INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE CITY OF AUSTIN FOR FACILITY USE AND ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING AT THE ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER Agreement Overview Austin Community College (ACC) has received federal and state grant funding to provide Adult Education Programming including English as a Second Language (“ESL”) course instruction at the City of Austin’s Asian American Resource Center (“AARC”). ACC wishes to hold ESL classes and potentially other Adult Education Programs at the AARC, and the City wishes to provide space for such classes at mutually agreed upon dates and times. ACC’s Adult Education Programming provides classes in English as a Second Language, literacy and civics, and GED preparation. The purpose of the ESL Program is to help Austin residents learn basic English in order to succeed. These are survival classes for beginner students, who primarily want to learn English for everyday life, employment skills enhancement, and to assist in situations such as obtaining housing, shopping, and communicating at work. What is the Purpose of the Agreement? This is an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College to establish the roles and responsibilities of the parties. What Programs Are Provided? • Up to three levels of ESL classes (Basic - Level 4), free of charge. What is the Term of the Agreement? The initial term for this agreement is one year and will be renewed automatically on the anniversary date for five successive 12-month terms. What Services and Deliverables Will ACC Provide? • ACC will offer ESL classes and potentially other Adult Education programs free of charge. • ACC will manage student registrations and provide any necessary class materials and • ACC will secure qualified instructors, as well as any other personnel needed to effectively equipment. conduct each class. What Services and Deliverables Will the City Provide? • The City may promote the classes at the AARC. Page 1 of 2 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE CITY OF AUSTIN FOR FACILITY USE AND ADULT EDUCATION AT THE ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER • The City will provide access to the facility, classrooms and reasonable assistance with room set-up. What are the Next Steps? • Request for City Council Action – November 18, 2021 • ACC Board of Trustees Action - TBD • Negotiate and Execute Agreement with ACC Page 2 of 2
Item B2: Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council regarding the negotiation and execution of an amendment to an existing contract with Interment Services, Inc. for continued interment services at city cemeteries and to extend the term by two years. Contracts and Concessions Committee heard this item on October 12, 2021 and recommended the item advance to the Parks and Recreation Board for consideration on a vote of 4-0 with one vacancy.
CEMETERY OPERATIONS Parks and Recreation Board October 26, 2021 MISSION STATEMENT | Cemetery Operations strives to honor the past, present, and future of Austin’s sacred municipal burial grounds with integrity, empathy, and respect. VISION STATEMENT | Cemetery Operations utilizes available resources to provide the best quality of service and care to our diverse community and historic cemeteries. Cemetery Operations The Founding of Historic Cemeteries 1839 • Oakwood Cemetery 1872 • Stanley- Nolen 1878 • Cemetery at Longview Park 1898 • Plummers Cemetery 1915 • Oakwood Cemetery Annex 1926 • Evergreen Cemetery 1927 • Austin Memorial Cemetery 2 Cemetery Operations Background and History Public Works Department manages cemeteries. • 26 Full-Time Employees (All are Grounds employees (with 15 Seasonal). • Public Works management ends in 1986. • 1990-2013 Intercare assumes management of cemeteries. Parks and Recreation Department takes on management responsibility. • 2013- Present • April 1, 2013, PARD assumed management of the City of Austin municipal cemeteries, and the cemetery team was established to handle the administration, interment, and maintenance functions. • 23 Full-time Employees: 6 administrative and 17 grounds (5 Seasonal) • Cemetery Operations maintain 200+ acres of cemetery land, which consists of over 80,000 burials • An average of 600 interments per year and 800 space sales 3 Progression of Contract Cemetery Operations Background and History (cont’d.) 1990-2013 PARD contracted with a vendor to manage all cemetery responsibilities. April 2013 Due to several years of stakeholder complaints and documented vendor mismanagement, PARD began directly managing the sales, operations, and maintenance areas. PARD contracted with ISI to provide interments and burials services. November 28, 2018 PARD amended the existing contract with vendor for interments and burial services only and assumed settings in- house. Currently, the vendor performs grave opening/closing and graveside preparation and set-up services at all five (5) municipal cemeteries. 4 Cemetery Operations Interment Contract In June 2013, City Council approved a five-year contract, for $3.8 million, with Interment Services, Inc. In November 2018, under Resolution 20181115- 022, with the direction to return to Council for approval of contract extension options, City Council approved a three-year extension option. Staff estimates the need to continue to outsource these services, thus utilizing the remaining two years options extension. Without this extension, the contract for burial and interment services expires November 28, 2021. 5 Cemetery Operations At the moment… • PARD staff is actively managing interments in all five of the …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Naming Proposal for Ballfield at Pan Am Neighborhood Park Tony “TC” Castillo Kimberly McNeeley, Director October 26, 2021 Pan American Neighborhood Park Sometimes referenced as the A.B. Cantu/Pan American Neighborhood Park Located at 307 Chicon St., Austin, Texas 78702 5.235 Acres District 3 2 Neighborhood Park History Park established in 1955-1956 Home of the Oswald A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center Park Amenities playground, community garden and Tennis/Pickleball Courts Home of the Hillside Theater • Concert Series • Political Rally’s • Smaller Special Events 3 History of Nominee Tony “TC” Castillo 1946-1971 Served on the Pan Am Advisory Board- and received 25thAnniversary Recipient Outstanding Male-Participant Johnston High School Teacher of the Year Texas Fastpitch “Father of the Year” National Latin American Softball Hall of Honor Inductee 1982 1991 1999 Community sports leader, umpire and coach for East Austin (fastpitch softball, golf, little league, basketball, etc.) Board Member for Parks and Recreation Department and Pan Am Recreation Advisory Board Center History/Government Teacher and Coach at Johnston High School for 33 years 4 Community Support Naming application submitted to Parks and Recreation Department. Application back up contains list of 28 supporters with contact information The following supports provided letters of endorsement Ernesto Nieto, President and Founder of National Hispanic Institute Bill Koen of Joe Koen and Son Jewelers Herbert C. Martinez President/CEO Real Estate Executives of Austin Arturo Gil, Former Teammate, PARB Member and PARD lifeguard Augustine Garza, Deputy Director of Admissions, University of Texas at Austin Gilbert Rodriguez, CEO American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Fidel Acevedo, President League of United Latin American Citizens Honorable Elisabeth Earle, Travis County Judge has expressed support 5 Requested PARB Action Make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the naming of the ballfield at Pan American Neighborhood Park in honor of Tony “TC” Castillo. 6 Questions
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Naming Proposal for Ballfield at Pan Am Neighborhood Park Rosalio “Rabbit” Duran Kimberly McNeeley, Director October 26, 2021 Pan American Neighborhood Park Sometimes referenced as the A.B. Cantu/Pan American Neighborhood Park Located at 307 Chicon St., Austin, Texas 78702 5.235 Acres District 3 2 Neighborhood Park History Park established in 1955-1956 Home of the Oswald A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center Park Amenities playground, community garden and Tennis/Pickleball Courts Home of the Hillside Theater • Concert Series • Political Rally’s • Smaller Special Events 3 History of Nominee Rosalio “Rabbit” Duran Described as “…pillar of decency, leadership and service to his family, community and the city he loved” First Hispanic individual to play on the Austin High School football team (where he earned his nick name “Rabbit” Korean War Veteran – served in U.S. Navy on aircraft carrier USS Oriskany Owned Rabbit’s Lounge (East 6th and Chicon) which allowed him to generously donate to the East Austin Community • Youth Sports Sponsor • Adult Sports Sponsor • Cultural and political hub • Hosted fundraisers for families, friends, teams and causes 4 Community Support Naming application and application fee submitted to Parks and Recreation Department. Petition with 932 Individuals signed a petition in support of naming ball field in honor of Rosalio “Rabbit” Duran The Cantu Family submitted letter of support Senator Gonzalo Barrientos submitted the application Council Member Renteria’s Office expressed support 5 Requested PARB Action Make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the naming of the ballfield at Pan American Neighborhood Park in honor of Rosalio “Rabbit” Duran. 6 Questions
Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta Project Update Parks and Recreation Board Meeting October 26, 2021 1 Agenda 1. Waterloo Greenway Program Overview 2. Creek Delta Project Update 3. Possible Action: Request Support for Creek Delta Project & Recommendation to Planning Commission for Conditional Use Permit 2 Program Overview Sponsoring City Departments: Watershed Protection Department & Parks and Recreation Department Non-Profit Partner: Waterloo Greenway Conservancy 3 4 Community Programming 5 6 Creek Delta • • • • Located along Waller Creek between Lady Bird Lake and 4th Street Identified in Council- approved Waller Creek Design Plan Approximate 10-acre project area. Creek restoration, 1 mile of new trails, pedestrian bridges, water quality and utility improvements Preparing 100% construction documents, anticipated by December 2021 7 8 Moving away from the convention of hard engineering solutions… 9 …toward soft engineering solutions 10 Environmental Goals Functional Assessment (Environmental Criteria Manual) • • Water Quality - Biofiltration Pond and Inline Stormwater Treatment • Trees o Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones o Enhanced tree mitigation and planting Sustainable SITES Certification • 11 Connectivity & Mobility 12 Elevated Walkway + Bridges 2 3 1 *Lattice Bridge 3 is currently an add/bid alternate. * 13 Lattice Bridges 14 14 Elevated Walkway 15 Cypress Grove + Trailhead Plaza 16 Lagoon Overlook + Leaf Deck 17 Lagoon Overlook + Leaf Deck 18 Lakeview Terrace + Explorer's Garden 19 Lakeview Terrace + Explorer's Garden 20 The Spring 21 The Spring 22 Conditional Use for “P” Zoning • Required for all site development permits on public land over 1 acre • NOT related to CUP permit for alcohol sales • Possible Action: Support of Creek Delta Project & Conditional Use Permit for “P” Zoning 23 Creek Delta Schedule Design Phase Briefings: ESB-MACC Board, Environmental Commission, PARB, Design Commission, Waller Creek LGC. Seek conditional use approval from Planning Commission Bidding & Construction Complete 100% construction documents by end of 2021 January-November 2021 Bid project early 2022 Construction begins summer 2022 24 THANK YOU! Parks & Recreation Lana Denkeler: lana.denkeler@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Diana Wang: diana.wang@austintexas.gov (512) 974-7168 Waterloo Greenway Melissa Ayala: mayala@waterloogreenway.org Chris Perkes: cperkes@waterloogreenway.org
1 BEVERLY S. SHEFFIELD NORTHWEST DISTRICT PARK POND CONCEPT BRIEFING PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING Charles Mabry, Associate Project Manager, PARD Drew Carman, PLA, Director of Park Planning & Design, RVi October 26th, 2021 2 15 13 1 19 18 POND BACKGROUND The duck pond, a beloved resource to the community, has long suffered from stagnant water, invasive species, and poor water quality. The pond presents many challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to make not only a functioning water & habitat resource, but a design focal point of the park, providing passive recreation opportunities. LEGEND 1. ENTRY MONUMENT 2. EXPANDED BRIDGE LANDING 3. CENTRAL LAWN 4. REALIGNED PARK ROAD 5. NATIVE GRASS + WILDFLOWER PLANTINGS 6. RESTROOM 7. PLAYSCAPES, 2-5 YR, 5-12 YR 8. BASKETBALL COURT 9. PICKLEBALL COURTS 10. TENNIS COURTS 11. BOARDWALK 12. STAIRWAY W/ LIMESTONE BLOCK RETAINING 13. PICNIC SHADE STRUCTURES 14. BICYCLE PARKING 15. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE FROM DAM 17. YOUTH BIKE PLAYGROUND 18. LIMESTONE BLOCK RETAINING WALL 19. GRASSPAVE OR EQUAL 20. REMOVE MSE WALLS 21. DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE DEDICATED BIKE LANE DAM TOE NO NEW TREE ZONE 15 16. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, EXPANDED WIDTH 15 20 5 11 1 16 12 15 13 13 8 9 10 3 6 7 17 1 21 12 4 14 1 0 100’ 200’ Aerial photography Google 02-17-2021 For illustrative purposes only. Sub- ject to change without notice. Copyright RVi 1611 West 5th Street Suite 175 Austin, Texas 78703 Tel: 512.480.0032 www.rviplanning.com Austin, TX. August 03, 2021 20002718 CITY OF AUSTIN, PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (PARD) BEVERLY S. SHEFFIELD NORTHWEST DISTRICT PARK VISION PLAN • DRAFT BEVERLY S. SHEFFIELD NORTHWEST PARK VISION PLAN 3 PROPOSED OPTIONS 1. Minimal disturbance (aeration, selective excavation for depth in main pools) 2. Dam PER recommendations (prior recommendations; aeration, excavation, limestone toe & water quality wet pond options 2 & 3) 3. Vision Plan recommendations (further comprehensive study, aeration, native riparian vegetation planting, preserve all existing trees) (Note: the pedestrian circulation & boardwalk proposed in the Vision Plan was designed to accommodate any of these options) BEVERLY S. SHEFFIELD NORTHWEST PARK VISION PLAN 4 OPTION 1 - MINIMAL DISTURBANCE Aeration, selective excavation for depth in main pools. (Dam PER plan shown below for clarity) This option would keep the pond under PARD for operation and maintenance. The minimal disturbance option increasing include would not channel width proposed or limestone toe, as shown here. 80 …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: October 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Historic Montopolis Negro School Community Meeting: The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will host a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, October 27 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm to share information about the Historic Montopolis School. This is the first meeting to engage the Austin community in future planning for the historic school that was acquired by the City of Austin to serve as a museum. An open house at the school will be held on Saturday, November 6 from 10:00 am to noon. PARD will share information about the history of the Historic Montopolis Negro School and how the building was acquired by the City of Austin. Additionally, PARD will discuss ways the community could get involved in shaping the planning process, which is expected to begin in spring 2022. For more information, visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/MontopolisSchool. District 3 Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan – Pop-up Events: On October 19, PARD and the consultant team held the project's third community-wide meeting (6 pm via Zoom and Facebook Live). Spanish interpretation and American Sign Language services were provided. During the meeting, the team shared design ideas related to the park which aimed to improve mobility and transportation, programming, environmental features, and historic resources. Following the meeting, community input will continue to shape the plan as design alternatives are incorporated into an interactive map for community members to explore accompanied by an online survey. PARD is also hosting its second series of “pop-up" opportunities in every district following the meeting through November. October pop-up events were scheduled at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park (10/23), Austin Country Flea Market (10/24), and Barton Springs Pool (10/25). Additional information including community meeting details and upcoming engagement opportunities may be found on the project website: https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision. Districts 5 and 8 PLANNING UPDATES: Project Connect: Staff are vetting with the Law Department parkland takings, assuming a twofold approach. 1) Capital Metro would pursue condemnation to take Title to parkland significantly impacted by the rail line proper (e.g., Auditorium Shores, Waller Beach). 2) Austin Transportation Department would go through a Chapter 26 process for a change of use for land that will ultimately become ROW (e.g., for improved sidewalk). Other recent focus and actions: • Norwood Park – Blue Line Team met with Norwood Park Foundation, and PARD staff. Norwood was concerned about impacts of …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD October 26, 2021 MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:05pm. Board Members in Attendance: Dawn Lewis, Nancy Barnard, Laura Cottam Sajbel, Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman and Nina Rinaldi. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Richard DePalma, Anna Di Carlo and Kimberly Taylor. Board Member Di Carlo joined the meeting at approximately 7:58pm. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley, Liana Kallivoka, Lucas Massie, Suzanne Piper, Lana Denkeler, Bianca Galvan, Charles Mabry, Jason Walker, Tonja Walls, Diana Wang, and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL August Harris – Preservation Texas 2021 award for the Shipe Cabin Sharon Blythe – Austin Memorial Park Kevin Reinis – Austin Rowing Club Frederick DeWorken –Foundation Communities development and need for green space Scott Cobb – memorializing Joan Khabele A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board Member Cottam Sajbel made a motion to correct the minutes to reflect clarification of the final motion related to item B3. The clarification is to strike the following language: “Board Member Cottam Sajbel made a motion to recommend to the Planning Commission that the Statesman PUD…;” Board Member Faust seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 vote with Board Member Di Carlo absent and two vacancies. The corrected minutes from the regular meeting of September 28, 2021 were approved on Board Member Taylor motion, Board Member Cottam Sajbel second on a vote of 8-0 with Board Member Di Carlo absent and two vacancies. Page 1 of 3 Due to the number of interested speakers, Chair Lewis moved Items B3 and B5 to be heard following approval of the minutes. Items B1 and B2 were taken up after Item B5 and were followed by Items B4 and B6. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS CONSENT 1. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council regarding an ordinance waiving up to $9,315 in Parks and Recreation Department Asian American Resource Center rental fees for Austin Community College; and authorizing the negotiation and execution of an Interlocal Agreement with Austin Community College to provide classrooms at the Asian American Resource Center for English as a Second Language classes and potentially other adult education programs free of charge. Chair Lewis made a motion to recommend to the City Council approval of …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCIAL COMMITTEE MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 – 12:00PM BRITTON, DURST, HOWARD AND SPENCE BUILDING 1183 CHESTNUT AVENUE, AUSTIN, TX 78702 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Sarah Faust (D-5), Chair Richard DePalma (Mayor) Lisa Hugman (D-6) CALL TO ORDER Kimberly Taylor (D-8) VACANT Dawn Lewis (D-10), Ex-Officio AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Financial Committee special meeting of August 18, 2021. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action on Park Districts and Park Fees in follow up from August 18, 2021 presentation. 2. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax. 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action on Parks and Recreation Department Strategic Planning Follow Up Audit by City of Austin Office of the City Auditor. Presenter(s): Vanorda Richardson, Financial Manager III and Iliyas Vohra, Accounting Manager, Parks and Recreation Department C. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable Page 1 of 2 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 Sammi Curless, with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, at 512-974- 6716, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Sammi Curless at sammi.curless@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-974- 6716. Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCIAL COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 – 3:00PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING MINUTES The Financial Committee convened in a special meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Faust called the meeting to order at 3:03pm. Committee Members in Attendance: Chair Sarah Faust, Richard DePalma, Kimberly Taylor and Laura Cottam Sajbel Committee Members Absent: Dawn Lewis, Ex Officio Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley, Suzanne Piper, Anthony Segura, Vanorda Richardson, Nicholas Johnson, Ed Morris, Steven Linnett and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No registered speakers. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the special called meeting of June 17, 2021 were approved on Committee Member Taylor motion, Committee Member DePalma second on a 4-0 vote with one vacancy. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation and discussion of park maintenance and park district fees as possible alternative funding mechanisms. Nicholas Johnson, Edward Morris, Vanorda Richardson and Anthony Segura from the Parks and Recreation Department made a presentation and answered questions from the Committee. Discussion ensued but no action was taken on this item. 2. Discussion of Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2021 revenue activity summary memo. Vanorda Richardson from the Parks and Recreation Department reviewed the summary Page 1 of 2 memo and answered questions from the Committee. No action was taken on this item. 3. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2022 budget process. Suzanne Piper of the Parks and Recreation Department reviewed the draft approved budget. No action was taken on this item. C. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Tourism Commission recommendation Chair Faust adjourned the meeting at 4:45pm. Page 2 of 2
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division August 18, 2021 1 PARK MAINTENANCE FEE The purpose of a park maintenance fee would be to provide for the operation and maintenance of the parks and facilities within the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department. A parks maintenance fee would be paid by the responsible part for each developed property within the corporate limits of the city. Collection of the fee would be made by a monthly charge included on the City Utility Bill. Fees collected would be deposited into a City special revenue park fee account. *Source Central Point Oregon Parks & Rec Ordinance 2 PARK MAINTENANCE FEE OPTIONS MODELS Option One – Fixed Monthly Fee, similar to the Clean Community Fee Possible charge of $8.95/residents and $20.75/commercial per month Option Two – Dwelling Type Allocation, similar to the Transportation User Fee Possible charge of about $12.79/residents and $63.99/commercial per acre per month 3 CITIES WITH PARK MAINTENANCE FEES Population Served* Number of Homes Monthly Fee Estimated Annual Collection Type Canby, Oregon 18,000 6,600$5 per dwelling $396,000 Central Point, Oregon Longmont, Colorado Rocklin, California San Antonio, Texas 18,000 7,000$3 per dwelling $252,000 95,000 36,800$2 per dwelling $883,200 65,000 23,146$10-30 per dwelling $8,332,560 1,530,000 550,000$1.50 per dwelling $9,900,000 Austin, Texas 950,807 415,000$8.95 per dwelling $44,820,000 Austin, Texas 950,807 415,000$11-13 per dwelling $63,700,000 Monthly Fixed Fee Monthly Fixed Fee Monthly Fixed Fee Based on Dwelling type Monthly Fixed Fee Monthly Fixed Fee Based on Dwelling type 4 PARK DISTRICT A Park District is a form of local special- purpose district for providing public parks and recreation in or near its geographic boundaries. Some park districts also own or maintain related cultural facilities such as monuments, zoos, sports venues, music venues, or museums. The Park District would be separate from the General Fund Park Districts allow taxes to be levied separate from the traditional city property taxes Admission and registration fees would supplement the Park District 5 PARK DISTRICT MODELS Model #1: Independent governance Stand-alone government entity separate from COA Dissolve current structure of board and PARD leadership structure Board of Commissions/Chief Operating Officer/Personnel Board Workforce: District hired vs. COA Park District fee could be used to create expanded programming including concession programming, sponsorship, advertising & promotion programming Model #2: Under City umbrella …
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS May 10, 2021 PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 1 | Page Table of Contents Introduction A. Directive from Tourism Commission B. Overview of Working Group Process and Recommendations C. Overview Description of Proposed Projects, Activities and Programs to Benefit Parks and Environment Under Chapter 351 Environment Under Chapter 334 D. Overview Description of Proposed Projects, Activities and Programs to Benefit Parks and Exhibit A - Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Eligible Projects, Activities And Programs That Can Benefit Parks And Environment I. PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2 | Page I. Introduction This document provides recommendations from the Parks and Environment Working Group to identify Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) eligible projects, activities, and programs that can benefit parks and environment in our community. A. Directive from Tourism Commission On February 20, 2020, the Tourism Commission appointed the Parks and Environment Working Group look into (1) Chapter 351 funding options for using hotel occupancy tax funds to benefit parks and/or environment, (2) Chapter 334 funding options for using hotel occupancy tax funds to benefit parks/environment, (3) park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park- specific projects, and (4) Palm Park HOT funding options. The appointed members of the Parks and Environment Working Group include Commissioners Bunch, Cannatti, Fuentes, and Joslove, and also include community/stakeholder representatives Ladye Anne Wofford (Austin Parks Foundation), Clark Hancock (Save Barton Creek Association), Dan Eck (Hill Country Conservancy) Angela Richter (Save Barton Creek Association), Heath Riddles-Sanchez (Pease Park Conservancy), Adrienne Longenecker (Colorado River Alliance), Molly Alexander (Downtown Austin), Ted Siff, (Shoal Creek Conservancy), Heidi Anderson (The Trail Foundation), Chuck Smith (Pease Park Conservancy), Sarah Story (Umlauf Sculpture). B. Overview of Working Group Process and Recommendations Working virtually, the Working Group identified a list of funding categories under the state’s hotel occupancy tax statute that could benefit our parks and environment. For each funding category, we identified the “statutory basis” for the expenditure, any geographic limitations under state law, whether “maintenance and operations” can be funded, the existence of any “statutory cap” under state law, any “real world examples” of such expenditures, and a summary of the position of the Texas Municipal League regarding HOT expenditures in each category. In addition, we included a description of proposed projects to illustrate how the expenditures might be implemented with HOT funds. The details of this analysis are attached at Exhibit A, and an …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division October 25, 2021 PARD Strategic Planning Follow-Up: Resource Allocation and Cash Handling Audits Background 2 • The PARD Resource Allocation Audit was conducted in 2016. The objective of the audit was “to determine how resources are allocated for PARD programs and maintenance, and if this process results in equity from a City district perspective.” The audit resulted in three findings and four recommendations. • The PARD Cash Handling Audit was conducted in 2017. The objective of the audit was “to determine if PARD accounted for all the money it received.” The audit resulted in two findings and four recommendations. PARD has implemented 6 recommendations related to strategic planning: 3 Source: Auditor analysis of PARD’s actions to address prior audit recommendations, September 2021 Implementation Status of Recommendations - PARD Resource Allocation 4 Recommendations Recommendation 1: The Director should implement a comprehensive program management system to track complete and reliable program information and ensure these decisions are documented and communicated throughout PARD Implementation Status Underway Recommendation 2: The Director should: A. initiate a policy discussion with City Council and the City Manager to determine how to offer an appropriate balance of PARD services given funding; B. perform a sustainability analysis and make adjustments to programs, services, and facilities that better align to decisions made in that policy discussion; and C. better align fees to recover costs Implemented Implementation Status of Recommendations - PARD Resource Allocation (continued) 5 Recommendations Recommendation 3: The Director should ensure registration for all fee-based programs is done in RecTrac, all participants pay for the services they receive, and that payment is made timely or appropriately addressed per policy Recommendation 4: The Director should ensure facility service requests are completed timely and that staff collect and report all information regarding each facility maintenance service request work order including the reasons for any cancellations Implementation Status Implemented Underway Implementation Status of Recommendations - PARD Cash Handling 6 Recommendations Recommendation 1: The PARD Director should identify ways that technology and/or process changes can be used to independently determine expected revenue at PARD sites and eliminate the need for the “over-ring” practice at municipal pools. Recommendation 2: The PARD Director should identify ways that technology and/or process changes can be used to reduce or eliminate the acceptance of paper money at a department or site level. Implementation Status Implemented Implemented Implementation Status of Recommendations …
City of Austin Office of the City Auditor Report Highlights September 2021 PARD Strategic Planning Follow-Up Objective The objective of this special report was to follow up on the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) actions to implement recommendations from the PARD Resource Allocation and PARD Cash Handling audits. What We Learned We verified the department implemented two of the four recommendations we issued in the PARD Resource Allocation Audit and work on the other two recommendations is underway. We issued four recommendations through the PARD Cash Handling Audit, and all four have been implemented. PARD has made significant improvements to managing its resources, including implementation of new cost-recovery and subsidy pricing models and new cash handling procedures. However, the City’s funding priorities may continue to constrain the department’s ability to effectively offer its current wide range of services, especially in high-cost areas such as aquatics, golf courses, and cemeteries. PARD has implemented 6 recommendations related to strategic planning PARD Resource Allocation Audit PARD Cash Handling Audit 2 recommendations implemented 4 recommendations implemented 2 recommendations underway SOURCE: Auditor analysis of PARD’s actions to address prior audit recommendations, September 2021 Background The PARD Resource Allocation Audit was conducted in 2016 because prior audits had indicated risks relating to PARD resource allocation may not have been fully addressed. The objective of audit was “to determine how resources are allocated for PARD programs and maintenance, and if this process results in equity from a City district perspective.” The audit resulted in three findings and four recommendations. The PARD Cash Handling Audit was conducted in fiscal year 2017 after PARD and City Auditor staff identified risks related to cash management in prior audits and investigations. The objective of the audit was “to determine if the Parks and Department (PARD) accounted for all the money it received.” The audit resulted in two findings and four recommendations. Both audits evaluated how PARD manages its resources and the many programs and functions the department oversees. Making efficient use of those resources is critical in achieving PARD’s mission to “inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places.” 1 Office of the City Auditor DRAFTPARD Strategic Planning Follow-Up Report Highlights September 2021 Implementation Status Underway City of Austin City of Austin Office of the City Auditor Office of the City Auditor Implementation Status of Recommendations Audit Recommendations …
City of Austin Office of the City Auditor Special Report PARD Strategic Planning Follow-Up September 2021 This is a special report to follow up on the recommendations related to PARD strategic planning made in the Resource Allocation and Cash Handling audits. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has made significant progress to address the recommendations made in these audits, including actions taken to enhance cost recovery, implement equitable program subsidies, and improve training for staff. However, City leadership will need to address the long-term financial sustainability of PARD programming. DRAFT Contents Objective Background Objective and Background What We Learned and What PARD has Done Appendix A - Findings Issued Appendix B - Implementation Status of Recommendations Scope and Methodology 2 3 8 9 10 Cover: Roy Kizer Golf Course, City of Austin. The objective of this special report was to follow up on the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) actions to implement recommendations from the PARD Resource Allocation and PARD Cash Handling audits. The PARD Resource Allocation Audit was conducted as part of the Office of the City Auditor’s fiscal year 2016 Audit Plan and because prior audits had indicated risks relating to PARD resource allocation may not have been fully addressed. The objective of the audit was “to determine how resources are allocated for PARD programs and maintenance, and if this process results in equity from a City district perspective.” The audit resulted in three findings and four recommendations. The PARD Cash Handling Audit was conducted in fiscal year 2017 after PARD and City Auditor staff identified risks related to cash management in prior audits and investigations. The objective of the audit was “to determine if the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) accounted for all the money it received.” The audit resulted in two findings and four recommendations. Both audits evaluated how PARD manages its resources and the many programs and functions the department oversees. Making efficient use of those resources is critical in achieving PARD’s mission to “inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places.” 2 Office of the City Auditor DRAFTPARD Strategic Planning Follow-Up What We Learned Summary What has the department done to address the issues we identified? We issued four recommendations through the PARD Resource Allocation Audit in 2016. We verified the department implemented two of these recommendations, and two are underway. …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCIAL COMMITTEE MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 – 12:00PM MINUTES The Financial Committee convened in a special meeting on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 1183 Chestnut Avenue in Austin, Texas. Chair Faust called the meeting to order at 12:05pm. Committee Members in Attendance: Chair Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman, Kimberly Taylor and Dawn Lewis, Ex-Officio Committee Members Absent: Richard DePalma Staff in Attendance: Suzanne Piper, Vanorda Richardson, Nicholas Johnson, Ed Morris, and Sammi Curless CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the special called meeting of August 18, 2021 were approved on Committee Member Taylor motion, Chair Faust second on a 3-0 vote with Committee Member DePalma absent and one vacancy. To ensure adequate time for discussion, Item B3 was heard first followed by B1 and B2. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action on Park Districts and Park Fees in follow up from August 18, 2021 presentation. The Committee discussed the item; no action was taken on the item. 2. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax. Chair Faust led the discussion; no action was taken on the item. 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action on Parks and Recreation Department Page 1 of 2 Strategic Planning Follow Up Audit by City of Austin Office of the City Auditor. Vanorda Richardson and Iliyas Vohra of the Parks and Recreation Department made a presentation and answered questions from the Committee. No action was taken on the item. C. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Park Districts and Park Fees • Recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax • Fiscal Year 2023 budget process overview • Annual report and review of list of topics Chair Faust adjourned the meeting at 1:32pm. Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021 – 12:00PM BRITTON, DURST, HOWARD AND SPENCE BUILDING 1183 CHESTNUT AVENUE, AUSTIN, TX 78702 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Anna L. DiCarlo (D-2), Chair Nancy Barnard (D-7) VACANT CALL TO ORDER Nina Rinaldi (D-1) Laura Cottam Sajbel (D-9) Dawn Lewis (D-10), Ex-Officio AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Contracts and Concessions Committee special called meeting of August 19, 2021. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board to recommend to City Council approval of an ordinance waiving up to $9,315 in Parks and Recreation Department Asian American Resource Center rental fees for Austin Community College; and authorize the negotiation and execution of an Interlocal Agreement with Austin Community College to provide classrooms at the Asian American Resource Center for English as a Second Language classes and potentially other adult education programs free of charge.. (PARD Long Range Plan Strategies – Program Alignment; SD23 Outcomes – Economic Opportunity and Affordability, Culture and Lifelong Learning) Presenter(s): Bianca Xoyamayagua-Galvan, Acting Culture and Arts Education Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department 2. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board to recommend to City Council the negotiation and execution of an amendment to an existing contract with Interment Services, Inc. for continued Page 1 of 2 interment services at city cemeteries and to extend the term by two years. (SD23 Outcomes – Economic Opportunity and Affordability, Health and Environment and Government that Works for All) Presenter(s): Tonja Walls-Davis, Division Manager and Jason Walker, Parks Grounds Manager, Parks and Recreation Department C. MONTHLY REPORT ON NEW AND ONGOING CONTRACT DEVELOPMENT (PARD Long Range Plan Strategies – Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency, Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All; SD23 Outcomes – Health & Environment) Presenter(s): Patricia Rossett, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department D. 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. …
