8-1-71, which authorizes the director of the Parks and Recreation Department to allow a person to operate a food or beverage, rental, or service concession in Town Lake Park. Additionally, …
Austin Water Lake Water Protection Program Contact: Chuck Deatherage, Supervisor, Water Protection Program, 512.972.1076, Charles.Deatherage@austintexas.gov CITY REQUIREMENTS Austin Water requires excursion boats to comply with all state and federal laws. Currently, only three excursion boats with marine sanitation devices have been permitted for use on Lady Bird Lake: Lone Star, Lone Star Riverboat (PARD Town Lake concession) • • MV Nighthawk, Capital Cruises • MV Pride and Joy, Capital Cruises City ordinance (Chapter 6-5, Article 3, Division 2) governs watercraft with marine sanitation devices. Austin Water’s Lake Water Protection Program oversees compliance by requiring each excursion boat with an on-board toilet (marine sanitation device) and each boat pump-out facility used for removing sewage from any boat or watercraft to obtain annual permits. In each case, the owner or operator must apply for a permit and follow permit display requirements. • • Excursion Boat with Marine Sanitation Device Permit Application Boat Pump-Out Facility Permit Application The ordinance authorizes the director of Austin Water to “inspect any boat, shore facility or boat pump-out facility at any reasonable time to determine compliance” with city code. Per this ordinance, Austin Water inspects each boat annually and checks for compliance with pump-out regulations. Failure to comply with any part of these rules may result in enforcement action, including fines of up to $2,000 per violation per day. Annual permit applications include the date of the most recent inspection, whether the applicant passed the inspection, and information about the waste removal method and provider. STATE REQUIREMENTS All boats and boat pump-out facilities must additionally comply with State of Texas Clean Water Certification Program requirements, whether or not the requirement to obtain a permit applies. In addition, owners and operators of all boats, marinas and shore facilities must meet other requirements related to boat sewage and sanitation facilities, including those addressing design, installation, operation, discharge prohibitions, record-keeping and waste documentation. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste information FY 2019 I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct: Owner or Operator Print Name Owner or Operator Signature Date Office Use Only Application Info: Inspection Info: Received Date Application Complete? □ Yes □ No Inspection Passed? □ Yes □ No Date Inspector Initials If inspection failed, describe all violations noted and required corrective actions below: Permit Number Decal Number Permit Issued Date Permit Expiration Date Permit Info: Please forward the report to: …
Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group Meeting #1 Friday, January 17, 4pm – 5pm Attendees: Nicole Merritt, Jennifer Franklin, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker (joined late) 1. Updates from City Process Discussed that we have not yet heard any indication of the City timeline for budget recommendations from Boards and Commissions or more generally, particularly as we have a new City Manager compared to last year. Unclear at this time if it will be more like last year or previous years. Vice Chair Flowers to engage PARD staL on this topic and provide an update from their end. 2. Possible Items of Interest for Recommendation Absent existing insight or guidance into the current process, the working group noted items they have heard consistent citizen feedback on this year as well as items that were discussed last year but were not prioritized for other reasons. The items discussed for further investigation were: - Funding for lifeguards that might allow the City of Austin to keep pools open for a longer season given our trending hotter weather - Wildfire prevention/planning to prevent potential emergency events - Crime in parks (burglary, property crime) - Addressing PARD’s staL ability to assist individuals experiencing homelessness - Funding for programming at recreation centers and senior centers, particularly for summer camps and overcrowded centers - Cemetery maintenance - Reclaimed water use in Parks It was noted that funding related to people experiencing homelessness may be complicated given that diLerent city departments have various levels of responsibility for the issue. We discussed the importance again of working with other boards and commissions for maximum impact and noted in the action items some reach out related to that area. Additionally, we discussed the need to gather broad feedback at the next full Parks and Recreation Board meeting from all members present. 3. Action Items Given limited information on the City of Austin front, we have a small number of action items before our next meeting. They are as follows: - Vice Chair Flowers to contact PARD staL (Suzann) about a briefing for the budget group on what they are expecting - Vice Chair Flowers to note to Chair Villalobos that a briefing on wildfire prevention eLorts at the City to PARB may be advisable - Multiple board members to reach out to other boards and commissions to ask about potential partner items, as noted below: o Vice Chair Flowers …
Haskell House and the story of Clarksville, Austin Parks and Recreation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzQ87mTftwU&ab_channel=AustinParksandRecreation
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Jesús Aguirre, Director January 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: Mile Zero Trailhead in Zilker Park: Construction has begun in Zilker Park on the Mile Zero Trailhead of Violet Crown Trail and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The City of Austin and the Hill Country Conservancy have partnered to develop the Violet Crown Trail system. Through a Parkland Improvement Agreement, HCC has led the design, permitting, and construction of this trailhead. Funding is being provided through Hill Country Conservancy, Austin Parks Foundation, and City of Austin Parkland Dedication funds. Construction is anticipated to last through the end of 2025. District 8 austintexas.gov/department/violet-crown-trail R e n d e r i n g o f p r o p o s e d m e a d o w p a v i l i o n a t t h e Z i l k e r M i l e Z e r o T r a i l h e a d . C r e d i t H i l l C o u n t r y C o n s e r v a n c y , A u s t i n P a r k s F o u n d a t i o n , T B G P a r t n e r s R A G R A P H T E X T A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Agave Neighborhood Park: The installation of a 54ft x 50ft shade structure over the play area at Agave Neighborhood Park will begin on February 10 and is planned to be complete in early March. The play area will be closed to the public during this time, but the pavilions, drinking fountain and park areas will remain open and accessible to the public throughout. | District 1 austintexas.gov/department/agave-park-shade Metz Playground: The installation of a new playground at Metz Neighborhood Park will begin January 27 and is anticipated to be complete by the end of May 2025. The installation includes both a new playscape and nature play features. The play area, walkway, water fountain and …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250127-3 January 27, 2025 Local Standards of Care Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Recreation Programs. Vote Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Recreation Programs was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. For: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Lane Becker, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250127-4 January 27, 2025 2024 Annual Concessions Report Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends Austin City Council approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report. Vote Seconded By: Nicole Merritt The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. For: Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Lane Becker, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
