PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Wednesday, September 23, 2020 – 3:00-4:30 p.m. MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a special meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 3:02pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis; Vice Chair Romteen Farasat; Laura Cottam Sajbel; Richard DePalma; Anna DiCarlo; Sarah Faust; Francoise Luca; Kate Mason- Murphy; Fred Morgan; Nina Rinaldi and Kimberly Taylor. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Amanda Ross; and Sammi Curless. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the special meeting of September 2, 2020 were approved as corrected on Board Member Cottam Sajbel motion, Board Member Mason-Murphy second on a 7- 0 with Vice Chair Farasat abstaining, Board Member Faust off the dais and Board Members Luca and Morgan absent. Board Members Luca and Morgan joined the meeting at approximately 3:10pm. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Make a recommendation to the City Council on the official naming of “Ebba Springs” in response to a proposal filed by a local property owner to the United States Board on Geographic Names, that concerns an unnamed spring located on private property in the City’s extra-territorial jurisdiction near Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park and the Austin Lake Hills neighborhood. Board Member DePalma made a motion that the Parks and Recreation Board offers no objection to the naming of “Ebba Springs”; Board Member Morgan seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with Board Member Faust off the dais. 2. Presentation and discussion of the Barton Creek Greenbelt reservation pilot. Presented by Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. The Board discussed the item, but no action was taken. Page 1 of 2 3. Presentation and discussion of people experiencing homelessness response on parkland. Presented by Kimberly McNeeley, Director, Parks and Recreation Department. The Board discussed the item, but no action was taken. C. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS 1. Discussion and possible action regarding modifications to the bylaws of the Parks and Recreation Board. Due to time constraints, item moved to October meeting. 2. Discussion of swimming pools and COVID-19 modified operations. Presenter: Board Member Laura Cottam Sajbel Director McNeeley provided notice that pools will open with modified operations beginning on September 26. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the Alternative Funding Working …
87TH STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer TEXAS LEGISLATURE INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON CITIES Total Bills Introduced Total Bills Passed City-Related bills introduced City-Related bills passed Year 76th-1999 77th-2001 78th-2003 79th-2005 80th-2007 81st-2009 82nd-2011 83rd-2013 84th-2015 85th – 2017 5,813 5,612 5,633 5,512 6,241 7,464 5,938 5,950 6,476 6,800 1,622 1,601 1,384 1,389 1,481 1,459 1,379 1,437 1,329 1,208 1,230+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,500+ 1,500+ 1,900+ 1,900+ 2,500+ 86th – 2019 7,324 1,429 2,300+ 130+ 150+ 110+ 105+ 120+ 120+ 160+ 220+ 220+ 294 338 • 54 % more City- related bills were passed between 2015 and 2019 • 182 % more City – related bills were passed between 2009 and 2019 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 2 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: IGRO ROLE In the 86th session • 3,970 Bills/JR’s were filed in last 10 business days before filing deadline, March 8th. (54%). • 7,324 bills read and analyzed by IGRO. • Over 2,500 bills were determined by IGRO to affect cities. • 1,296 Bills/JR’s required analysis/action by departments and IGRO. 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 3 TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: GOVERNOR ABBOTT "As opposed to the state having to take multiple rifle- shot approaches at overriding local regulations, I think a broad-based law by the state of Texas that says across the board, the state is going to pre-empt local regulations, is a superior approach“ * – Governor Greg Abbott, March 21, 2017 *Source: “Abbott wants "broad-based law" that pre-empts local regulations” Texas Tribune, March 21, 2017 Governor Greg Abbott in 2017 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 4 TREND: ANTI-CITY LEGISLATION: POST 85TH SPECIAL SESSION "Our cities are still controlled by Democrats…And where do we have all our problems in America? Not at the state level run by Republicans, but in our cities that are mostly controlled by Democrat mayors and Democrat city council men and women. That's where you see liberal policies. That's where you see high taxes. That's where you see street crime." * -Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, 2017 *Source: “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames city governments for "all our problems in America" Texas Tribune, AUG. 4, 2017 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 5 Lt Governor Dan Patrick in 2016. Photo by Gage Skidmore. TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: POST 86TH SESSION “Any mayor, county judge that was dumb ass enough to come meet with me, I told them with great clarity, my goal is for this to be the …
