PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: April 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park: The second round of community engagement for the design of an All-Abilities Playground at Onion Creek will take place this spring with a virtual community meeting on May 2nd followed by several small group discussions. The Department is partnering with Austin Parks Foundation and their consultant team, TBG Partners and Cultural Strategies, to design and develop the playground in alignment with the 2015 Vision Plan. The project team has developed multiple conceptual ideas based on feedback from the first round of community engagement in January. A final round of community engagement to share a single playground concept is expected to be completed by late summer. A schematic design phase led by Austin Parks Foundation will begin as funding becomes available. District 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/Onion-Creek-All-Abilities Interested community members are invited to review initial concepts and provide feedback. Meeting will have ASL and Spanish interpretation and closed captioning available. The playground will be universally accessible and inclusive to all visitors, particularly children with disabilities and special needs, and it will feature innovative design and programming opportunities. This playground is being developed in collaboration with Austin Parks Foundation as part of the 2015 Onion Creek Metropolitan Park Vision Plan. Zoom Registration Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Project Webpage District 2 Bolm District Park Vision Plan- Virtual Community Meeting #3: Join project team members on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the third round of community engagement. Staff will share a concept design as the next step for the vision planning process and launch the third community survey. Come learn about how the previous rounds of engagement have informed the future park planning and get your questions answered about next steps. Spanish interpretation provided. Bolm District Park Vision Plan, Community Engagement Round 3 Registration Tuesday, May 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bolm District Park Webpage District 3 This final round of community engagement will present a draft vision plan concept for the park, with presentations to the Department Executive Team and the Parks and Recreation Board to follow. The draft vision plan and report are anticipated to be completed this summer. District 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/bolm-district-park-vision-plan 1 Brownie Neighborhood Park: In May, the Department’s Community PARKnerships team will organize a series of activities and PARKnership pop-up events to celebrate …
City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Human Resources April 22, 2024 Daniel Paciocco, HR Manager PARD Human Resources Team Employment/Compensation Employee Relations Sam Williams, HR Supervisor • • Ray Paez, HR Advisor Senior • Melissa Martinez, HR Advisor Samantha Ferry, HR Advisor • • Avis Gipson, HR Assistant Senior LeeAnn Tacchi, HR Assistant • Benefits and Payroll • Alisha Mayes, HR Supervisor • Gloria Terrazas, HR Specialist • Arrietta Allen, HR Specialist Organizational Development & Training • Rachel Irmen, OD & TSS Jai McGraw, HR Supervisor • • Wes Koehl, HR Advisor Senior • Vickie Westphal, HR Advisor Senior • Rachel Poole, HR Advisor Senior Safety • John Hollenbeck, Occupational Safety Manager • Adam Jones, Safety Specialist Senior John Nelsen, Safety Specialist • Karl Loftis, Safety Specialist • • Cheryl Brown, B &G Assistant Administration • Ann Galabeas, Administrative Assistant • Omeama Yousuf, Administration 2 EMPLOYMENT The employment team reduced total vacancies from 158.5 (19.6%) January of 2023 to a current number of 69 (8.6%), met 2023 demand for staffing of summer programs which included staffing hired to open all of the City Aquatic facilities, on and off boarding over 2,000 temporary employees. Numerous reports were created as tools for the Department to track vacancies, bonus payouts, and temporary staff. VACANCY DASHBOARD HEADER The employment team, along with the PARD ISM team, built an electronic Temporary Onboarding database that has streamlined temporary staffing increasing hiring efficiency and reducing hiring times and errors. Employment/Compensation Team • Sam Williams, HR Supervisor • Ray Paez, HR Advisor Senior • Melissa Martinez, HR Advisor • Samantha Ferry, HR Advisor • Avis Gipson, HR Assistant Senior • LeeAnn Tacchi, HR Assistant TOPS Home Page 3 3 Benefits and Payroll • Alisha Mayes, HR Supervisor • Gloria Terrazas, HR Specialist • Arrietta Allen, HR Specialist BENEFITS AND PAYROLL The payroll team successfully paid out hundreds of summer bonuses in 2023 with almost a 100% accuracy rate, facilitated the UKG Kronos roll-out to a complex department. The Benefits side has been able to improve the leave management and benefits process, to help ensure PARD staff have access to ALL of the City Benefits. Bonus dashboard 4 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS The Employee Relations team has reduced the number of ongoing ER concerns from over 60 to currently 22. The team has built excellent partnerships across the Department from individual contributors to the Director including the HR Department, …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on April 22, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor (left meeting at 6:27 p.m.). Board Members Absent: Lane Becker. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joe Riddell - Waterloo Greenway and Waterloo Conservancy Laura Esparza - Austin Arts Alliance and Daugherty Arts Center Ted Eubanks - Frederick Law Olmstead Parks and Divisive vs. Unifying actions Lucky Lemieux - Daugherty Arts Center Construction Diana Prechter - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Wolf Sittler - Norwood House Chris Flores - Barton Springs Pool Issues Gail Rothe - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Tanya Payne - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Teri Adams - Role of the Parks and Recreation Board Robin Rather - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Andrea Hill - PARD Management Patrick Moore - Building a Tower in Bolm District Park APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meetings of March 27, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meeting of March 27, 2024 with amendments to remove the words “Barton Springs Conservancy’s Role” from Item 7 Paragraph 1, and to show Board Member Stephanie Bazan as having been in attendance remotely was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote with two vacancies. Board Members Becker and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Human Resources Team for their successful recruiting and hiring practices, use of new technology, administration of summer bonuses, and nationally recognized safety training program. Daniel Paciocco, Human Resources Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on delays in lifeguard hiring and the need for more HR staff. The motion to approve letters of support for PARD Human Resources Team for their successful recruiting and hiring practices, use …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MARCH 27, 2024 – 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TX 78752 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/7iNcGXNT4q 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. Free on-site parking is available in the parking garage and with validation. Attendees should enter via the Event Center Doors on Wilhelmina Delco Drive. More information is available here: https://www.austintexas.gov/pdc. 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) VACANT (D-6) Julie Hayes (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 26, 2024. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS Report of recommendations by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Working Group. (Sponsors: Flowers, Orme, Merritt, Becker, Franklin). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Cold Weather Shelter staff. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): David Crabb, Community Recreation Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. DISCUSSION ITEMS STAFF BRIEFINGS Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 160 days, of parkland located at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave). Total mitigation fee is $1,774,993. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Karen Poff, P.E., Power System Principal Engineer, Austin Energy Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. Approve …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Recommendation Seconded By: The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: 1. The allocation of sufficient additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to begin the process of addressing the under resourcing of recreation centers and senior centers, both in programming and physical capacity, including: a. Continuation of existing staff study and proposal of a potential bond for capital improvement projects identified as high priority for investment in the forthcoming PARD - Recreation and Senior Center Facility Assessment & Gap Analysis report. Potential priorities include but are not limited to: shade structures, increased headcount for PARD staff to run programming, additional recreational and/or senior facility space in areas identified as high need, and an expansion in adaptive services. (~$80,000, potentially in existing staff time) b. Additional part-time and/or hourly staff to accommodate more children during summer camps at facilities where space has been identified and expansion is possible, to total no fewer than 5 FTE ($150,000) 2. The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address the following needs outlined in the Climate Equity Plan: a. Carbon Neutral Public Lands (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. ii. iii. The installation of efficient automated/drip irrigation on PARD property with native trees and landscaping, with priority near underserved communities with lower access to nature in East Austin, using reclaimed water wherever practical ($250,000) Additional annual funding to be allocated for the maintenance of existing installations and irrigation systems ($150,000) A full-time Program Manager positions (1 FTE) to be created and funded to plan land management projects and identify and apply for funding to implement them ($150,000) 3. The allocation of additional funding to the appropriate department to address the following needs outlined in the Climate Equity Plan: a. Converting Impervious Cover to Functional Green (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. Audit of City-owned non-functional or unnecessary impervious cover, including surface-level parking lots, and develop a plan to convert an ambitious percentage of these to functional green uses as soon as practical ($200,000) b. No Mow Signage (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) Permanent signage to show city land is not being neglected but rather managed for wildlife. Signage should be prioritized in low income and BIPOC neighborhoods, be bilingual, and include visuals when possible ($75,000) 1 …
