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02-2: Signed Letters of Support for Cemeteries Staff — original pdf
Backup
Approved Minutes — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on June 17, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Sharon Blythe - Cemetery advocate Scott Cobb - Lifeguard hiring Andrea Hill - Lifeguard hiring and chain of command issues Chris Flores - Violet Crown and Barton Springs Pool Joy Casnovsky - Austin Parks Foundation Elisa Rendon Montoya - Holly Shores concerns Bertha Rendon Delgado - Edward Rendon Holly Shores Master Plan Frank Estrada - Possible renaming of Camacho Activity Center Phillip Thomas - Edward Rendon Sr. Park and Holly Shores concerns Ricardo Chavana - Hispanic Baseball League APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 20, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 20, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flower’s second on a 9-0 vote with two vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for enhancements to the PARD Cemeteries Program. 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2024 Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager and Lucas Massie, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on private organizations doing interments. The motion to approve letters of support for enhancements to the PARD Cemeteries Program was approved on Chair Villalobos' motion, Board Member Reed’s second on a 9-0 vote with two vacancies. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of a Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy for the Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead project that includes a maximum amount of funding of $900,000 the Parks and Recreation Department will allocate to Hill Country Conservancy for a portion of the cost to construct the project. D'Anne Williams, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department and Kathy Miller, CEO, Hill Country Conservancy gave a presentation and answered questions on …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MAY 20, 2024 – 6:00 PM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101 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/ZfQiW2FBur 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) VACANT (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 April 22, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural Center and Genealogy Center staff and the 2024 Stay Black & Live Austin Citywide Juneteenth Festival. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): Carre Adams, Culture & Arts Education Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to direct the Watershed Protection Department to seek alternative solutions to the current proposed plan for the Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project. (Sponsors: Reed, Taylor). Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of a Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy for the Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead project that includes a maximum amount of funding of $900,000 the Parks and Recreation Department will allocate to Hill Country Conservancy for a portion of the cost to construct the project. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces.) Presenter(s): Christine Chute Canul, Program Manager II, Parks and Recreation Department and George Cofer, Violet Crown Trail Project Manager, Hill Country Conservancy. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. Discussion and create a Public Access …
01-1: Draft Minutes of April 22, 2024 — original pdf
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 …
04-1: Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead Presentation — original pdf
Violet Crown Trail | Mile Zero Trailhead Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy Parks and Recreation Board Christine Chute Canul, Program Manager II Parks and Recreation Department, City of Austin May 20, 2024 Violet Crown Trail In 2006, planning of the Violet Crown Trail began. Its purpose is to create the first regional trail system in Central Texas. After years of strategic land acquisition and planning, the trail is now 13 miles long running from Zilker Park to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. With continued construction, the VCT is on its way to becoming the longest trail of its kind in Central Texas. 2 Violet Crown Trail | Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Metropolitan Park 3 Project Improvement Map 4 Improvements at the Site Mile Zero Entry Feature and Gathering Area Meadow Pavilion Observation Deck and Overlook Stabilized Decomposed Granite Trail Meadow enhancements and walking trail Bike Racks Educational Signage Improved Crosswalk and ADA access 5 6 Project Cost Estimate PROJECT BUDGET Construction Costs Materials Cost Estimated Project Cost Contingency Total Project Cost: 7 Permitting, Design, Project Mgt Costs In-kind Design and Project Management 1,006,488 936,637 1,943,125 194,313 54,115 125,000 2,316,553 Timeline and Next Steps Community Engagement 2018-2019 – Complete 2022 Site Plan Approved 5/20/24 Parks and Recreation Board 7/18/24 City Council Execute Parkland Improvement Agreement Construction begins late 2024 – early 2025 8 Make a recommendation to City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of a Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy for the Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Trailhead project. The agreement includes a maximum amount of Parkland Dedication funding of $900,000 the Parks and Recreation Department will allocate to Hill Country Conservancy for a portion of the cost of constructing the project. Action 9
02-1: Carver and Juneteenth Presentation — original pdf
Carver Museum F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 2 4 P R O G R A M H I G H L I G H T S B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N T H 2 0 2 4 @ C A R V E R M U S E U M Black History Month Kids Day Solar Saturdays That’s My Face Create & Heal S M A L L B L A C K M U S E U M R E S I D E N C Y P R O J E C T V O L U M E 3 Corey Sherrad, Jr. taylor barnes Nitiasha Johnson Corey De'Juan Sherrard, Jr. (b. 1996) received his B.S. in digital media from the University of Houston. He creates work that honors the Black Radical tradition of resistance using paint, photography, sound, and sculpture. Sherrard is also an alumnus of the School for Poetic Computation. taylor barnes (b. 1993) is native of Austin, Texas. She is a ceramic, charcoal, and fibers artist who explores spirituality, oral history, materiality, and bell hooks' philosophy of object and subject. She received her MFA from the University of North Texas. The artist chooses to honor her linage by not capitalizing the letters of her name. Nitashia Johnson, is a multimedia artist and educator from Dallas, Texas. She is an alumna of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Texas Woman's University (BFA), and the Rhode Island School of Design (MAT). She received her MFA from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her work seeks to help us reconnect to our natural environment to build an understanding of our personal histories and lived experiences. Juneteenth 2024 S T A Y B L A C K & L I V E A U S T I N C I T Y W I D E J U N E T E E N T H F E S T I V A L J U N E 1 5 , 2 0 2 4 - J U N E 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Cener in partnership with Carver ATX Foundation STAY BLACK JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL HISTORY In response to the ongoing global health crisis and endemic …
