Austin Parks and Recreation Department Summer Camp Activities Update Laura Esparza, Acting Assistant Director To help protect your privacy, PowerPoint has blocked automatic download of this picture. Summer Camp by the Numbers 22 Summer Camp locations 10,266 Available Registrations 7,345 Camp Bookings to date 2,921 Available spots 6 Playground Programs Summer Camp Recruitment 330 Temporary Staff needed for camps and playground programs 16 hired to date and 39 in progress Strategies for success Summer Completion Bonus of $500 All hands on deck Covid-19 protocols for a new surge PARB Resolution recognized by City Council Summer Aquatics by the Numbers 33 Operational Pools (Givens closed for replacement) Recruitment 750 Lifeguards needed 140 Lifeguards hired to date Incentive programs Surveying staff to determine appropriate incentives ~Marketing Plans~ Community Recreation o Hiring fairs and event tabling o Paid Advertising and Press Releases/News Reports o Social Media o Summer Completion Bonus o Motorblade to distribute flyers around town o Yard signs & Posters o Street Banners Aquatics o Incentive programs (with partners) o Hiring Fairs o Paid Advertising o Social Media o Incentive pay o Reduced training to $20 to attract applicants/employees o Return to in-person recruiting at local High Schools o Direct mailers to targeted zip codes Equity and Inclusion Efforts VISION: Austin Parks and Recreation provides accessible, diverse, and inclusive summer camps GOAL: Reduce barriers to our programs and provide more equitable opportunities to register. Early registration, February 8-18, for participants who qualify for financial aid, adaptive and inclusion support programs. Provided 1:1 in-person assistance and over the phone Results: 16% of our enrollment, financial aid participants Results: 2% were those who qualify for our inclusion services. Results: Increase in financial aid registrations (over 2019) in specialty camps that are very competitive. PARB COUNCIL REQUEST 20220222 B4Summer Camps PARB Expected Outcomes: Empower and resource PARD to offer summer camps and pre pandemic capacity – including funding (pending OUNCIL ACTION) Make resiliency plans to ensure full capacity (pending COUNCIL ACTION) Ensure field trips and aquatics activities are part of the programming (DONE.) Questions? Contact: Laura.Esparza@austintexas.gov Lucas.Massie@austintexas.gov
Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 BUDGET FORECAST Department Budget Overview FY 2022 Totals at a Glance FY 2022 Approved Budget FY 2022 Positions FY 2022 Sources $115 Million 769.25 FTEs Tax Supported: 75% Fees/Other: 22% Grants/Other: 3% FY 2022 Budget by Program FY 2022 Budget Highlights Support Services 5% Transfers, Debt Service, and Other Requirements 11% Park Planning, Development, Operations and Maintenance 27% • • • $660K for Operations & Maintenance Support for the operation and maintenance of new, expanded, and redeveloped parkland and facilities $900K for expansion of child-care at recreation centers $615K for expansion of Park Rangers Program Community Services 57% 2 Department Overview Data and Highlights FY22 Expenditure Budget by Category PARD Full Time Employees 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Personnel $77M 65.3% Contractuals $33M 30.2% 780 760 740 720 700 680 Commodities $5M 4.5% 693.75 695.75 719.25 694.75 FTE 734.75 769.25 744.75 PARD SD23 Goals and Measures • Activate and enhance urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming Align accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests Ensure the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life Expand and improve access to parks and facilities for all • • • 3 Department Budget Overview FY 2023 Proposed Total PARD Budget Forecast FY 2023 Proposed Budget FY 2023 Proposed Positions FY 2023 Sources Tax Supported: 75% Fees/Other: 22% Grants/Other: 3% $118.7 Million* 769.25 FTEs FY 2023 General Fund Highlights Proposed General Fund Budget Increase - $3.3M** Employee Wage Adjustment Increases Fleet Maintenance and Fuel City Support Services Standard City-Wide Cost Drivers - $1.4M • • • Requested Department-Wide Cost Drivers - $1.9M Increases to accommodate items previously authorized by Council and/or Contractual Obligations Barton Springs Pool Safety and Security Support Cemetery Interment Unit Increase Operations & Maintenance Support Millennium Youth Entertainment Center (MYEC) Maintenance *Includes Enterprise Golf Fund **Estimate only. FY23 Budget is still under development, pending City Council approval. 4 Department Budget Overview FY 2023 Budget Proposal BASE COST DRIVER DEFINITION: General Fund and Support Services departments must develop a forecast with only baseline requirements. In other words, the only increases allowable are those necessary to accommodate items previously authorized by Council. Examples of acceptable forecast items that increase the Department’s budget are: • Costs of a new facility that will be opened part-way through FY …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division PARB Finance Committee Presentation Under Resourced Service Expectations February 28, 2022 FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations Definition: critical needs that are essential to meeting service expectations of our community, but lack resources Prioritization of needs developed by subject matter experts from across the department Direction re: the Board/Commission input process: Focus on efficiency and/or consider options for reallocations of funding from the existing available budget 2 Categories of Prioritized Needs (FY 2023 Estimates) Address Homelessness, Safety and Security Increase Human Resources Support $2.5M ongoing $225K one-time $286K ongoing $7K one-time Advance Equity $744K ongoing $9K one-time Meet Customer Service Expectations for Condition and Quality of Parks and Facilities $1.13M ongoing $589K one-time $2.5M vehicles 3 Address Homelessness, Safety and Security Address Homelessness, Safety and Security - $2.5M ongoing; $225K one-time • Homelessness response and support $1.5M 2 FTEs $200K ongoing • Additional temporary staffing at Barton Springs Pool for increasing safety efforts $506K ongoing • Expand security services department- wide $213K ongoing • Natural Resources Temp Staffing for Park Rangers $300K ongoing; $25K one-time 4 Increase Human Resources Support Increase Human Resources Support - $286K ongoing; $7K one-time • Human Resources support for increased effort in onboarding of staff and training coordinator to ensure appropriate base training related to safety, program delivery, general operating policy/procedures $194K ongoing 2.5 FTEs $5K one-time • Increase in Department’s Diversity Recruiting Strategy and Equity Training $93K ongoing; 1 FTE $2K on-going 5 Advance Equity Advance Equity - $744K ongoing; $9K one-time • Advance Department’s Racial Equity/Planning Focus • Increase Community Engagement $150K ongoing 2 FTEs $3K one-time Services $339K ongoing 3 FTEs $6K one-time 6 Customer Services Expectations Meet Customer Service Expectations/Condition and Quality of Parks and Facilities $1.13M ongoing; $589K one-time; $2.5M vehicles • Increase Athletic Maintenance to increase public access to ball fields • Recreation Management Software (RecTrac) Support • Parks and Facility Maintenance inclusive of general grounds maintenance, HVAC maintenance and Plumbers $255,000 ongoing 3 FTEs $325,000 ongoing 4 FTEs $24,000 one-time $800K ongoing 14 FTEs $568K one-time $2.5 mil vehicles $50,000 ongoing • Cemetery Staff to perform Interments and Reset Cemetery Headstones 7 FY22 Recommendations – Funding Approved • Park Rangers Program Increase $440K 6 FTEs $900K $615K 7.5 FTEs • Summer Camp and Afterschool Programs Capacity Increase • Additional Operations and Maintenance support …
Update on process for the Parks and Recreation Board February 22, 2022 Greg Montes, Program Manager, PARD Planning Zilker Park Vision Plan PARD Project Manager Overview • Update of the process so far • Planning efforts • Community Engagement efforts • Survey Processing of Results • Next Steps • Analysis of Community Meeting #4 feedback, corresponding follow-up survey and outreach • Small Group Discussions focusing on equity Status Update: Project Schedule Community Engagement So Far Public Participation Level: Consult Multiple methods, virtual and in-person, various locations and times: Virtual Engagement Opportunities Kick-off Community Survey 4,062 participants Small Group Discussions Community Involvement 17 meetings 3 Community Meetings 3 Follow-up Surveys 137 avg. attendees 2,698 participants SpeakupAustin Stories 13 Entries In-Person & Directed Opportunities Boards & Commissions Pop-Up Series 1 & 2 Community Involvement 7 formal bodies 23 events Additional PARD Pop-ups and in-person outreach Contacts tracked since 10/1 653+ connections 57 events Community Survey #4 Results • 955 Participants • 37,304 Responses • 1,304 Comments Demographics • 24% District 5, 19% District 9 • 19% 25-34, 20% 35-44, 19% 45-54, 19% 55-64, 17% 65-74, 6% under 25 • 75% white • 52% Female • 52% Annual income $100k+ Range of 397-453 responses to demographics questions Zilker Park Vision Plan Pop-up at ESB-MACC, Dec. 15, 2021 Community Survey #4 Results One equity tool used to account for underrepresented communities in surveying is by disaggregating data to explore differences in responses. 13% 16% What options should be explored for safer active transportation through the park? 10% 459 responses All participants 7% 54% 56% 16% 68 responses Identifying as Black, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx 12% 10% 6% Community Survey #4 Results Additional ways we are exploring the data include: By Age By Income By District Next Steps Community Survey #5 Available on the project website with Community Meeting #4 presentation www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Small Group Discussions focused on equity & inclusion March Questions Project website: www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Contact information: ZilkerVision@austintexas.gov
305 S. CONGRESS PUD Proposed Bike Network 1 S T S T R E E T Lady Bird Lake BIKE / PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL CONNECTION HIGH COMFORT ROAD MEDIUM COMFORT ROAD PROPOSED MEDIUM COMFORT ROAD PROPOSED SHARED ROAD PROPOSED SHARED PATHWAY LANEWAY B Road classifications per Austin bike network C O N G R E S S A V E N U E A Y A W E N A L 305 S. Congress C Y A W E N A L BARTON SPRINGS ROAD EXTENSION B A RT O N S P RIN G S R O A D RIVERSIDE DRIVE 305 S. CONGRESS I CASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02 I JUNE 2021 305 S. CONGRESS PUD Proposed Pedestrian Network BIKE / PEDESTRIAN TRAIL LAKEFRONT PEDESTRIAN WALKS SIDEWALK ADJACENT TO ROADWAY PATHWAY / PLAZA C O N G R E S S A V E N U E DRIVEWAY B A Y A W E V R D I C Y A W E V R D I BARTON SPRINGS ROAD EXTENSION 305 S. CONGRESS I CASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02 I JUNE 2021