Pease District Park Request Approval for Dedication and Onsite Recognition Parks and Recreation Board Christine Chute Canul, Development Administrator Parks and Recreation Department, City of Austin October 27, 2020 Pease District Park – Pease Park Conservancy Basketball Court A new, full-size high school regulation basketball court will sit next to the Great Lawn, surrounded by planting shade and seating. The court will have night lighting and will be separated by seating and landscaping from the younger children’s play areas. Entry Wall The limestone block entry wall will serve as the initial greeting of all visitors to the park. The park name is carved into large limestone blocks that sit directly in front of the Great Lawn. The wall is surrounded by native planting and is lit at night. 2 Pease District Park – Location of Amenities 3 Pease District Park – Basketball Court 4 Pease District Park – Entry Wall 5 Pease District Park – The Numbers 6 Request for Dedication A group of more than 50 donors, led by the late Pat Lochridge’s close friend Peter Pincoffs, has donated in excess $200,000 toward operations and maintenance costs associated with the Basketball Court. This donation equals 50 years of maintenance. Through the DeAngelis Family Foundation, Ken and Lorrie DeAngelis have contributed $100,000 toward operations and maintenance costs associated with the Entry Wall. This donation equals 200 years of maintenance. These gifts were made as part of Pease Park Conservancy’s Kingsbury Commons Campaign. The dedication would be reflected on a tasteful and discrete plaque placed on or near the feature that will be submitted to the PARD Director for final approval prior to fabrication. 7 Request for Dedication The Basketball Court/ Patton “Pat” Lochridge (1949-2017) Pat's family moved from the Rio Grande Valley to Austin, in 1959, which was his home for the rest of his life. Pat attended Princeton University, finished his undergraduate career in Plan II at the University of Texas, and attended the University of Texas Law School. After graduating from UT Law with high honors, Pat served as a law clerk to Judge Joseph T. Sneed of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Pat then joined the law firm of McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP, in Austin. Pat was recognized many times for his skills and accomplishments as a trial lawyer. He was a fellow of the American College …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Tuesday of each month, except July, November and December, 6:00 p.m.) January 26, 2021 February 23, 2021 March 23, 2021 April 27, 2021 May 25, 2021 June 22,2021 August 24, 2021 September 28, 2021 October 26, 2021 November 30, 2021
ATTACHMENT 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Parks and Recreation Board ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Parks & Recreation Board ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the city council and the city manager regarding: 1. the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin; 2. the purchase of additional land to be managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The board shall outline a general plan of development for land, facilities, and programs. The board may submit the plan to the Planning Commission and the City Manager for detail development, and the City Manager may then submit the plan to the City Council for approval as may be required by Code. The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest general public welfare. The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the City Council. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a "rolling" twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member's position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member ' s ATTACHMENT 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 …
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RELATED TO AMENDING ITS BYLAWS TO TERMINATE THE LAND, FACILITIES AND PROGRAM COMMITTEE AND ESTABLISH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Bylaws of the Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) mandate creation and composition of the Contracts and Concessions Committee and the Land, Facilities and Program Committee of the PARB (LFP Committee); and WHEREAS, the PARB has considered the value of the LFP Committee based on the LFP Committee’s meeting history, the subjects reviewed by the LFP Committee, and the need for the full board to review and debate subjects already reviewed and recommended by the LFP Committee; and WHEREAS, based on its review of the value of the LFP Committee, the PARB has determined that the PARB Board and PARD staff time could be better utilized than in continuing the LFP Committee and the LFP Committee should be terminated; and WHEREAS, based on its review of the matters considered by the full PARB, the PARB has determined that it would benefit from the education and development of a depth of knowledge of PARD financial matters by a permanent standing committee of PARB members; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to state law regarding property taxes, and other circumstances may cause financial impacts to PARD and PARB considers these circumstances to further justify the need for a permanent standing committee that can assist PARD in determining how to best manage financial matters; and WHEREAS the PARB would like a Financial Committee to be established as a permanent committee; and WHEREAS, the PARB intends that this Financial Committee shall consist of members that serve in an advisory committee to the full board on issues of budget, fees, revenue, funding and other financial matters of the Parks and Recreation Department; and WHEREAS, the PARB intends that once established, the Financial Committee would set an annual agenda for itself each year outlining the financial items meriting consideration, including the PARD proposed budget prior to presentation and consideration of the budget by the PARB, a review of fees charged by PARD, and research, review and recommendation of funding mechanisms for the acquisition and development of parkland and operations and management of Parks and Recreation facilities and programs; and THEREFORE, the PARB recommends to the Council Audit and Finance Committee to consider and approve the bylaw amendment attached as Attachment 1 to this …
Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee PARB Bylaws Article 8 – Standing Committees Bylaws mandate the Contracts and Concessions Committee and Land, Facilities and Program Committee. Charge of LFP Committee to “serve in an advisory capacity on issues of development and programs of the public parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities, and the general welfare of the parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.” May 27, 2020 PARB discussed continuation or termination of Land, Facilities and Program Committee. PARB could create a Financial Committee to replace Land, Facilities and Program Committee. 2 Reasoning for and Operation of Financial Committee Challenges to funding Parks and Recreation goals are increasing. State law changes to City’s control over property tax rate changes; COVID-19 related closures of fee generating activities; additional expenses; potential loss of parkland dedication through LDC. PARB would benefit from small group of members developing more in-depth knowledge on budget issues and additional PARD funding opportunities. Committee members could provide meaningful input on budget and funding to PARD staff, and to be more effective advocates for PARD funding. Financial Committee would set an annual agenda for itself each year outlining the financial items meriting consideration, including an annual review of fees charged by PARD, proposals for generating funds to be used for parks and parks acquisition, and at least two meetings reserved each year for reviewing the PARD proposed budget prior to presentation and consideration of the budget by the PARB. 3 Next Steps Board discussion on creation of Financial Committee as advisory committee to PARB on issues of budget, fees, revenue, funding and other financial matters. Recommend PARB bylaw amendment at October PARB meeting. Forward bylaw amendment to City Clerk. City Council Audit & Finance Committee reviews and approves or denies at November meeting. 4
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: October 2020 PLANNING UPDATES: Walter E Long and John Trevino Jr. Metro Parks: On October 15, the City Council unanimously approved the park vision plans for the two Metropolitan Parks in Northeast Austin. For further information on the vision plans, please visit for the Walter E Long Metro Park Vision Plan and for the John Trevino Jr. Metro Park Vision Plan. District 1 Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park Vision Plan: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is working with a local landscape architecture firm, RVi, on the development of the vision plan for the park. The plan will provide recommendations for enhancement of the existing facilities and development of new facilities to meet recreational needs through a well-planned and documented community engagement process. The first meetings will be held in late fall of 2020, with a final Vision Plan, including design and phasing recommendations, presented to Boards and Commissions for approval in the summer/fall of 2021. For more information, please visit the project’s webpage. District 7 George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Facility Expansion Plan: On October 3, PARD and the consultant team, Smith & Company with Perkins & Will, hosted the second virtual community meeting to discuss the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogical Center Facility Expansion Plan. Community members were presented with three concepts for the expansion and discussed each option. The meeting presentation and video are available on the project’s