B8: A-Approved Board Member Rinaldi Resolution — original pdf

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Whereas concessions serve as an important source of programming, offering park visitors the opportunity to experience various outdoor activities that support physical and mental health; and Whereas the eight concessions on Lady Bird Lake provided revenue to the general fund in the amount of $745,475 in FY21; and Whereas both programmed and passive park spaces serve the public in distinct but complementary ways; and Whereas a waterfront park such as Town Lake Metropolitan Park serves diverse users who seek out a broad array of activities, including but not limited to hiking, biking, paddling, and boating; and Whereas Lady Bird Lake is recognized and treasured for its natural beauty; Therefore, be it resolved that the Parks and Recreation Board accepts the concession report presented on 11/30/21 and recommends that PARD continue the following activities relating to concessions on Lady Bird Lake: • Continue working with Austin Rowing Club pending construction of the Blue Line light rail to identify an alternate location for the concession and secure appropriate compensation for the concessionaire and/or City • Continue working with the Corporate Purchasing office to facilitate and continuously improve a competitive bidding process that attracts multiple bids for each concession • Continue to promote socioeconomic and racial equity through concessions and contracting policies • Continue to cooperate with the Watershed Protection Department and Austin Fire Department to conduct preliminary research associated with regulations and code that may govern Lady Bird Lake’s watercraft capacity • Continue to pursue studies in cooperation with the Watershed Protection Department around watercraft impacts including but not limited to erosion, environmental impacts, water quality, and litter abatement • Work with concessionaires to balance the need for accommodating both programmed and non-programmed uses when selecting new capital improvements at waterfront concessions • Continue to examine opportunities to equitably locate rowing/paddling concessions all around Lady Bird Lake from cyanobacteria • Continue to raise public awareness around water quality and safety issues stemming • Continue to work with public safety agencies to promote safe behavior on the water • Continue to work expeditiously to bring the Zilker Cafe online as a concession