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION REGARDING LIFEGAURDS AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEES Date: March 21, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Lifeguard Shortage MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee “Finance Committee” reviewed a presentation regarding Aquatics Budget and Staffing at its February 28, 2022 which demonstrated that hiring of lifeguards has been difficult due to previous pandemic induced hiring freezes and other economic factors; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Department notified the Finance Committee that it will be offering an incentive bonus to temporary life guards that join the staff and stay through the summer season; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department subsequently announced that Barton Springs Pool will be closed indefinitely for two days a week due to a staffing shortage of approximately 20 open water certified life guards needed in order to safely guard Barton Springs Pool and to provide training to newly recruited life guards; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is concerned with the closure of any swimming pools during the spring and summer swim seasons due to staffing issues because swimming is a critical form of exercise and outdoor recreation for our community; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is especially concerned with the closure of Barton Springs Pool during the entry fee season, as the closure of Barton Springs in the spring season is estimated to cost $9,000.00 per day in lost revenue and would cost much more during the summer season; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that staffing at the swimming pools that are open-year round and in particular Barton Springs, which requires specially trained open water certified lifeguards, has become especially difficult due to rising costs of living in Austin and wages for part-time and temporary employees that have not risen proportionally; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin City Council to pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all Page 1 of 2 aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs, including but not limited to the following measures: 1) increasing pay rates for all lifeguards and in particular open water certified lifeguards; 2) increasing the number of year-round full time employee open water certified lifeguards to ensure continuous open operation of Barton Springs Pool; 3) increasing …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET Date: March 21, 20222 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department FY 23 Operating Budget MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes that the loss of Parks and Recreation Department fee revenue in Fiscal Year 2022 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic was significant yet the demand for PARD facilities and programming continues to grow moving into the 2023 fiscal year; and THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. Page 1 of 2 VOTE: 3-0 For: Moore, DePalma, Faust Against: None Abstain: Lewis (Ex-Officio) Absent: Hugman, Taylor Attest [Staff or board member can sign]: ____________________________________ Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MOTION FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET Date: March 28, 20222 Subject: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 23 Operating Budget MOTION BY: SECONDED BY: VOTE: RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (“PARB”) Financial Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD”) Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022 and the Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and provided PARB with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to strive to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities as described in Attachment A are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community and achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals listed above, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that some staff members have not received adequate cost of living increases to wages and are not making a livable wage that is necessary to attract and retain qualified staff necessary provide the services of a functioning parks and recreation system, in particular the temporary and part-time employees; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures continues to grow significantly over the past several years and continuing into the 2023 fiscal year; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: Page 1 of 2 1) approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. 2) that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Budget Forecast sufficient to fully fund the Under Resourced Service Expectations; and 3) to provide a …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2023 UNDER RESOURCED SERVICE EXPECTATIONS Date: March 21, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee “Finance Committee” reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its March 21, 2022 meeting; and WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that funding of the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations is necessary to achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and THEREFORE, the Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend to the Austin City Council that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Budget Forecast sufficient to fully fund the Under Resourced Service Expectations, as described in Attachment A. VOTE: 3-0 For: Moore, DePalma, Faust Against: None Abstain: Lewis (Ex-Officio) Page 1 of 2 Absent: Hugman, Taylor Attest [Staff or board member can sign]: ______________________________________ Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the unequivocal value that the City of Austin’s parkland and its amenities bring to our community in the areas of health, equity, environmental and economic benefits. The Board also are recognizes how much these spaces are a vital piece of Austin’s vibrancy as our parks, trails, amenities and greenspaces contribute significantly to Austin’s special beauty, lifestyle and appeal; and WHEREAS, the Board also understands that the parkland dedication ordinance fees have provided crucial funding for the acquisition of parkland and improvement of parks; Since 2007, the ordinance has provided the acquisition of over 1700 square acres of parkland, created and