webpage; the planning team invited those who were unable to attend to provide feedback on the concepts via SpeakUp Austin through October 20. The team intends to use the cumulative input to refine a single concept to present to the community at the final community-wide meeting, scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at 1:00pm. PARD and the consultant team will continue to engage with the project's Technical Advisory Committee and the African American Resource Advisory Commission throughout the planning phase. Visit the project's webpage and the SpeakUp Austin webpage. District 1 Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan: This community-activated planning process continues in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Community Powered Workshop and their selected consultant, Asakura Robinson. PARD and the Watershed Protection Department maintain involvement through a working group of City staff members including the National Park Service; the project also has a working group of community members. The team held the second round of virtual …
Photo: River Place Trail Dated: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Strategic Partnership Agreements A tool to protect access to public lands and ensuring fairness A Presentation by Rich DePalma October 27, 2020 1 The Issue The City of Austin has Strategic Partnership Agreements with Limited Districts in the City of Austin but not all were created equal. The agreements were negotiated between the City of Austin and the Limited District Board of Directors and access to public spaces was not always protected. 2 Example – River Place Limited District 2019 to 2020 Trail Fees 3 $10 fee per person — ages 13 years old and up — and per pet to access the nature trail for those individuals living outside of the District’s borders. District residents, who pay District taxes, can access the site at no charge if they present a Resident Card. Non-District residents living in River Place have the option to purchase a $400 annual trail pass. The trail is free to all users from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon.-Fri., excluding holidays. 4 Photo: River Place Trail Dated: Saturday, February 16, 2019 5 Photo: River Place Trail Photo: River Place Trail Dated: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Dated: February 26, 2019 6 Photo: River Place Trail Dated: Saturday, February 16, 2019 7 The Outcome 8 9 August 13, 2020 A Portion of the Communication by the District to the TPWD September 11, 2020 Article 10 Still advertising $10 fee for trail as of 10/23/2020 11 Our Charge 12 Limited Districts Can Charge Fees https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/wa/htm/wa.49.htm 13 Considering Fees https://www.tml.org/DocumentCenter/View/68/Texas-Municipal-League-Revenue-Manual-for-Texas-Cities-PDF 14 Portion of the August 6, 2019 Response from the River Place Limited District’s Counsel Comparison of Fees Example – Trail Fees Emma Long $5 a car m-th; $10 a car F-Sun; vehicle up to 8; $1per walk/bike Grand Canyon National Park Individual Permit $20/person. Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway and private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge. 15 How do we fix this issue at the City of Austin? We codify basic requirements in a City of Austin Strategic Partnership Agreement. We already have the language that should be included because we require it from other Limited Districts. 16 https://amld.org/history-of-anderson-mill-limited-district 17 Tanglewood Forest Limited District Original SPA 1997; renewed 2007 and 2017 Same authorities and responsibilities but 18 Tanglewood Forest Limited District Original SPA 1997; renewed …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION CITY OF AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20201027-B3: RELATED TO AMENDING THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD BYLAWS TO TERMINATE THE LAND, FACILITIES AND PROGRAM COMMITTEE AND ESTABLISH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Bylaws of the Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) mandate creation and composition of the Contracts and Concessions Committee and the Land, Facilities and Program Committee of the PARB (LFP Committee); and WHEREAS, the PARB has considered the value of the LFP Committee based on the LFP Committee’s meeting history, the subjects reviewed by the LFP Committee, and the need for the full board to review and debate subjects already reviewed and recommended by the LFP Committee; and WHEREAS, based on its review of the value of the LFP Committee, the PARB has determined that the PARB Board and PARD staff time could be better utilized than in continuing the LFP Committee and the LFP Committee should be terminated; and WHEREAS, based on its review of the matters considered by the full PARB, the PARB has determined that it would benefit from the education and development of a depth of knowledge of PARD financial matters by a permanent standing committee of PARB members; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to state law regarding property taxes, and other circumstances may cause financial impacts to PARD and PARB considers these circumstances to further justify the need for a permanent standing committee that can assist PARD in determining how to best manage financial matters; and WHEREAS the PARB would like a Financial Committee to be established as a permanent committee; and WHEREAS, the PARB intends that this Financial Committee shall consist of members that serve in an advisory committee to the full board on issues of budget, fees, revenue, funding and other financial matters of the Parks and Recreation Department; and WHEREAS, the PARB intends that once established, the Financial Committee would set an annual agenda for itself each year outlining the financial items meriting consideration, including the PARD proposed budget prior to presentation and consideration of the budget by the PARB, a review of fees charged by PARD, and research, review and recommendation of funding mechanisms for the acquisition and development of parkland and operations and management of Parks and Recreation facilities and programs; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the PARB recommends to the Council Audit and Finance Committee to consider and …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – 6:00pm MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:02pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis; Laura Cottam Sajbel; Richard DePalma; Anna DiCarlo; Sarah Faust; Kate Mason-Murphy; Fred Morgan, Nina Rinaldi and Kimberly Taylor. Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Romteen Farasat and Francoise Luca. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Anthony Segura; Christine Chute Canul and Sammi Curless. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special meeting of September 23, 2020 were approved on Board Member Faust motion, Board Member Cottam Sajbel second on a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Farasat, Board Members Luca, Morgan and Taylor absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. City of Austin legislative agenda for the 87th State legislative session. Presented by Brie Franco, Intergovernmental Relations Officer. No action taken by the Board. Board Member Morgan joined the meeting at approximately 6:10pm and Board Member Taylor joined the meeting at approximately 6:20pm. 2. Recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to approve the Pease Park Conservancy's request for an on-site recognition for considerable donations from The DeAngelis Family Foundation and “Friends of Pat Lochridge,” which will be used for the future operation and maintenance of the limestone entry wall and the basketball court respectively, located at Kingsbury Commons within Pease District Park. Board Member DePalma made a motion to recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department Director approve the Pease Park Conservancy's request for an on-site recognition for considerable donations from The DeAngelis Family Foundation and Page 1 of 3 “Friends of Pat Lochridge,” which will be used for the future operation and maintenance of the limestone entry wall and the basketball court respectively, located at Kingsbury Commons within Pease District Park; Board Member Cottam Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 9-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Member Luca absent. 3. Recommendation to the City Council relating to modifications to the bylaws of the Parks and Recreation Board. Board Member Faust made a motion to approve the resolution related to amending the Parks and Recreation Board bylaws to terminate the Land, Facilities and Programs Committee and establish the Finance Committee; Board Member DePalma seconded the motion. …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board September 23, 2020 Parks and Recreation Board to be held September 23, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (September 22, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 23, 2020 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting, residents must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. • Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to sammi.curless@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live • Reunión del Parks and Recreation Board September 23, 2020 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (September 22, 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Wednesday, September 2, 2020 – 10:00-11:30 a.m. MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a special meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 10:06am. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis; Vice Chair Romteen Farasat; Laura Cottam Sajbel; Richard DePalma; Anna DiCarlo; Sarah Faust; Francoise Luca; Kate Mason- Murphy; Fred Morgan and Kimberly Taylor. Board Members Absent: Nina Rinaldi. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; John Nixon; Anthony Segura; Zach Baumer; Celine Rendon; Don Bland; Kevin Gomillion and Sammi Curless. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the special meeting of July 10, 2020 were approved on Board Member Faust motion, Board Members Morgan and Cottam Sajbal second on an 10-0 vote with Board Member Rinaldi absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS NON-CONSENT 1. Austin Climate Equity Plan (five-year revision to the Austin Community Climate Plan). Presented by Zach Baumer, Climate Protection Manager and Celine Rendon, Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Sustainability. No action taken by the Board. Board Member Cottam Sajbal departed the meeting at 10:30am. 2. Lamar Beach Vision Plan and License Agreement with Austin Pets Alive. Public comment by Pat Valles-Tres regarding Austin Pets Alive agreement with the City of Austin. Presented by Kimberly McNeeley, Director, Parks and Recreation Department and Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Service Department. No action taken by the Board. Page 1 of 2 CONSENT 3. Recommendation to the City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Save Muny Conservancy to operate the food and beverage concession at Lions Municipal Golf Course. Chair Lewis corrected the agenda to indicate that the interlocal agreement is with the Save Historic Muny District rather than the Save Muny Conservancy. Chair Lewis made a motion to recommend to the City Council the negotiation and execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Save Historic Muny District to operate the food and beverage concession at Lions Municipal Golf Course; Board Member DePalma seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 9-0 with Board Members Cottam Sajbel and Rinaldi. C. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS 1. Discussion of mixed-use park spaces specific to skateboarding, derby and BMX facilities. Presented by Board Member Richard DePalma. No action taken by the Board. 2. Discussion and possible action …
U.S. Board on Geographic Names Ebba Springs Proposal Fact Sheet • The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) has received a proposal from a property owner near Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park and the Austin Lake Hills neighborhood to officially name a natural spring on their property as Ebba Springs. • The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names for use by the Federal Government. The spring currently has no name that is official for federal use. • The BGN places importance on local opinion and therefore in accordance with their standard processes, asks for input from local government elected officials who represent community members who may have an interest. • The requesting property owner states that the spring has been known locally for many years as Ebba Springs, and the property is known as the "Ebba Springs Wildlife Refuge." • The City Council is asked to provide its recommendation on the naming to the BGN due to the property being located on land in Travis County that falls under the Extra Terrestrial Jurisdiction of the City Austin to protect the nearby Colorado watershed. Recommendations are also being sought from the Travis County Commissioners Court and Texas Geographic Names Committee. Federally recognized Tribes also have an opportunity to provide comments. • This item comes to the Parks and Recreation Board as a courtesy review for comment because of the spring’s proximity to Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park. • The City Council is scheduled to consider its recommendation on this matter at the October 15, 2020 meeting. 1 of 1
UNITED STATES CASE BRIEF (Domestic) BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Approved Promulgation authorized Executive Secretary Domestic Geographic Names ______________________________ Ebba Springs: spring; located 2 mi. N of Habbingston Hollow; named for the Old English word “ebba” meaning ebb and flow, which describes the spring’s fluctuating water output; Travis County, Texas; 30°20’02”N, 97°52’41”W; USGS map – Bee Cave 1:24,000. https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/gazvector.getesricoor?p_lat=30.334006&p_longi=-97.878067 Proposal: to make official a name in local use Map: USGS Bee Cave 1:24,000 Proponent: Barbara Ritter; Austin, TX Administrative area: None Previous BGN Action: None Names associated with feature: GNIS: No record Local Usage: Ebba Springs (proponent; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Water Resources Branch) Published: None found Case Summary: This proposal is to make official the name Ebba Springs for a spring located just outside the city limits of Austin. The spring is located on the proponent’s property and seeps out of rock bedding planes and fractures at the head of a small unnamed valley. Travertine deposits are found at the spring. The proponent has used the name Ebba Springs for several years. An aquatic biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Water Resources Branch recently surveyed the springs and used the name Ebba Springs in the report. The proponent refers to the property as the “Ebba Springs Wildlife Refuge” and the house and property have been part of the annual