Public Health Committee (PHC) Special Called Meeting Transcript – 06/08/2022 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 6 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 6/8/2022 6:00:00 AM Original Air Date: 6/8/2022 Transcript Generated by SnapStream Please note that the following transcript is for reference purposes and does not constitute the official record of actions taken during the meeting. For the official record of actions of the meeting, please refer to the Approved Minutes. [9:34:06 AM] good morning. Chair good morning. >> Chair: Good morning. 9:34, so I will call this meeting to order. As I understand we do not have any public communications today, so thank you, staff. I will entertain the minutes approval, please. >> The mayor moves approval, councilmember Fuentes seconds it, all in favor signal by raising your hand. That sts unanimous on the dais with councilmember harper-madison off the dais. So colleagues, we have several briefings today. No, we have just one briefing today. Councilmember kitchen, am I correct in thinking I need to find the notes for my staff here? Am I correct in thinking central health is happening at a later [9:35:07 AM] date? Our central health briefing? >> Yes. >> I thought we were going to do it today, but I guess not so -- >> Yes. I will follow up on that in just a second, once I riewch my notes. I believe when we needed to cancel our meeting last week, because three of us had a conflict and couldn't reach quorum, in endeavoring to reschedule we couldn't get our presenters and our -- and enough of us here on the same day and I believe central health had kitchen is that what happened? >> Chair: Yes. >> I think that is what happened but I will confirm that in a minute. >> Chair: Without further ado I would like to move on to our briefing on harm reduction strategies, and as I understand we have several speakers so I would invite them to -- I believe -- let's see R we beginning with an introduction from our staff? Are we beginning with our speakers? Let's invite our speakers up, and if you would please introduce yourself as you come up. [9:36:12 AM] >> >> Hi, good morning. The. >> Chair: Good morning. And thank you for shifting from last week to this week. We appreciate it. >> Yes. Of course. So I am Kate gross I can't any with the harm reduction alliance and this is Paulette. Good morning, I am Paulette, with the harm reduction alliance. I am the organizing director. >> And I think we were invited here to talk to you about the overdose crisis that we are in the midst of. As a community, we held a town hall last month to discuss what we feel like is a public health emergency and then the county recently passed their declaration around the public health crisis related to overdose deaths. So I think our briefing today is going to talk through a little bit about who we are, why we are here, what is going on with overdoses and, in our community right now and some strategies, both short term and long-term strategies that we need to be [9:37:15 AM] looking at. Shall we just go through the slides? I don't know. How do we do that? Do we do it? >> Chair: You can ask. You can ask the staff to advance the slides. Next slide. >> You can keep going through until we get to the pr presentation. >> Next one. So this is our agenda for today. Go we have a a time limit? How much time are we allotted? Okay. .>> I am sorry, vice chair. I don't think your mic was on. >> Chair: There is not a time certain or time limit for their presentation. >> I think we had talked with the speakers about an estimated time. Does 15 minutes work for you? >> Yes. >> About 15 minutes so we preserve enough time for Q & a but certainly if you need more time we can do that. >> No. It will be a shorter presentation to make sure there is time for discussion. Okay. Next slide. [9:38:16 AM] So just to start, and I know that you all have looked at this issue many times over the years, so I hope you know most of this, but it is important for us to start with the war in drugs to kind of Shern the cry can sister that we are in right now. One of the things wait to emphasize is that although we tend to kind of look at individual choices when it drops overdose and drug use it is really a system level problem that is fueled by criminalization and the war on drugs. And we have spent so much money on the war on drugs as a nation and as a community over the last 50 years, really targeting black and brown communities, poor communities and it has done nothing to curb drug use. So all those resources, the violence that has come this the nation name of the war on drugs has led us to where we are now, in the worst overdose crisis we have seen. And really the war on drugs we consider a human rights disaster. Not only for the violence it has [9:39:19 AM] caused in communities but also because of, you know, all its impacts beyond the immediate city of arrests and incarceration and violence, so criminal history affects education, healthcare, housing, immigration, employment, everything. And so what the war on drugs has done is, it hasn't curbed drug use but it has deeply destabilized the people's lives, driving people in poverty, tearing apart families, people blues their housing, their jobs, their income over the war on drugs. And so both criminalization and the elicit drug supply and how that becomes increasingly -- it is unrecollected and becomes increasingly dangerous plus this destabilization of people's lives together has kind of put us in a position that we are here to talk with you all about today. So when we talk about solutions we have to keep that in mind if [9:40:20 AM] we actually want to make a difference in what is happening on the ground right now. Next slide. >> Thankfully, the harm reduction movement has a lot of alternative ways of addressing drug use. A it is kind of -- I think about it as an antidote to the war on drugs, in harm reduction we talk about it as a practice, but it is also a social movement, born out of the AIDS crisis, led by directly impacted people who are dying, really created harm reduction movement to keep people alive and take care of each other. And so it focuses on reducing the risks associated with