improved park infrastructure and amenities, reduced Austin’s park deficiency and improved park access with a focus on equity; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the positive impact of parkland dedication fees on residential and hotel developments, but is also aware that there are commercial, office and industrial developments in our community that are located in park-deficient areas and that these developments could potentially contribute; and WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution on the land development code which included a recommendation that commercial properties be included in the parkland dedication ordinance; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board supports Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City Charter, Article V stresses the importance of the provision of parks and recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, provision of adequate parks and recreation facilities plays a major role in achieving the six key City goals established in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan: 1) Preserving Livability; 2) Expanding Transportation Choices; 3) Tackling the Ethnic Divide; 4) Protecting our Natural Resources; 5) Promoting Prosperity for All; and 6) Collaborating Regionally; and WHEREAS, parks provide recreational opportunities, create community, preserve the City’s character and natural resources, increase transportation opportunities, and keep Austin beautiful; and WHEREAS, park trails and greenbelts expand multi-modal access to transportation across the city; and WHEREAS, parkland provides relief from urban life, green space to those who do not have access to a yard, opportunities to gather and recreate, and numerous physical and mental health benefits; and WHEREAS, investing in parkland in historically underserved areas is investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of those residents; and WHEREAS, Austinites have a strong connection to nature and consider the trails, greenways and parks ‘a core part of what makes Austin special’; and WHEREAS, Austin’s parks help Austin attract high-tech industries, creative professionals, and local entrepreneurs alike; and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Page 1 of 6 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS, parks are key to addressing regional challenges such as transportation, water resources, growth and development, climate change, environmental protection and economic prosperity; and WHEREAS, the St. David’s Healthy Parks Plan for Travis, Bastrop and Caldwell counties confirms that parks are essential to public health for the Central Texas region and provides recommendations for expanding park service; and WHEREAS, the Parkland Dedication Ordinance helps the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provide critical park service to the people of Austin in accordance with goals and mandates set forth in the City Charter, Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the PARD Long Range Plan, and various Council resolutions; and WHEREAS, the City passed its first Parkland Dedication Ordinance in 1985, updated it in 2007 and again in 2016; and WHEREAS, in 1984, the Texas Supreme Court ruled parkland dedication to be constitutionally legal and regulating laws stipulate that parkland dedication requirements imposed on a …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: March 2022 PLANNING UPDATES: Bolm District Park Vision Plan: The Bolm District Park vision planning process is scheduled to commence in the Summer of 2022. The funding for the vision plan has been identified and the Park Planning Division will manage the process. Park Planning will proceed with developing the scope of work and negotiating/contracting consulting services with a planning/design firm. At that time (anticipated in 2023) the planning team will be reaching out to the community to start the engagement process and seek feedback. District 3 Mendez Recreation Center: Mendez Recreation Center recently completed construction of its shade fabrication for the facility splash pad. The pre-construction onsite meeting was held on February 24th, with the installer meeting on site for construction February 28th. The project installation was completed on March 3rd. The new structure will now provide shaded space for the splash pad for families and children in the community. District 3 Turner Roberts Recreation Center Facility Repairs: The City of Austin’s Turner Roberts Recreation Center resumed facility renovations and repair after a recent halt in the project. The project sub- contractors have completed the necessary inspections and reports of the facility space before moving forward with the next stage in repairs. Completion of the project is still scheduled for Late April 2022. District 1 Rosewood Neighborhood Park Tennis Court Resurface: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Planning Team continues to move forward with the tennis court resurface project at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. After community input and meeting with local pickleball advocates, the decision was proposed to remove one permanent tennis court and provide two permanent pickleball courts and striping for two temporary pickleball courts. The project was recently halted to receive final approval as the project planning team ran into some structural issues with tree roots on the south side of the court, requiring changes to the project. Once that is complete, changes will be submitted to the Contractor to determine the cost increase/decrease for this work. As a result of these changes the project will not be completed by the initial projected completion date of March 25th. District 1 Givens Recreation Center: Givens Recreation Center recently completed the demolition of flooring in the