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G M.O.U. # 24-003 FDU: 1/10/2024 13,116 sq. ft. = $1,491,945 7,314 sq. ft. = $185,998 $93,050 3,659 sq. ft. = Bob Kahn General Manager, Austin Energy Department Kimberly McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP Director, Parks and Recreation Department TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Austin Energy Duct Bank - Brazos and Trinity DATE: Austin Energy Department is requesting a Chapter 26 application for the change of use of parkland at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave) as part of the work site for the above referenced project as indicated in Map Exhibit Attachment B. The parkland is to be used for Permanent and Temporary Use. The requested area is: Permanent Use: Temporary Work Area: Temporary Staging/Access Total Parkland Mitigation Amount = Austin Energy agrees to provide the above mitigation in return for the use of the parkland. Estimated construction duration is 160 calendar days. Estimated Date of final completion (restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and PARD: June 2025. Extension or modification of parkland use must receive prior written approval from PARD. Additional fees may be required. Austin Energy Department Point of Contact: Karen Poff Parks and Recreation Point of Contact: Gregory Montes Phone Number: 512-974-9458 Parks & Recreation Board: Council Approval: Phone Number: 512-332-6464 $1,770,993 1 of 2 Date ____________________________________________________________ Kimberly McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP Director, Parks and Recreation Department CONCURRENCE ____________________________________________________________ Bob Kahn General Manager, Austin Energy Department Date Attachments: A (Mitigation Calculation) Attachments: B (Map Exhibit) 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Permanent Use - Downtown MOU 24-003 Calculated Fee $1,491,945 Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park Temporary Use - Downtown Work Area $185,998 Temporary Use - Downtown Staging Area $93,050 TOTAL = $1,770,993 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use - Downtown TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $406,178,487 Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park 0 MOU 24-003 Avg. Lot Size (sq. ft.): 1,249,780 Based on subject property Value per Square Ft. ($): $325 TCAD Land Value divided by subject property Requested Area (sq. ft.): 13,116 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $4,262,700 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 35% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $1,491,945 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value DISTURBANCE VALUES Area can still be developed with minimal or no limitations (underground work/materials with no/few above ground appurtenances/fixtures) Area can still be developed with moderate limitations (underground work/materials with some small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) Development severely limited (underground work/materials with large or several small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) No future park development possible in the area - dedicated to installation (underground and/or surface appurtenances/fixtures) 35% 50% 75% 100% Temporary Use - Downtown 1 ATTACHMENT 'A' - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park 0 MOU 24-003 Average Daily Cost to Park Car ($): $24 Based on average for downtown parking lot fees Parking Space Size (Sq. Ft.): 151 Based on standard parking space Requested Area (Sq. Ft.): 7,314 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Equivalent Number of Parking Spaces: 48 Requested Area divided by standard parking space Daily Mitigation Rate ($): $1,162 Equivalent Number of Parking Spaces multiplied by Average Daily Cost to park car Days Requested: 160 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Total Mitigation Rate ($): $185,998 Daily Mitigation Rate multiplied by Days Requested Temporary Use - Downtown 2 ATTACHMENT 'A' - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park 0 MOU 24-003 Average Daily Cost to Park Car ($): $24 Based on average for downtown parking lot fees Average Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 151 Based on standard parking space Requested Area (Sq. …
C E S A R C H A V E Z B R A Z O S S T T R I N I T Y S T EASEMENT LEGEND LADYBIRD LAKE (1) TEMPORARY ACCESS EASEMENT PART 1 - 406 SY (1) TEMPORARY ACCESS EASEMENT PART 2 - 810 SY (3) PERMANENT ELECTRIC EASEMENT - 179 SY TBPE Registration #F-2966 2705 Bee Cave Road, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 314-3100 Fax (512) 314-3135 (4) PERMANENT SUBTERRANEAN ELECTRIC EASEMENT - 1277 SY MAP EXHIBIT B N 0 20' 40' 80' SCALE: 1" = 40' PARD EASEMENTS BRAZOS ST DUCT BANK CIVIL WORK AUSTIN ENERGY CITY OF AUSTIN EXHIBIT EX-1 (REVISION #2) 03-1-23