06-1: PARD Director's Update, May 2024 — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: May 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Austin Tennis Center: The Austin Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Capital Area Tennis Association to resurface ten tennis courts at the Austin Tennis Center. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded a $39,500 grant to the Capital Area Tennis Association (CATA), and USTA Texas added an additional $10,000, totaling $49,500 to assist with covering the costs of the improvement. The feedback from the community has been positive as everyone appreciates the improved playing surface. District 1 Austin Tennis Center new surface court The Oakwood Cemetery Chapel Community Engagement: The Oakwood Cemetery Chapel hosted community engagement meetings with the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin and a Hispanic descendant's group to get feedback on past Tejano programs and events and to plan summer and fall programs and events. Fifteen community members attended this event. District 1 All-Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park: An online survey will remain open until May 31st to receive feedback on playground options and themes for the All-Abilities Playground. This will complete the second phase of community engagement for the project, which also included a virtual community meeting held on May 2nd and several small group discussions throughout the month. The final round of community engagement to share a single playground concept is expected to be completed by late summer, with the third virtual meeting scheduled for June 20th. The Department 1 teamed with Austin Parks Foundation and their consultant team, TBG Partners and Cultural Strategies, to design and develop the playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park in alignment with the 2015 Vision Plan. 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 Bolm District Park Vision Plan Community Engagement Round #2 Virtual Meeting: The Department will be hosting the second community meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, February 13 at 6 p.m. Project team members will present design concepts around themes developed through feedback and responses to the first community survey. This will also mark the launch of the second community survey. Additional project information, including a link to register for the meeting and dates for community pop-ups, can be found at the project’s website. District 3 Project Webpage Bolm District Park Pan American Neighborhood Park: On September 1, 2022, the Austin City Council passed a resolution in alignment with recommendations from the Parks …
03-1: Draft Recommendation on Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX May 20, 2024 Seconded By: Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project Date: Subject: Motioned By: Whereas the land for Reed Neighborhood Park was donated to the City of Austin in 1954 by Roberta Reed Crenshaw, an Austin Parks icon; Whereas Reed Park is the only child friendly and publicly accessible park within 1/2 mile walking distance of approximately 4000 residents;1 Whereas Reed Park is one of only three neighborhood parks with an open play field in an area with over 11,000 residents, including many young children2 Whereas the Watershed Protection Dept.’s current plans are to treat stormwater runoff from 127 acres of upstream land by turning Reed Park’s ball field into a biofiltration pond and reducing its size to 1/3 of its current area;3 Whereas the Watershed Protection Dept.’s current plans will require a permanent change in use of public parkland through Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code4 Whereas a similar storm water treatment pond at Austin’s Battle Bend Park has resulted in loss of public parkland and ball field play area; Whereas as the majority of respondents to a public engagement survey were opposed to Watershed Protection Dept.’s current plan for Reed Park5 Whereas over 750 people have signed a petition in opposition to Watershed Protection Dept.’s current proposed plan for Reed Park; 6 Whereas Watershed Protection Dept. Staff have indicated they are willing to seek alternative plans to accomplish the needed water treatment for the Taylor Slough Watershed; 1 https://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c976b69e7840435c84f6461c1201edae 2 https://data.census.gov/ 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/reed-park-water-quality-improvement-project 4https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PW/htm/PW.26.htm#:~:text=PARKS%20AND%20WILDLIFE%20CODE% 20CHAPTER,PUBLIC%20PARKS%20AND%20RECREATIONAL%20LANDS&text=(2)%20the%20program%2 0or%20project,from%20the%20use%20or%20taking. 5 https://publicinput.com/Report/1osdwdgcnd4 6 https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-proposed-watershed-plan-at-reed-park 1 of 2 Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends: (1) Austin City Council direct the Watershed Protection Department and Parks and Recreation Dept. to seek alternative solutions to the current proposed plan for the Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project that do not require Chapter 26 change of use for this public parkland and; (2) Austin City Council direct WPD and PARD to work with citizens and stakeholders to find a solution that does not alter or diminish the current area or use of the Reed Park open ball field. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2
03-2: Watershed Protection Memo on Reed Park — original pdf