Austin Weird Homes Tour. The proponent has stated that “‘Ebba’ does not refer to any person or animal, but only to the springs.” Proposed by: Barbara Ritter; Austin, TX Submitted by: same Prepared by: M. O’Donnell Case ID: 5309 Reviewed by: J.Runyon Date: 4/27/20 Date: same Date: 6/4/20 Quarterly Review List: 440 Date: 6/23/20 4/27/2020 DGNP - Name Proposal Printout/Pdf DOMESTIC GEOGRAPHIC NAME PROPOSAL SUMMARY PROPOSE NEW OR CHANGE NAME Name Proposal ID: 9855 The springs are on private property and have only been seen by a few people. The name has been GNIS queried, I personally checked the maps, and Chad Norris of Texas parks and Wildlife completed a springs survey and no names appeared in his research. Date Created: 27-APR-20 Date Submitted: 27-APR-20 Proposed Name: Ebba Springs Action Requested: Name an unnamed feature Existing Name: Unnamed Evidence: Locally Used: No Locally Used Years: Local Conflict: No Local Conflict Detail: Additional Details: FEATURE INFORMATION GNIS Feature ID: Feature class: SPRING - - - - - https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=130:20151:25674712958701::::::YES 1/3 4/27/2020 DGNP - Name Proposal Printout/Pdf Descriptive information: See attachement …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Barton Creek Greenbelt Reservation Pilot Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager PARB Presentation September 2020 1 2 CHALLENGES • Environmental Impacts • Litter • Flooding and Closures • Safety and Response Time • Social Distancing • Neighborhood/Parking Concerns 3 RECENT EFFORTS • Quarterly Trash Surveys • Leave No Trace Hot Spot • Additional Programing • Upgraded Entry Trash/Recycle and Signage 4 PILOT PROJECT • Free Reservations Available Online • Park Monitors In Place At 7 Entrances • Reservations Implemented Thursday-Sunday • 10:30am-7:30pm 5 GUIDING QUESTIONS • Can managing access provide enjoyable access/nature appreciation for park users? • Can a reservation system be implemented equitably? • Is this a model that could work in this park or other parks? • What are potential benefits and challenges of increasing staffing levels at the Barton Creek Greenbelt? • Are there changes to environmental impacts? 6 DATA COLLECTION • Number of Reservations • Trash Survey • Number of Reservations Claimed • Public Survey Feedback • Visitors Without Reservations • Public Feedback • Demographic Data • Environmental Impact 7 NEXT STEPS • Project runs through November • Public Feedback • Data Analysis • Recommendations 8 Questions Questions 9
PARKS & RECREATION RESPONSE TO HOMELESSNESS Presented by: Lucas Massie, Assistant Director and Kimberly McNeeley, Director September 2020 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting 1 Dedicated Resources Staffing Levels • PARD has one FTE (full-time employee) dedicated to PARD specific efforts associated with homelessness • PARD Park Rangers assist the single FTE with specific efforts associated with homelessness 2 Dedicated Resources Service Partnerships • Homeless Outreach Street Team (HOST) which assists with connection to resources, including medical, mental and substance abuse counseling and housing • Pathways for Transitions to Housing (PATH) which assists with connection to resources, including medical, mental and substance abuse counseling and housing 3 Dedicated Resources Workforce First Program • The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF) administers Workforce First, which is an alternative employment program, where individuals are offered the opportunity to work in service of the community as an alternative to panhandling • As PARD’s cleanup contractor, TOOF abates encampments through assignment and direction of staff 4 Dedicated Resources City-Wide Coordination • Watershed Protection Department (WPD) which we coordinate with to manage encampments and keep our waterways clean • Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) which provides funding and storage assistance for encampment cleanup efforts 5 Code and Enforcement Code & Ordinance • City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Park Rules, Section 22. Camping and Overnight Use • City of Austin Code Ordinance § 8-1-11 (B) A person may not fish, camp, or use a specific area in a public recreation area between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without an approval 6 Code and Enforcement Code & Ordinance • City of Austin Code Ordinance § 8-1-11 (G) A person may not remain in a public recreation area if the person is advised that the person's behavior is disruptive and the person is instructed to leave the property by supervisor of the department • City of Austin Code Ordinance § 9-4-11 – Camping and Obstruction in Certain Public Areas 7 Code and Enforcement Enforcement • Curfew Violation § 8-1-11 (B) • Law enforcement issues a Class C Misdemeanor ticket for violating park hours. (Can result in arrest if individual refuses to leave at that time) • Disruptive Use/Inclusive Use Violation § 8-1-11 (G) • Criminal Trespass Violation • CTN Form A: Requires three warnings before issuance effective on the sixth day (1 year) • CTN Form B: Requires one warning before issuance and is effective immediately (1 day) 8 Code …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: September 2020 PLANNING UPDATES: Walter E. Long Metro Park Vision Plan: The park vision plan was presented to City Council at the September 1 work session meeting. After Council direction, this vision plan is currently on the October 15 Council meeting agenda. The draft vision plan and additional information can be found at the project’s website: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/walter-e-long-park-vision-plan. District 1 Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch: The park vision plan was presented to City Council at the September 15 work session and is scheduled to be considered for adoption by City Council on October 1, 2020, barring any additional Council direction. The draft vision plan and additional information can be found at the project’s website: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/john-trevino-jr-metropolitan-park-vision-plan. District 1 George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Facility Expansion Plan: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and the consultant team continue with the planning phase following several months of community engagement. All materials from previous engagement activities, including the presentation and recording from Community Meeting #1, are available on the project’s webpage and allow community members to provide feedback and address the same questions posed in Community Meeting #1. After presenting updates to the African American Resource Advisory Commission (AARAC) at their July 6 and August 3 meetings, the planning team requested a working group to continue to be involved throughout the planning process. The team will meet with the Commission's Culture and Lifelong Learning Working Group on September 22, as well as the City Technical Advisory Group on September 21. The preliminary planning concepts will be presented to the community at the second virtual community-wide meeting on October 3. The meeting will be hosted virtually via Zoom and streamed live on the Carver Museum's Facebook page. Additional information can be found at the project’s website: https://www.austintexas.gov/CarverATXplanning, or SpeakUp Austin! page: https://www.speakupaustin.org/carveratx-planning. District 1 Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan: This community-activated planning process continues in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Community Powered Workshop and their selected consultant, Asakura Robinson. PARD and the Watershed Protection Department (WPD) maintain involvement through a working group of City staff members including the National Park Service; the project also has a working group of community members. The team will host the second round of virtual community picnics on October 15 and 17. For additional information, upcoming events and opportunities to get involved visit …
Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee PARB Bylaws Article 8 – Standing Committees Bylaws adopted November 2016 mandate the Contracts Committee and Land, Facilities and Program Committee. Charge of LFP Committee to “serve in an advisory capacity on issues of development and programs of the public parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities, and the general welfare of the parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.” May 27, 2020 PARB discussed continuation or termination of Land, Facilities and Program Committee. PARB could create a Financial Committee to replace Land, Facilities and Program Committee. Reasoning for and Operation of Financial Committee Challenges to funding Parks and Recreation goals are increasing. State law changes to City’s control over property tax rate changes and COVID-19 related closures of fee generating activities and additional expenses are causing additional pressure on PARD; closure of fee-based programs and facilities may continue on and off into the future creating volatility. PARB would benefit from members being able to develop more in-depth knowledge on budget issues and additional PARD funding opportunities, to provide meaningful input on budget and funding to PARD staff, and to be more effective advocates for PARD funding. Financial Committee would set an annual agenda for itself each year outlining the financial items meriting consideration, including an annual review of capital improvements, an annual review of fees charged by PARD, proposals for generating income to be used for parks and parks acquisition, and at least two meetings reserved each year for reviewing the PARD proposed budget prior to presentation and consideration of the budget by the PARB. Next Steps Board and Staff discussion on creation of Financial Committee as advisory committee to PARB on issues of budget, fees, revenue, funding and other financial matters. Recommend PARB bylaw amendment at October PARB meeting. City Council Audit & Finance Committee reviews and approves or denies at November meeting.