lobby and office area in anticipation of the facility renovation. In addition to the demolition, an asbestos abatement was also done in preparation of the project. Due …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B2-1 Board Member Sarah Faust Seconded By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Lifeguard Shortage Motioned By: Recommendation Pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs. RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee “Financial Committee” reviewed a presentation regarding Aquatics Budget and Staffing at its February 28, 2022 which demonstrated that hiring of lifeguards has been difficult due to previous pandemic induced hiring freezes and other economic factors; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Department notified the Finance Committee that it will be offering an incentive bonus to temporary life guards that join the staff and stay through the summer season; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department subsequently announced that Barton Springs Pool will be closed indefinitely for two days a week due to a staffing shortage of approximately 20 open water certified life guards needed in order to safely guard Barton Springs Pool and to provide training to newly recruited life guards; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is concerned with the closure of any swimming pools during the spring and summer swim seasons due to staffing issues because swimming is a critical form of exercise and outdoor recreation for our community; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is especially concerned with the closure of Barton Springs Pool during the entry fee season, as the closure of Barton Springs in the spring season is estimated to cost $9,000.00 per day in lost revenue and would cost much more during the summer season; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that staffing at the swimming pools that are open-year round and in particular Barton Springs, which requires specially trained open water certified lifeguards, has become especially difficult due to rising costs of living in Austin and wages for part-time and temporary employees that have not risen proportionally; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin 1 of 2 City Council pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs, including but not limited to the following measures: 1) increasing pay rates to a starting livable wage of $22 an hour for staff and an additional bonus for lifeguards that …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B2-2 March 28, 2022 Summer Camp Staffing Board Member Nina Rinaldi Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all summer camp programming. RATIONALE: The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin City Council to pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all summer camp programming, including but not limited to the following measures: Seconded By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma 1) increasing pay rates for all summer camp staff; 2) allocating additional funding as needed to the Parks and Recreation Department to fulfill fully staffed summer camps during summer 2022; 3) any other measures found by the Austin City Council or the Parks and Recreation Department to be effective in training and retaining summer camp and afterschool program staff. Vote: Board Member Nina Rinaldi made a motion to recommend Council pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all summer camp programming; Vice- Chair Richard DePalma seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy For: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice-Chair Richard DePalma, Board Members Nina Rinaldi, Anna Di Carlo, Patrick Moore, Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard, Kim Taylor and Laura Cottam Sajbel Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B3 Seconded By: Chair Dawn Lewis Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget Motioned By: Board Member Sarah Faust RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (“PARB”) Financial Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD”) Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022 and the Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and provided PARB with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to strive to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities as described in Attachment A [Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division PARB Finance Committee Presentation Under Resourced Service Expectations February 28, 2022] are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community and achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals listed above, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that some staff members have not received adequate cost of living increases to wages and are not making a livable wage that is necessary to attract and retain qualified staff necessary provide the services of a functioning parks and recreation system, in particular the temporary and part-time employees; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures continues to grow significantly over the past several years and continuing into the 2023 fiscal year; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: 1) approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. 2) that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B5 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Code Amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance Motioned By: Chair Dawn Lewis Seconded By: Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel Recommendation Support Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1. RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the unequivocal value that the City of Austin’s parkland and its amenities bring to our community in the areas of health, equity, environmental and economic benefits. The Board also are recognizes how much these spaces are a vital piece of Austin’s vibrancy as our parks, trails, amenities and greenspaces contribute significantly to Austin’s special beauty, lifestyle and appeal; and WHEREAS, the Board also understands that the parkland dedication ordinance fees have provided crucial funding for the acquisition of parkland and improvement of parks; Since 2007, the ordinance has provided the acquisition of over 1700 square acres of parkland, created and improved park infrastructure and amenities, reduced Austin’s park deficiency and improved park access with a focus on equity; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the positive impact of parkland dedication fees on residential and hotel developments, but is also aware that there are commercial, office and industrial developments in our community that are located in park-deficient areas and that these developments could potentially contribute; and WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution on the land development code which included a recommendation that commercial properties be included in the parkland dedication ordinance; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board supports Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. 1 of 2 Vote: Chair Dawn Lewis made a motion to recommend that Council support Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget; Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B6 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Austin Rowing Center Agreement Motioned By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma Seconded By: Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel RATIONALE: WHEREAS, Austin Rowing Club (ARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing in Austin; and WHEREAS, ARC offers a variety of low-cost and no-cost rowing programs for eligible youth and adult rowers; and WHEREAS, ARC has a contract, No. NR120000004, with the City for the management and operation of the Waller Creek Boathouse; and WHEREAS, the contract along with all available contract extensions expire on March 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Waller Creek Boathouse may be demolished in the near future to implement the Blue Line light rail identified in Austin Transit Partnership’s Project Connect program; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board values, when possible, the continuity of services and programs to the public; and WHEREAS, the uncertainty of the timing of a future demolition and the current contract may impact rowing concessions available to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to either 1) Extend Contract No. NR120000004 until a Demolition Permit application is submitted on the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street or a decision is made that the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street will not be demolished; and/or 2) enter into a Park Operations, Maintenance and Programming Agreement for the current and future boathouse and related facilities with ARC once an approved Operations & Maintenance Plan is approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Austin City Council. 1 of 2 Vote: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma motioned to recommend to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to either 1) Extend Contract No. NR120000004 until a Demolition Permit application is submitted on the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street or a decision is made that the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street will not be demolished; and/or 2) enter into a Park Operations, Maintenance and Programming Agreement for the current and future boathouse and related facilities with ARC once an approved Operations & Maintenance Plan is approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Austin City Council; Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy. For: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice-Chair Richard DePalma, …
BOARD RECOMMENDATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Recommendation Number: 20220328-B6: Austin Rowing Center Agreement WHEREAS, Austin Rowing Club (ARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing in Austin; and WHEREAS, ARC offers a variety of low-cost and no-cost rowing programs for eligible youth and adult rowers; and WHEREAS, ARC has a contract, No. NR120000004, with the City for the management and operation of the Waller Creek Boathouse; and WHEREAS, the contract along with all available contract extensions expire on March 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Waller Creek Boathouse may be demolished in the near future to implement the Blue Line light rail identified in Austin Transit Partnership’s Project Connect program; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board values, when possible, the continuity of services and programs to the public; and WHEREAS, the uncertainty of the timing of a future demolition and the current contract may impact rowing concessions available to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to either 1) Extend Contract No. NR120000004 until a Demolition Permit application is submitted on the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street or a decision is made that the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street will not be demolished; and/or 2) enter into a Park Operations, Maintenance and Programming Agreement for the current and future boathouse and related facilities with ARC once an approved Operations & Maintenance Plan is approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Austin City Council. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
