Approved Minutes — original pdf

Special Events Task Force February 2022 Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Permitting and Development Center – First Floor, Room 1401 2: 00 p.m. ‐ 4:00 p.m. Taskforce Members in Attendance: James Russell, Jeff Smith, Cindy Lo, Mandi Thomas, Laurel White Staff in Attendance: Sara Henry, Mike Jones (APD), Quentin Prior (AFD), Bill Manno (ACE), Brydan Summers (ACE) Task Force Members Joining Virtually: Bobby Garza, Heath Riddles‐Sanchez, Frances Thompson Staff Joining Virtually: Iby Setzer (ARR), Kevin Parker (ATCEMS), Jason Maurer (PARD). Frances Hargrove (ATD) Guests: CALL TO ORDER: Co‐Chair Russell called the task force to order at 2:07 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES: The task force unanimously approved the meeting minutes for November 2021. 2. OLD BUSINESS Austin Police Department (APD) A. Discussion on Public Safety Sections of the Special Events Ordinance APD Special Event Sergeant Mike Jones briefed the Task Force on an item on the February 17, 2022 council agenda that would allow APD to contract with Code4, a third party vendor, to hire other public safety agencies to help staff city and city‐sponsored special events. Following several questions from Chair Russell on the matter, Sergeant Jones clarified that these agencies will follow their respective policies and protocols, but APD would ultimately retain overall authority as the lead agency and would coordinate with the supervisors from other agencies. He added that private events can currently contract with Code4. Austin Fire Department (AFD) Chair Russell inquired whether a third‐party agreement might be feasible for AFD. Chief Prior responded that the current AFD staffing level does not require supplementation because they have significantly fewer individuals on site at special events compared to APD, but did raise the issue of needing additional special event review personnel in the future. Austin‐Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) Chair Russel asked whether staffing is a concern for ATCEMS. Commander Parker explained that ATCEMS has a history of partnering with outside healthcare providers. He acknowledged that the organization is mindful of current staffing shortages and the agency has recently made some salary adjustments that they hope will act as an incentive. Chair Russell asked all three public safety agencies whether there are elements of the Special Event Ordinance (SEO) That are onerous to them? Chief Prior suggested that the ordinance could be revised to allow AFD to enter into third‐party agreements. The Task Force asked Mr. Summers to record two recommendations for future consideration. 1) Council …