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Seconded By: Duct Bank at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 160 days, of parkland located at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave). Total mitigation fee is $1,774,993. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign]
03/14/2024 Women swimmers request an essential “change order” for the Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse Rehab For consideration by the Parks Board and Council Members 03/14/2024 Contact: Diana Prechter dianaprechter@gmail.com 512-922-0113 Page of 1 6 I have an update and a request regarding the Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse rehab design. Our self-appointed Women Swimmers Technical Advisory Group met with Director McNeeley, ACM Hayden-Howard and members of the bathhouse project team on 2/29/2024. Our swimmers’ YouTube video explaining our concerns and our reasonable proposals has now received 547 views. We are waiting to hear the response from ACM Hayden-Howard. However, we have one essential concern that we want to express to Council Members and the Parks Board. We are asking Council and the Parks Board to please ensure that the City Manager’s Office directs the project team to remove the SE corner family restroom proposed for the women’s shower and dressing area. Page of 2 6 The “red oval” is the open-air women’s shower in the middle of the courtyard. If family restroom #5 is intended to be used by families with young children, it violates the privacy of both the women showering and of the children. The men’s courtyard has no such family restroom opening into their showers. Please give women the same privacy. If family restroom #5 is intended to serve gender-fluid people, it fails the test because they have been forced to walk through the women’s corridor and showers. Let me explain why women’s safety is compromised by this corner location of a family restroom. Page of 3 6 Zilker Park is a metropolitan park that allows overnight parked vehicles. The pool and bathhouse offer select hours of free admission daily. The facility is open to the public from 5 am to 10 pm which includes many hours of darkness. I have often been in these showers, completely alone, on a dark summer night — once I was startled to find a man hiding by the toilets. I have been in these showers while there was a woman screaming, experiencing mental health issues. I have been here in the morning when feces were discovered in a shower from an overnight hidden guest. The existing women’s corridor family restroom is frequently abused. Lifeguards are tasked with cleaning a family restroom when it looks like a crime scene with blood, feces and needles. Staff has explained to us: If they don’t …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County Find your seat at the table Some Food for Thought Developing a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan sets clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan builds on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and Communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan centers equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system Here’s a brief message from our Community Advisory Committee on why you should care about this plan: Food connects us all. Every bite sparks a ripple effect, impacting the system that nourishes our community. From farmers, chefs, and grocery store workers to neighbors and families, we're all part of this story. As the City of Austin and Travis Country continue to grow, this food plan is here to guide us moving forward, ensuring everyone has access to the food they need to thrive. This isn't just about eating – it's about building a future where food is a basic human right and our choices nourish not just ourselves but our world. Good to Know ● On June 2021 Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 ● A draft was released on March 18th and it’s now open for public comment. Link to full resolution Project Timeline Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March - August 2023 September 2023 - February 2024 February - Summer/Fall 2024 We are here ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafe’s ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at events 📞 Equity Grounding Workshops 🤝 Community Circles 👐 Selecting Issue Area Groups🍽 ● ● ● ● Issue Area Group Meetings 🏘 Develop Goals and Strategies 🎯 Review Goals and Strategies Develop a draft for the Food Plan 🖊 ● ● ● ● Community Review of Plan 👀 Council and Commissioner Review ⚖ Approval 👍 Adoption 🏁 Co-creating …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Parks and Recreation Board March 25, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 2 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Program. ▪ Maximize community benefits and infrastructure investments. ▪ Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown and that supports Project Connect. ▪ Allow entitlements for required infrastructure and community benefits. ▪ Ensure entitlements meet market demand. ▪ Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. ▪ Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 3 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 4 Combining District Components ▪ General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) ▪ Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) ▪ Development Standards (What can be built and where) ▪ Design Standards (How it will look) ▪ Definitions 5 Density Bonus Components ▪ Procedures/Requirements ▪ “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment ▪ In-Lieu Fees and Dedications ▪ Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 6 Streets and Light Rail 7 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Critical Water Quality Zones 9 Permitted land uses support: Land Uses – Transit – Pedestrian use – Mixed-use – Creative Enterprise – Recreation and Entertainment Activity 10 Parks & Open Space ▪ Required publicly accessible Open Space (5% of site) ▪ Parkland dedication may be credited towards Parks Fee-in-Lieu amount ▪ Buildout of parks amenities is a community benefit available for bonus area ▪ Both parkland dedication and buildout must meet PARD criteria and be accepted by the PARD Director 11 *For artistic rendering purposes only 12 Bonus Program Structure First Then (For Additional FAR Beyond Base) Gate Keeper Requirements Onsite Affordable Housing (Fee for Non-Residential) Enhanced Environmental Protections Streetscape & Built Environment (To Reach Up to FAR Subdistrict Maximums) 70% In-Lieu Fees & Dedications Affordable Housing Parks Infrastructure 30% On-Site Community Benefits Open Space Universal Design Child / Adult Care Park Buildout Cultural Uses Music Venues Grocery Store Transit- Supportive Infrastructure 13 Existing PUDs, PDAs, and Planned Development Areas 15 Timeline b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J Public Comment Period Feb. 20 – Mar. 20 E n g a g e me …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on February 26, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lisa Hugman, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Julie Hayes, Shelby Orme. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ted Eubanks - Friends of Wooldridge Square Claire Krebs - Festival Beach Community Garden Andrea Hill - Barton Springs Bathhouse Contract Diana Prechter - Barton Springs Bathhouse Patricia Bobeck - Donating 3 minutes to Diana Prechter Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Joel Manzo - Austin Youth Baseball. Donated 2 minutes to Jason Williams Jason Williams - Game time fields owner Zoey Carlson - Austin Sandlot Baseball Community Santiago - Incomplete tree inventory near I-35 C Rickner - Austin Sandlot Baseball Community APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Team 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve the letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Unit was approved on Chair Villalobos' motion, Board Member Bazan's second on a 9-0. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to the environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Liz Johnston, Environmental Policy Program Coordinator and Katie Coyne, Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the width of portions of the trail, erosion, trail paving martials, 2:1 mitigation vs 1:1 mitigation, City Council's authority to authorize the widening of trails, Council …
Parks and Recreation Board Fiscal Year 24/25 Budget Recommendation: Reed Additional Recommendation #1: Funding for three (3) FTE positions to implement PARD’s Land Management Plan. Rationale: • On Sept. 21, 2023 the Austin City Council approved the Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis for Austin Parks and Recreation Department natural areas • Five (5) FTEs needed to implement the plan, 0 FTEs were assigned • 2 FTEs were allocated in FY24 budget amendment • The estimated need is ~$200/ac ongoing for staffing and O&M, based on internal cost estimates and comparisons with similar programs • The Land Management Plan supports Austin’s Climate Equity Plan Goal #1: By 2030, legally protect an additional 20,000 acres of carbon pools on natural lands and manage all new and existing natural areas (approximately 70,000 acres total), focusing on resilience. • The Land Management Plan supports Austin/Travis County Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (CWPP), Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan for 2020- 2030, and Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment for the City of Austin Reed Additional Recommendation #2: Funding for 14 additional FTEs for PARD Grounds Maintenance Team, to align with same level of service in FY14. Rationale: (This information was provided by my appointing Council Member Alison Alter’s office from research by Budget Office Staff and PARD.) Budget Office and PARD Staffing has identified that funding for CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) has not always included funding for ongoing Operations and Maintenance staff for new projects. PARD has provided data for its ground maintenance team comparing FY14 with FY23 budgeted and actual expenditures. PARD’s analysis shows that attaining ‘ideal’ service levels would require 190.4 FTEs for their grounds maintenance team, an increase of 70.4 FTEs from its current authorization. PARD has provided data for its ground maintenance team comparing FY14 with FY23 budgeted and actual expenditures. Over this nine-year period, the budget for this team has grown from $7,279,052 to $13,296,168, an increase of $6,017,116, or 82.7%. Actual expenses by this team were $7,083,168 in FY14 and $12,960,218 in FY23, an increase of $5,877,050 or 83.0%. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in labor costs associated with significant increases in the City’s living wage. For instance, while Parks Grounds Assistants earned as little as $12.31 per hour in FY14, the current base wage for these positions is $20.80 per hour. PARD has created a model for FY23 based on estimated man …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: THROUGH: FROM: Mayor and Council Members Stephanie Hayden Howard, LMSW, Assistant City Manager Kimberly A. McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP, Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department February 21, 2024 DATE: SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Land Management Plan Update FY24 Q1 _____________________________________________________________________________ This memo serves as an update on the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) implementation of the Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis, also referred to as the PARD land management plan. This Plan, approved by Council in September 2023, guides PARD’s efforts to actively restore natural areas, mitigate wildfire risk, and provide vital ecosystem services to the Austin area. The PARD Land Management Program (Program) is the Department work group primarily responsible for, among other tasks, implementing the PARD land management plan. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Program focused on implementing restoration and fuel mitigation treatments, establishing new contracts for vegetation management, hiring new full-time employees created through the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and applying for grant funding. Land Management Program The Program is comprised of four positions and a total general fund budget of $852,814. Personnel Environmental Conservation Program Manager Environmental Program Coordinator Environmental Program Coordinator Environmental Scientist Manages PARD Land Management Program Community outreach and manages programs including Wildlife Austin Leads ecological restoration and fuel mitigation operations Leads environmental monitoring and research, GIS analysis, and implements land management activities $499,923 Existing Existing Allocated FY2024/position posted Allocated FY2024/position posted Page 1 of 3 Contracts/Commodities $387,891 Expenses such as contracted restoration work, equipment, tools, safety equipment, fencing, signage, professional development, fuel, utilities, toll charges, vehicle repairs and maintenance, office supplies, and computer equipment. $35,000 852,814 Expense Refund TOTAL Staff from PARD’s Forestry and Park Ranger Programs were temporarily assigned to assist with planning and oversight of contracted fuel mitigation projects while new full-time staff are recruited, hired, and onboarded. First Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Accomplishments 621 acres of prescribed burns have been planned and permitted for completion this year. In November 2023, the Program hosted wildland fire training for Austin Civilian Conservation Corps members and additional staff from PARD, The Nature Conservancy, Austin Water, and the UT Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. These and other organizations assist with prescribed burns on parkland through cooperative agreements. The Program also completed 44 acres of other ecological restoration treatments. Up to 300 acres are …
COLD WEATHER SHELTERS IN PARD Devon Farber, MSRLS, CPRP David Crabb, Division Manager AGENDA • Overview • Summary Data • Clients Served • Program Staff INTRODUCTION • In Fiscal Year 2024, the Parks and Recreation Department provided cold weather shelters to those in need during periods of inclement weather. This presentation will provide an overview of the response, including the number of guests served, the dates of operation, and the staff involved. • The decision to open Cold Weather Shelters is typically made daily in coordination with multiple departments based on temperature thresholds. CWS are activated if the overnight weather meets the activation criteria: •32 degrees or colder overnight •35 degrees, with rain/wet •35 degrees, with wind chill of 32 or colder THE DATA • 12 total days of operation this FY • Jan 13-Jan 20 8 consecutive days Jan 14 - Wed Jan 17 24/7 operation Total served: 3,167 guests • Total staff hours by seasonal staff: 878.5 • 14 Community Rec exempt staff assisted in the efforts • City shelters housed and fed 209, 404, 659, 590 and 405 people per night for a total of 2,267 people served at 7 shelters over 5 days, a record number. • The City partners with the Austin Area Urban League to manage shelter operations at 3 sites, and Cap Metro to coordinate transportation. GUESTS SERVED Total Guests served: 3,167 Men: 2,533 Women: 634 Pets: 27 COMMUNITY RECREATION MANAGERS Devon Farber Delano Brown West Baxter Kelly Maltsberger North District Program Manager Central District Program Manager South District Program Manager Seniors 50+ Program Manager Tamika Bateman Gus Garcia Rec Center Marco Olivares Austin Rec Center Clay Shelton Northwest Rec Center Russell Diggs Dove Springs Rec Center Billy James Turner-Roberts / Parque Zaragoza Rec Center Mark Vasquez Montopolis Rec Center PROGRAM SUPERVISORS OF COLD WEATHER SHELTERS SUMMARY • The FY2024 Parks and Recreation Cold Weather Shelter program has been instrumental in providing relief to thousands of individuals and families during cold weather conditions. With dedicated supervisors and program managers, as well as multiple sites operating efficiently, the initiative has significantly contributed to the welfare of the community during adverse weather situations.