M E M O R A N D U M Parks and Recreation Board Members Janae Spence, P.E., Assistant Director Watershed Protection Department May 20, 2024 To: From: Date: Subject: Proposed Reed Park Water Quality Control The Watershed Protection Department would like to express our commitment to continuing to work with the Reed Park community to produce the best possible final design for a water quality control in Reed Park. Taylor Slough, the creek that runs through the park, has some of the worst water quality in Austin due to high nutrients and E. coli bacteria. It is one of four creeks in Austin classified as impaired by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. Poor water quality can contribute to problems downstream like toxic algae that can make spaces unsafe for swimming and other recreation. Swimming in water with high E. coli can also lead to sickness (such as vomiting and diarrhea). This project, in conjunction with other strategies, is meant to reduce pollution in the creek by cleaning stormwater runoff and offsetting the impact of continued urbanization on our streams. In addition to improving water quality, the project intends to maintain recreational use, replace an old wastewater line that runs through the park, stabilize stream erosion, and improve wildlife habitat. We are aware of community concerns with the last proposed concept. The project completed Preliminary Engineering Phase but will not move into design until the latest community input has been incorporated. Since our last meeting with Friends of Reed Park, we have been working on alternatives to address concerns. We are also developing an updated engagement plan to include additional community education and communication about the goals of the project and its final components, as well as a collaborative process for further integrating the community’s priorities into our project plans. We hope to have this updated engagement plan by the end of this month. Community engagement activities for this project to date have included the following: • Informational mailer with invitation to public meeting (mailed to a little over 1000 residents) • Hosted a public meeting on May 11, 2023 Page 1 of 2 • Hosted a walking tour of the proposed project area in the Reed Park • Held meetings with Friends of Reed Park on the following dates o 5/1/23 o 3/28/24 • Conducted a community survey between May and June 2023 (151 respondents) We understand concerns …
Play video — original link
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 20, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 20, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on May 20, 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, Lane Becker, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Chris Flores - Barton Springs Bathhouse Wolf Sittler - Norwood House Phillip Thomas - Free Zilker Coalition Cedar Stevens - Free Zilker Coalition APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 22, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 22, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 6-0 vote with two vacancies. Board Members Franklin, Merritt and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural Center and Genealogy Center staff and the 2024 Stay Black & Live Austin Citywide Juneteenth Festival. Carre Adams, Cultural & Arts Education Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the Carver genealogical archives and events at the Carver. The motion to approve letters of support for George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural Center and Genealogy Center staff and the 2024 Stay Black & Live Austin Citywide 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 20, 2024 Juneteenth Festival was approved on Chair Villalobos' motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 6-0 vote with two vacancies. Board Members Franklin, Merritt and Taylor absent. 3. Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to direct the Watershed Protection Department to seek alternative solutions to the current proposed plan for the Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project. Board Members discussed the need for green space in this park deficient area, the poor water quality of the creek, the effects of rapid urbanization on this area, the Chapter 26 process, and wastewater infrastructure. The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to direct the Watershed Protection Department and Parks and Recreation Dept. to seek alternative solutions to the current proposed plan for the …
02-2: Letters of Support for Carver and Juneteenth Festival — original pdf
May 20 May 20
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD APRIL 22, 2024 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/7CGe6ax037 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) VACANT (D-6) Julie Hayes (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 March 27, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): Daniel Paciocco, Human Resources Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement events, planning updates, development updates, maintenance updates, program updates and administrative updates. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Kimberly McNeeley, Parks and Recreation Director. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 …
01-1: Draft Minutes of March 27, 2024 — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on March 27, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin, Julie Hayes, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Stephanie Bazan. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joe Kendall - Texas River School Aubrea Rudder - Austin Rowing Club Joe Riddell - Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Concerns Joel Manzo - Youth Baseball Advocate Jason Williams - Youth Baseball Advocate, Northwest Park Justin Graber - Youth Baseball Advocate, Garrison Park Horacio Garcia - Youth Baseball Advocate Rob Bluestein - Youth Baseball Advocate Sharon Blythe - Parkland used for infrastructure projects APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of February 26, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 26, 2024 was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Chair Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Member Bazan absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Report of recommendations by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Working Group. Vice Chair Flowers addressed the Board regarding discussions of the working group, the needs of Austin’s Park system, and how to realistically have the most impact. No action was taken on this item. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The motion to approve the recommendation as posted in backup was made by Board Member Becker and seconded by Board Member Merritt. The motion to amend the recommendation to include funding for three full-time employee positions to implement PARD’s Land Management Plan was made by Board Member Reed and seconded by Chair Villalobos. Board Members discussed this amendment. Board Member Reed withdrew the motion. The motion to amend the recommendation to add Section 4 to read “The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address funding for fourteen additional full-time employees for the PARD Ground Maintenance Team in order to align with …
03-1: Equity Based Preservation Plan Presentation — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD | APRIL 22, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process 26 working group members 1,100 working group hours 300+ people involved Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners and …
04-1: PARD Director's Update, April 2024 — original pdf
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 …
02-1: PARD Human Resources Presentation — original pdf
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, …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …