PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: November 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Colony Park District Park Aquatic Facility: Open house-style community meetings were held on November 17 and 18 in-person following COVID-19 protocols. Attendees were able to review and comment on the progress of the new aquatic facility design since the last community meeting on June 30. Project funding is provided through 2018 Proposition C Park Bonds. An access link is posted on the project’s webpage: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/colony-park-aquatic-facility. District 1 Concept rendering, Colony Park District Park Aquatic Facility Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan: As follow-up to Community Meeting #3 (October 19) which provided an overview of planning alternatives being explored, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and the consultant team seek community input via online survey #4. To accompany the survey, planning concepts have been incorporated into an interactive map. This feedback will help establish the design options that are presented in Community Meeting #4. PARD also continues to host a second series of “pop-up" opportunities in every district through the end of the month. Recent events were held at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, North Village Branch Library, H Mart, Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park, Manchaca Road Branch Library, Austin Country Flea Market, the Old Quarry Branch Library and the South Austin Recreation Center. A pop-up occurred at the Zilker Holiday Tree event (11/27). A second series of thematic small group discussions is outlined for December and January and will focus on gathering input from diverse perspectives through focused conversations. Direct invitations will be sent to stakeholders, particularly underrepresented groups from traditionally underserved and marginalized communities. The meetings will focus on the following themes: • • • • Environment, Sustainability, Conservation Mobility, Transportation, Accessibility Businesses and Events in and near Zilker Education 1 Historical Preservation and Culture Equity and Inclusion. • • Additional information including community survey #4 and interactive map may be found on the project website: https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision. Districts 5 and 8 Hancock Golf Course Virtual Community Meeting: On December 2 at 6:00 p.m., PARD will present a summary of the summer's survey results as well as a 2021 year-end fiscal report. The meeting will also discuss near-future plans for the golf course. Zoom Registration and project website: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/hancock-golf-course-planning. District 9 PLANNING UPDATES: 305 S. Congress “Statesman” Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD): PARD staff worked with the applicant on items where the PUD had not been …
CITY OF AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Zilker Park Multi-Modal Improvements November 30, 2021 CONNECTING YOU ALL AROUND AUSTIN Current Situation: Barton Springs Road No sidewalk. No pedestrian entry. Bike lane with flexible posts. City of Austin | Public Works Department 2 Current Situation: Stratford Drive No sidewalk on either side of the road. Dangerous curve, high numbers of cars City of Austin | Public Works Department 3 Current Situation: Bus Stops Three bus stops on Barton Springs Road are simply sign poles in the ground City of Austin | Public Works Department 4 Current Situation: Bus Stops Westbound stop across from William Barton Dr. City of Austin | Public Works Department 5 Proposed Improvements: Shared-Use Path A shared-use path is an extra-wide sidewalk that can accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs, bikes, strollers, etc. City of Austin | Public Works Department 6 Proposed Improvements: Bus Stops • Concrete landing pad with connection to shared use path or sidewalk (depending on location) • Bench • Trash can • Sign City of Austin | Public Works Department 7 Project Partners • Public Works, Sidewalk Program • Quarter Cent Program (District 8) • Parks and Recreation Department • Austin Transportation Department, Bikeways • Cap Metro 8 Questions Shelley Kilday Program Consultant, Public Works Department 9 Project Area Map 10 Butler Landfill Maintenance Parks and Recreation Board Reynaldo Hernandez, PLA, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department Christine Chute Canul, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department November 30, 2021 1 Butler Landfill Site Boundary of Landfill 2 Butler Landfill Maintenance Area Revegetation Area 3 Acres Gravel Area 5 Acres Boundary of Landfill 8 ACRES 3 Existing Conditions Condition of gravel area Ruts and evidence of ponding on non vegetated area of landfill cap 4 Purpose of Required Maintenance Comply with requirements to protect existing landfill cap o maintain gravel area to address drainage and surface flow issues to prevent water infiltration o revegetate and protect the landfill cap in non gravel areas o install irrigation system in the revegetated areas o designate a strengthened circulation route within the revegetated area o monitor access by installing fencing and gates 5 Proposed Maintenance 3 Acres 5 Acres 6 Proposed Maintenance • Maintain existing gravel cover over cap, improve drainage by removing ponding areas and creating positive flow off the cap, approximately 5 acres • Add split rail fence along Stratford Drive with gates to control access to the site • …
Whereas concessions serve as an important source of programming, offering park visitors the opportunity to experience various outdoor activities that support physical and mental health; and Whereas the eight concessions on Lady Bird Lake provided revenue to the general fund in the amount of $745,475 in FY21; and Whereas both programmed and passive park spaces serve the public in distinct but complementary ways; and Whereas a waterfront park such as Town Lake Metropolitan Park serves diverse users who seek out a broad array of activities, including but not limited to hiking, biking, paddling, and boating; and Whereas Lady Bird Lake is recognized and treasured for its natural beauty; Therefore, be it resolved that the Parks and Recreation Board accepts the concession report presented on 11/30/21 and recommends that PARD continue the following activities relating to concessions on Lady Bird Lake: • Continue working with Austin Rowing Club pending construction of the Blue Line light rail to identify an alternate location for the concession and secure appropriate compensation for the concessionaire and/or City • Continue working with the Corporate Purchasing office to facilitate and continuously improve a competitive bidding process that attracts multiple bids for each concession • Continue to promote socioeconomic and racial equity through concessions and contracting policies • Continue to cooperate with the Watershed Protection Department and Austin Fire Department to conduct preliminary research associated with regulations and code that may govern Lady Bird Lake’s watercraft capacity • Continue to pursue studies in cooperation with the Watershed Protection Department around watercraft impacts including but not limited to erosion, environmental impacts, water quality, and litter abatement • Work with concessionaires to balance the need for accommodating both programmed and non-programmed uses when selecting new capital improvements at waterfront concessions • Continue to examine opportunities to equitably locate rowing/paddling concessions all around Lady Bird Lake from cyanobacteria • Continue to raise public awareness around water quality and safety issues stemming • Continue to work with public safety agencies to promote safe behavior on the water • Continue to work expeditiously to bring the Zilker Cafe online as a concession
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Parks and Recreation Board Recommendation Number: 20211130-B4: Hotel Occupancy Tax Use Recommendations WHEREAS, the City of Austin Tourism Commission unanimously approved and recommended to Austin City Council a report from its Parks and Environment Working Group (“Parks and Environment Working Group”) on Hotel Occupancy Tax reviewing eligible projects, activities, and programs that can benefit parks and environment in our community; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Environment Working Group recommended project categories that can be funded with hotel occupancy taxes (“HOT Tax”) under Chapter 351, Texas Tax Code including: Tourism-promoting advertising, solicitations, and promotional programs; and 1) Cultural arts and commercial music; and 2) Visitor information centers; and 3) Historic restoration and preservation projects, activities, or programs for historic sites; and 4) Wayfinding signage; and 5) 6) Transportation Systems for Tourists WHEREAS, the City of Austin does not currently utilize hotel and occupancy tax to fund “visitor information centers,” “wayfinding signage”, and “transportation systems for tourists”; and WHEREAS, the Financial Committee finds that Austin Parks and Recreation facilities that serve tourists could benefit from additional funding through hotel and occupancy tax, and supports the recommendations of the Tourism Commission Parks and Environment Working Group which identify programs and projects which HOT Tax could be used for in the project categories of “tourism-promoting advertising, solicitations, and promotional programs”, “visitor information centers”, “wayfinding signage”, and “transportation systems for tourists”; and WHEREAS, the Financial Committee finds that “tourism-promoting advertising, solicitations, and promotional programs”, “wayfinding signage”, and “transportation systems for tourists” could be of particular value in enhancing the tourist experience at Zilker Metropolitan Park, Roy C. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park, Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, and John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park, and; WHEREAS, the Financial Committee also finds that visitor information centers are of value to enhancing the tourism experience but that whether an information center takes the form of an informational kiosk, virtual information, a building, or other format should be determined by the individual park’s Vision Plan; and
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCIAL COMMITTEE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 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 October 25, 2021. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation and discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 budget development process. Presenter(s): Vanorda Richardson, Financial Manager III, Parks and Recreation Department 2. Discussion and possible action on Park Districts and Park Fees in follow-up from 3. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation 4. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the Committee annual report and August 18, 2021 presentation. Board regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax. Presenter(s): Sarah Faust, Committee Chair review of Committee topic list. Presenter(s): Sarah Faust, Committee Chair Page 1 of 2 5. Discussion and possible action on the 2022 Committee meeting schedule Presenter(s): Sammi Curless, Business Process Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department C. 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 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 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) Kimberly Taylor (D-8) VACANT Dawn Lewis (D-10), Ex-Officio AGENDA 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. Page 1 of 2 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 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
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division PARB Financial Committee Presentation November 18, 2021 The Operating Budget Cycle Mid-Aug: Budget Adoption Oct 1: Start of Fiscal Year May-Jul: Proposed Budget Nov-Dec: Goal Setting Jan-Apr: Forecast Process 2 FY 2023 BUDGET CALENDAR (sample for illustration purposes only) 3 GOAL SETTING (Nov - Dec) FY2023 Goals and Objectives – Communication at all levels of the Department 2023 In Alignment with PARB Long Range Plan and COA Strategic Direction Direction from City Leadership frames direction and capacity for growth Goal/Project Estimate Resources Cost Forecast Request (if applicable) 4 FINANCIAL FORECAST (Jan – Apr) REQUESTS PARAMETERS: 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 2023 • Costs related to annexations or new facilities • Lease increases, legislative directives, contractual commitments Community Engagement – March and April Budget Forums Departmental Budget Presentations 5 DIVISION SUBMITTAL FORM Divisions Submit Requests with the following: • AS-IS State: What is the current situation? • TO-BE STATE: Why do you need an increase in funding/staff? • PARD Goals & SD23 impact • Proposed estimated expenditures 6 PROPOSED BUDGET (May - July) Components and other considerations of the Proposed Budget: City Manager/Budget Office approved Forecast Fee Changes and/or Additions Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) 5-year Requests Planning Boards and Commissions Recommendations Council initiatives 7 QUESTIONS? 8
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division Original Presentation on June 17, 2021 Modified Presentation for November 18, 2021 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 …
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 …
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE 2022 MEETING SCHEDULE (2nd Monday of each month, except December, 12:00pm) January 10, 2022 February 14, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 11, 2022 May 9, 2022 June 13, 2022 July 11, 2022 August 8, 2022 September 12, 2022 October 10, 2022 November 14, 2022
Park Districts Part I: An Overview A PRESENTATION TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE R.DEPALMA 11.17.2021 1 What is the Purpose of this Presentation? Park funding is a challenge nationally but some entities, regardless of size, have figured out other ways to increase funding to meet the recreational needs of their community. This presentation is going to explore one way in which park systems are organized and funded and that is the park district. This presentation does not mean that the Parks Board or the City of Austin is moving down this direction. This is just a first step on a long trail. The Parks Board has and will continue to explore other funding as well. If the Parks Board takes another step, it will just be a step towards a long path that may or may not lead us to a parks district. Recently, I heard someone said that it was much easier to tear down a house rather than grab a hammer and build one. It is my hope that as we discuss new ideas, people bring their questions and their knowledge to help build whatever house our community decides on. Thank you for understanding, Rich DePalma Vice Chair City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board 2 What is a Park District? A Park District is a form of local special-purpose district / political subdivision created for the purpose of providing public parks and recreation in a geographic area. An important criteria for a parks district is that it has the governing body has the ability levy voter-approved property taxes on behalf of the district. Park districts allow greater visibility to tax payers on where the money is being spent since property tax funding goes directly into the parks budget and not part of the City’s General Revenue Fund. Other type of special districts include: Central Health, Austin Transit Partnership 3 Challenge Statement What issue are we trying to solve? 4 The Frustration Not Enough Money to Meet Austin’s Park and Recreation Needs “Why buy new property when it takes so long to develop?” “When is my park going to be improved?” “Why isn’t there a park ranger to address ….?” “When will there be funding for...?” “Why don’t we provide summer camps for more youth?” “We don’t have a park in our area.” We are a growing city and the issue is …
Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee Potential Items for Consideration April 12, 2021 – Status update November 18, 2021 1. FUNDING AVENUES Tax Related • HOT Tax allocation to historical & tourist parks (referred from Parks and Recreation Board) - Discussed June 2021, October 2021 & November 2021 • Recreation, Arts, & Parks Tax1 - Not discussed 2021 • Ad Valorem Tax Texas Local Government Code Chapter 331 • Public Improvement District, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 3722 • Park Public Improvement District in format described in Local Government Code Chapter 372.021: Special Improvement District Fund - Decided not to explore. • Cemetery maintenance ad valorem tax - Not discussed 2021 - Not discussed 2021 - Not discussed 2021 Fee Related • Park Maintenance Fee3 - Reviewed August 2021 & November 2021 • Park District Fee - Reviewed August 2021 & November 2021 1 Added to existing sales tax. 2 Defined geographic area to jointly plan and put in place a sustainable funding source that can pay for a set of services to improve their area. 3 Creation of a Park Maintenance Free to be imposed and levied upon the responsible party of all developed property within the City of Austin, similar in structure to the Transportation User Fee. • Partnerships (Are partnerships part of Contracts & Concessions?)(referred from • Unrestricted donations directly to PARD (referred from Alternative Funding Working • Convert PARD from General Fund to Enterprise Department Other • Sale of land and endowment - Not reviewed 2021. • Budget Definitions - Not reviewed 2021. Alternative Funding Working Group) Capital improvements Operation and maintenance - Not reviewed 2021. Group) - Not reviewed 2021. Increase fees. - Will be reviewed 2021. • - Not reviewed 2021. • Reorganization of Park Rangers; conservation corps; • Continued discussion of under-resourced needs. - Action taken in 2021-2022 budget review. - Will be reviewed in Budget 2022-2021 • ADA accommodation -Not reviewed 2021. • Costs related to park development (capital projects); costs related to maintenance deferred maintenance presentation • Energy (older facilities opportunity to increase efficiency – energy savings performance • Services for seniors (given projections for senior population are we planning to meet -Not reviewed 2021. contracts) and water costs (reuse). -Not reviewed 2021 needs). -Not reviewed 2021 2. RESEARCH NEEDS • Visitor counts -Not reviewed 2021 • Spending per population; index to population growth. – historical information from …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021 – 12:30PM 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 regular meeting of October 12, 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 to authorize the negotiation and execution of an agreement with the successful proposer, Ecosystem Design Group, LLC, for land management planning for Department natural areas. (PARD Long Range Plan Strategies – Relief from Urban Life; SD23 Outcomes – Health and Environment, Safety, Government that Works for All) Presenter(s): Matt McCaw, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department 2. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board to recommend to City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Austin Independent School District for the use of athletic fields at Delores Duffie and Parque Zaragoza recreation centers. (PARD Long Range Plan Strategies – Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All; SD23 Outcomes – Page 1 of 2 Health and Environment, Government that Works for All) Presenter(s): David Crabb, Division Manager Community Recreation, Parks and Recreation Department 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board to recommend to City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Austin Independent School District for the Literacy First Program. (SD23 Outcomes – Government that Works for All) Presenter(s): David Crabb, Division Manager Community Recreation, Parks and Recreation Department 4. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board regarding creation, continuation, termination or status of a concession including issuance of a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES The Contracts and Concessions Committee convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 1183 Chestnut Avenue in Austin, Texas. Chair Di Carlo called the meeting to order at 12:01pm. Committee Members in Attendance: Chair Anna Di Carlo, Nancy Barnard, Laura Cottam Sajbel, Nina Rinaldi and Dawn Lewis, Ex Officio. Staff in Attendance: Suzanne Piper, Lucas Massie, Patricia Rossett, Bianca Galvan, Tonja Walls-Davis, Jason Walker and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the special meeting of the August 19, 2021 Contracts and Concessions Committee were approved on Committee Member Rinaldi motion, Committee Member Barnard second on a 4-0 vote with one vacancy. C. 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. Committee Member Cottam Sajbel made a motion to recommend 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 Page 1 of 2 potentially other adult education programs free of charge; Committee Member Barnard seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0 with one vacancy. 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 interment services at city cemeteries and to extend the term by two years. Committee Member Barnard made a motion to recommend to the Parks and Recreation Board to recommend to City Council the negotiation and execution of an amendment to an existing contract with Interment …
Climate Vulnerability Analysis and Management Strategies RFP Response, Evaluation, and Recommendation for Land Management Planning for PARD Natural Areas Contracts and Concessions Committee November 9, 2021 Presenters: Matt McCaw Environmental Conservation Program Manager Land Management Program Denisha Cox Contract Management Specialist IV Financial Services Division 2 Background: Recreation opportunities • • mental health benefits • • • water cleansing air cleansing • social benefits climate regulation • • • • • A natural area is an area that retains or has reestablished its natural character, typically dominated by native plants and animals. The majority of PARD’s ~ 17,000 acres of land are protected as natural areas in preserves, greenbelts, metro parks, district parks, and even along the margins of golf courses. These natural areas provide critical services, such as • Most have not been managed to maintain ecosystem health. • They are threatened by climate change, invasive species, and loss of biodiversity, all of which make them more susceptible to heat, drought, disease, and wildfire. The need for comprehensive planning and management of PARD natural areas has long been recognized by staff, partners, and the community. The 2019 Wildfire Preparedness Audit highlighted this need from a public safety standpoint. • • Recommended that PARD create and implement land management plans. PARD committed to establish a land management team to do this. 3 Background: • City Council recently adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan and directed staff to implement the plan, including: • defining leadership responsibilities identifying related items for budget amendment • • prioritizing strategies that support multiple plan goals • This land management plan helps to address the following Natural Systems goals in the Climate Equity Plan: resilience. • Goal 1: By 2030, manage all new and existing natural areas with a focus on • Goal 3: Achieve at least 50% citywide tree canopy cover by 2050. • Goal 4: By 2030, include all City-owned lands under a management plan that results in neutral or negative carbon emissions and maximizes community co- benefits. Deliverables & Plan Components 4 Restoration strategies that may be effective and appropriate for achieving management goals in various contexts. Monitoring design to evaluate progression toward management goals. ~10-year document; 50-year horizon. Site analysis • Soils • Hydrology • Existing vegetation communities • Endangered species habitat • Trails, authorized and unauthorized • Other elements Climate vulnerability analysis • Identify components of ecosystems that affect vulnerability to …
INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (AISD) AND THE CITY OF AUSTIN REGARDING PARQUE ZARAGOZA RECREATION CENTER SOFTBALL FIELD AND DELORES DUFFIE RECREATION CENTER SOFTBALL FIELD Agreement Overview: City of Austin (City) agrees to allow AISD use of the Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center and Delores Duffie Recreation Center ballfields for girls’ fast pitch softball and boys’ baseball for instruction, practice, games, and tournaments. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) deems this to be an appropriate and beneficial use of PARD facilities. What is the Purpose of the Agreement? Beginning with school year 2021-2022, the Agreement allows AISD to schedule use of Parque Zaragoza and Delores Duffie ballfields from January 1st to May 31st each year the agreement is in effect. This is an interlocal agreement between the City and AISD in which the City allows the scheduled use to support AISD’s athletic programming. Per Local Government Code, Chapter 791, AISD must fairly compensate the performing party for services or function performed under the contract. What is the Required Reciprocity from each Governmental Agency? AISD Services to be Provided and Deliverables • AISD will provide instruction, practice, games and tournaments for girls’ and boys’ fast pitch softball and baseball, respectively, on Parque Zaragoza and Delores Duffie ballfields. • AISD will maintain infield and outfield during the scheduled use period. • AISD will establish regular communication with the assigned City contract manager regarding use of PARD facilities. These communications will identify any potential problems and recommended solutions. • AISD will meet with the City’s contract manager on or before December 15th annually to confirm a calendar of the District’s scheduled use of the facilities. • AISD will maintain communications with the City’s contract manager regarding field use and maintenance responsibilities and concerns. • AISD will mow outfield and drag infield January 1st to May 31st during scheduled use period. City of Austin Deliverables • City’s Contract Manager will maintain communication with AISD regarding field use and maintenance. • City will pay all associated utilities during scheduled use period. • City will pay for any third-party damage of fields should third parties be granted use of the facilities by PARD during AISD’s scheduled use period when fields are not in use by AISD. What is the Term of the Agreement? The initial term for this agreement is for a period of three (3) years and will be renewed automatically on …
INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (AISD) LITERACY FIRST Program Overview Please open the hyperlink below for a program overview. • This video contains program-related information. What is the Purpose of the Agreement? City of Austin recognizes the importance of early intervention to improve the reading and writing skills of youth and supports the fundamental concept of Literacy First, a K-2nd grade Reading Tutoring Intervention program. This is an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District in which the City of Austin provides $100,000 in funding to support the Literacy First Program. Per Local Government Code, Chapter 791, AISD must fairly compensate the performing party for services or function performed under the contract. Who Does the Program Serve? • Title I elementary schools within AISD. What is the Term of the Agreement? The initial term for this agreement is October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 and will be renewed automatically on the anniversary date for four successive 12-month terms subject to Austin City Council appropriation. What Services and Deliverables will AISD Provide? • The Literacy First program will be administered and be made available to at least 300-350 students attending the aforementioned elementary schools. • AISD will waive rental fees associated with the City’s use of AISD facilities for the City’s Creativity Club After-School Program, at Oak Hill Elementary School for the duration of this agreement. • AISD will waive rental fees and ancillary costs associated with use of an auditorium, a gymnasium, a classroom, a stadium or field for a City public purpose as requested by the City throughout the duration of this agreement. Requests for classrooms, stadiums or fields will be mutually agreed upon by AISD and the City and entities will follow processes outlined in AISD’s GKD (REGULATION) and GKD regarding facility use. If use of AISD facilities is outside the time the custodians are on regular duty at the campus, custodial fees may be charged. If the use of AISD facilities is on a weekend when the district is closed, utility costs may be assessed to the City. • • AISD will provide transportation for AISD students, who participate in PARD after-school programs, from the schools below to the designated PARD facility at the following locations: Zilker Elementary School students to the Daugherty Arts Center for no more than 36 …