drug use, keeping people alive and also is a social justice movement that really centers the rights and dignity, respect for people who use drugs, because in our society we have decided that people who use drugs are bad and we do not seem to care about [9:41:21 AM] keeping them alive. In fact, we funnel them towards death, and that's what we are seeing right now with this overdose crisis. I think you all know a little bit about harm reduction. I know I presented before. We are going to get into the Texas harm reduction alliance in a minute, but I think you all may have worked with the Austin harm reduction the coalition years ago. Next slide. But some of the common strategies around harm reduction look like syringe access, so making sure people have access to a sterile search ring when they are injecting drugs .. Making sure they have a safe nice dispose of their used syringes and another common strategies is medication assisted treatment which I think might have been why central health was invited, but is a vaccination zone, norphine is one common medication and so is methadone but they look different in our community and they are regulated differently. .. Another big one I am sure you [9:42:22 AM] all are aware of is naah locks stone and naah locks shown the overdose reversal medication .. Would care is harm reduction, right in so for folks who are injecting drugs primarily naloxone, the wounds incur can lead into carditis and hospitalization and death and so wound care is extremely important on the front end to keep people healthy, safer use education. There is really, when we think about prevention and drug education, this is really important, because similar to sex education we understand that kind of abstinence only models are not working, we have to arm people with good information about drugs and how to use them more safely so that they stay alive and so that is a harm reduction strategy, which drugs don't you mix? How do you use with a buddy so that you are not alone if you do overdose? Things like that. Drug testing is a big one. [9:43:23 AM] I am a sure you have heard about fentanyl testing strips, right, with the drug supply infused with fentanyl at the moment. >> Fentanyl testing strips has been a big topic of conversation. It is just one tool in our drug testing. Our -- we can do much more comprehensive drug testing so people know not only if fentanyl is present but how much, and what other drugs may be present. And this is important as the drug supply will begin to shift, right, which is what happens when we focus on one particular substance with our policies. The drug supply shifts and we see a new substances pop up. And then safer consumption spaces for overdose prevention centers which is where people can use safely under observation with access to save equipment and connection to support and resources if they want it, which is something -- I know, you know, not always welcome to talk about things that are happening [9:44:24 AM] in other parts of the country but in the emergency situation we are in right now with the overdose crisis, we have to look at communities that are implementing strategies that are working, and we see these programs working in places like New York, where they have saved over 300 lives to date, and they have only been open for six months. Next slide. Just to be clear on the evidence, harm reduction strategies are supported with lots of evidence. We see syringe access is critical to reducing HIV and hepc infections .. And we also see that syringe service programs and harm reduction programs are an important point of entry into care, not just drug-related care but all types of care, because harm reduction programs by their nature are low bear we are, like no barrier [9:45:27 AM] programs a, folks who don't normally access mainstream services are going to utilize a syringe service program, and they are five times more likely to enter treatment than folks who are not engaged in those types of programs. That's what the research shows in other places. Next slide. So a little bit about us and what we do. I hope you all knew about the Austin harm reduction coalition that was here in our community for 20 plus years. We are a different organization. We formed in 2019 so we are newer, but we were founded by members of the Austin harm reduction coalition. We have a robust harm reduction program. We have a drop-in center now, it is the only drop in center we have now for people who are actively using. We have an outreach team and you can see our mobile clinic there in the photo. That's a brand new mobile clinic through a grant from Austin public health. So we will be increasing the [9:46:29 AM] services we can provide out in the community, which is a big piece of harm reduction, you have to meet people where they are at. We also do local and state level advocacy because there are many barriers to providing comprehensive harm reduction in Texas so we know we have to change laws in order to expand access and we also train on what harm reduction is and how to implement it in your program. We know we have 0 teach service providers and other leaders in our community how to do harm reduction, if it is going to make a difference for people who are directly impacted, who are entering those programs. And we will talk a little bit more about that I think later. Next slide. Right. So I just want to acknowledge that we were in a part of this work that you all did in 2018 to look at the opioid crisis, other leaders in our community were. But we wanted to bring this into the conversation because we know [9:47:30 AM] you looked into this as a problem four years ago and here we are in the worst crisis we have seen. So what lessons can we learn from what you all put in place then and how can we do things differently this time around? We don't want to pass another resolution that doesn't make a difference in saving people's lives and maybe this can be a part of the discussion since we weren't a part of this resolution, we would love to hear kind of what came out of it or where you get like you fell short. >> Paulette is going to kind of talk about the context we are in right now and what we are working on. >> So I think everyone here has been seeing some of the horrific headlines every single day that come out about rising overdose deaths across the country. Austin, Travis county is no different. The latest data that came outlast month a week after we held our town hall showed that [9:48:33 AM] overdoses had risen once again in 2021, alarm part of that was fentanyl related overdose deaths which jumped by 237 percent in photographs county. And so, just to put it more into context, drug fox I see the I have now the number one cause of death, accidentally deaths in Travis county, ahead of fall and motor vehicle fatalities. I think when we are talking about the overdose crisis, something that we often that we don't name and sometimes the news doesn't name is that this is sodrel linked to our homelessness crisis in Austin. And so while overdose deaths are recognizing our homelessness crisis has continued to rage on and people are subsequent deeper and deep never places where they are not connected to their networks, place that is are harder for us to make sure that we are able to serve them and other organizations like ours. [9:49:34 AM] The last data that we had on the homelessness point in time number was 3,160 people, but we know that that number is much larger than that. And lastly, all of the state and local data predictions and predictions even from the CDC show that 2021 -- or 2022 is going to be even deadlier than 2021. So there is several issues impacting overdose deaths. As I mentioned, a total lack of housing for people experiencing homelessness, and also revolving door. I think as affordability becomes less and less available in terms of house fog are people, people are losing their housing and this is driving, driving the continued overdose, continued camp sweeps as I mentioned is [9:50:34 AM] one of the worst things that can be happening to people who are using drugs and are experiencing homelessness. You get further away from their networks, they are losing all of their belongings. There? A general lack of harm reduction training and expertise in service providers, so we speak so often to our participants at thra and they often point out how not only are they treated with dignity and respect and compassion in our drop-in center but we also are understanding drug use not through the lens of like abstinence based. We are understanding how to train and educate people who are using drugs and I think a lot of -- a lot of service providers around the city are not trained in harm reduction and in particular shelter providers, the hotels and this is somethingly talk about in a second, but as we are talking about more supportive housing units coming online in the future, this is a really, really key area that we really need to [9:51:35 AM] work on ensuring that service providers are trained in harm reduction and are adopting those values. Another part is -- methadone, this has been an ongoing topic in Austin, paragraphs county, people who are ready to access methadone, sometimes have to wait six, seven, eight, nine months, which is just unacceptable. Health professionals are not utilizing harm reduction approaches. There is a methadone clinic right near our office where we heard from several of our participants that use that methadone clinic that doctors there will, if someone misses an appointment they will be dropped from their regular doses to very low amounts that causes so much distress in somebody's body and entire life. And them lastly, the criminalization of substance use and poverty, so whether that is embodied through the continued [9:52:38 AM] sweeps or harassment of folks around the community who are poor and using drugs. Next. So immediate needs. Number one, and something that we tried to identify through the county's resolution that was passed a couple of weeks ago. We need to be working towards building a robust harm reduction infrastructure in Austin, so what we mean by that is that we need more peer delivered harm reduction services that go beyond thra. There are many service providers that are ready and willing to take on some of this work and work with us to be trained and coordinated with us, so navigation center, the other one is foundation and sunrise, are two that we have been working really closely with who have been doing some of this harm reduction work but need, need more support to do it well and so we don't want to be the only [9:53:40 AM] drop-in center and the only harm reduction center in the city. We need much more than thra. Expanding access to no objection than and narcan is another piece N the last month .. There were a lot of what we passed through resolution the funding is going to go towards access to narcan and the reason that is because there is a lot of service providers don't even have narcan and service providers need to have it but so do libraries, so do first responders, the parks department. There is many gaps in need and really everybody should have access to narcan. It is an authorized tool that saves lives. Next is requiring agencies to making a go ahead data relevant to the overdose crisis available. So really to understand the over toes crisis we need to have data about drug related arrests, [9:54:42 AM] emergency calls, homelessness, the number of sweeps that are happening across the city. There is a long list of folks who are discharged from programs is a big one. Harm reduction and treatment, we talked about the methadone piece. All of that information we need to start kind of gathering right now to do some immediate response around the urgent needs and really to be building toward future solutions as well. Stopping the sweeps. So I mentioned this already twice, I think. There is a huge, huge need if we are going to really address the overdose crisis we need to stop the sweeps and we have to increase access to housing, which is the next bullet. Identifying and increasing capacity for harm reduction strategies and new housing developments and shelters and [9:55:45 AM] transitional hotels. We can't don't see people being discharged from southbridge and northbridge hotels because they are accused or even because they are using drugs. We can't continue to see service providers not understanding how to support people who are rug drugs or formerly using drugs. We really need to be training and using models that have worked around the country in bringing them here. And bringing them here. And we have allies around the country that are willing to do that. So that's something that we have been working open and talking about. Another piece intentional spaces for community led discussions on needs and resolution, solutions. This is why we held the town hall. We really needed to be in front of decision makers, our community members needed to speak about what the urgent needs are, and we had really had a hard time doing that in a [9:56:49 AM] meaningful way. So creating a space to do that is important and we saw that in the county's resolution. We were able to get a standing agenda item in the commissioners court. And then lastly, imposing criminal penalties on those who possess or sell fentanyl. Across the country, and in this state the knee jerk reaction and -- is to criminalize the selling or possession of fentanyl, and over 50 years of the war on drugs has shown us that criminalization of substances just causes more toxic drug supply and it does not get at the issues of rising overdose deaths and everything associated to it. Longer term needs. Syringe program authorization, Texas does not -- we have one pilot in San Antonio right now authorizing syringe services and [9:57:50 AM] so we really need to change -- we need to change this at a state level but we need all of you all's help to do that as well. Diverse housing options that meet the needs of current and former drug users. Supportive housing can't just be a model for folks who are ready and I put this in quotation, ready for housing. Everybody is ready for housing and we need to be able to meet everybody's diverse needs, whether they are using drugs or formerly used drugs and if they are not using drugs at all. Service providers should be trained in, and embrace harm reduction values and strategies. Again this is going to take a real cultural shift and a lot of training and education to move us beyond this like abstinence based punitive models and there is a lot of resources outside of -- outside of Austin and across the country that show that this can be done in a real way. [9:58:53 AM] Lastly, or the last two are around safe supply. What we mean by a safe supply and this is something that is being talked about across the country and has been for a long time is exactly that, that push around, we can't just target the use of fentanyl or any other substance. We have to be moving towards pa safe supply where people who are going to be using drugs know what they are using and if that is not the direction we are moving in, we are always going to be living in this constant overdose crisis. And lastly, overdose prevention centers which Kate mentioned, these are -- there are a couple of pilots in New York we were able to visit as a all of our staff went up to New York about a month ago and really just like this amazing, these amazing service providers who are running the first overdose prevention centers in the [9:59:53 AM] country but these have existed for a long time outside of the United States and so, and really they existed without authorization in a lot of parts of the United States. So we as a city and as a state need to be moving towards these bold solutions and sometimes that means that the law will have to change and the law will have to be broken and the harm reduction movement has always had to -- had to break law in order to change the law and move in the direction that we need to be going in. So those are some of the long-term needs and I believe -- and we add add few resources. National harm reduction coalition has some good -- some food handouts on just the various harm reduction issues, so you will see in there some handouts around safe consumption sites, fentanyl discussion [10:00:54 AM] points and various other things, and then a handout around homelessness and harm reduction and where we need to go to make sure service providers that are -- that deal with the homeless population are moving toward home reduction and Dea, drug policy alliance, another key ally of ours has put out many, many resources but one, a few are on policing the drug war. One important one is on drug education resources, so during our conversations with the commissioners court, a lot of the questions that came up was around drug education for young people and there is a way to do do this that isn't just based on harm -- in abstinence and this is just one limping that shows some of the ways to have conversations, as educators, parents and young adults. And then lastly is a link to a handout around rethinking the drug dealer, rethinking how we criminalize, further criminalize, people his drug [10:01:55 AM] dealers, drug dealers of fentanyl, et cetera. With that -- >> Chair: Thank you. Thank you both so very, very much. Thank you that you, I think you provided us with a lot of context and a lot of good information. Colleagues, are you able to stay for a bit? >> Yes. >> Chair: That would be -- what I would suggest now in the interest of time, we are going to lose the mayor here soon and we have two pieces of this discussion here today. One is the presentation we just heard from the Texas harm reduction coalition. We also have asked our staff to be here to also talk about the response to the mayor a's -- the resolution that the mayor brought in 2018 and since we are losing the mayor soon what I would ask is we hold specific questions at this point and invite Dr. Pa Chet up to talk to us about what has happened since 2018, first I am going to invite the mayor to just very briefly, and you are welcome to sit down [10:02:55 AM] and call you, if you would like to grab a seat at the table rights before or wherever you are most comfortable and we will invite you back up here just in a second as we are -- and we will entertain questions on both pieces. Mayor, would you just like to set a few minutes laying out the resolution? I know you have distributed it here on the dais along with the responsive memo and if you could kind of summarize the direction and the next steps that we are that were identified in there and then invite Dr. Pa Chet to talk about the work. >> Chair. >> Chair: Yes. >> This is great. I am really going to -- I am really appreciating hearing this because I know it is something the city has been working on and the mayor initiated in previous years so this is very helpful. I think it is also important to state that we have another resolution a that we might also want councilmember Fuentes to speak to, so that we are speaking to both of those resolutions. >> Chair: Absolutely. And I think we are posted to do that as well but let's go in chronological order if that's [10:03:56 AM] all right so we will start with the resolution that mayor did and what work the staff have done and as I understand councilmember Fuentes, your resolution picks up on next steps that respond to the Texas harm reduction coalition so I think that's the chronology we are kind of following here but we will start with questions and then ask councilmember Fuentes to lay those out. I am just trying to maximize the amount of time we have here with the player and others before we start to lose our quorum. The. >> Mayor Adler: And I appreciate that and first I want to appreciate the work of this committee on this issue and certainly the leadership of councilmember Fuentes in resurfacing this issue and giving it the urgency, the sense of urgency I think that is otherwise lacking. So thank you for your leadership in doing that. This was a challenge that wasn't hitting our city at the same level as it was hitting many other cities across the country, if you will go back [10:04:58 AM] historically, certainly in in kind of the rust belt parts of the country and then spreading but we did raise the issue back four years ago in 2018, because it was beginning to reach crisis levels and it appeared as if focused or concentrated in a lot of the music and arts communities initially in our city. So as a council, we passed that resolution to 180-52-4038 and I have asked the staff to put that into backup in this item so that someone going through this meeting can find it. In item number 3. As well as the response and basically this was a resolution from the council saying hey this is a growing concern. What should we be doing about it? A special focus in music and arts community, but more generally we need to do something. Staff in response to that convened what appeared to be a [10:05:59 AM] really large group of folks that responded to the growing substance abuse crisis, multidisciplinary, collaborated and coordinated response and listed a lot of different organizations, both specifically and generally and then talked about next steps in terms of partnership, recommendations of harm reduction, treatment and recovery as well as outcome measures and data. But obviously it has progressed and the challenges progressed and I think it is important for us to find out what it is that has been done, maybe take a look at what it was we intended to do and a see if we in fact did those things and if we didn't how we filled the gaps, the presentation that we saw today from a harm reduction alliance, I appreciate that and that contained a lot more specificity than was in the staff response. So I hope we do the backup. [10:07:00 AM] Thank you. >> Great, thank you, mayor and thank you for your leadership on that issue. >> Okay. Good morning, Janet pa Chet, I am the chief epidemiologist of public Austin health .. And I kind of coordinated responded to the last resolution in 2018 under Hayden who was our director at the time. >> We included Austin harm reduction in our initial. >> Enter disciplinary group we brought together to kind of hash out and identify what the issues were I think a lot of those discussions were focused around data and trying to paint the picture of what our experience was here in the Austin Travis county community. So that we could apply for federal funding when available and we had a good solid [10:08:01 AM] scientific basis for some of the data that we were presenting. Since that time, since August of 2018, which is when we did the resolution, Austin public health had participated in .. A fairly extensive needs assessment, so one of the major things that we worked on in that -- this 2019 and I can share in with you, we did a needs assessment and this was in participation with Austin integral care or at the time integral care, central health, and Travis county health & human services and the sobering center. You know, one of our recommendations was not to just solely focus on opioids but other substances because the medical examiners data was showing that. A lot of desks were using multiple drugs or alcohol in combination when they were identifying overdose deaths. So we came together as a group [10:09:02 AM] and part of the purpose of this needs assessment was to try to really get our arms around how widespread or what services and support existed in Austin and Travis county. You know, what different planning groups are, because there was a lot of good that is happening out in our community, but people are operating in silos so we are trying to get an idea and capture all of the folks that were actually participating in this space. So we lost, we also wanted to see are there overlaps in service delivery and other services they were providing? And wanted to try to also get an inventory -- inventory of what type of substance use or misuse are available to the community at large. So this report was the shed in October of 2019, and it took a lot of work and there were a lot [10:10:02 AM] of people who participated in the service assessment. And I can share this with you if you would like. But in February of this 2019 we were notified by the sense for disease, centers for disease control that we would .. -- there was a federal funding opportunity available to Austin public health or Austin and Travis county. Travis county and Austin was listed as an eligible city the do receive federal funding for disease surveillance activities like main he looking at mortality data, making sure that we were capturing and, again, beginning to payment the picture of what was going on, working with several other communities. There were 18 eligible communities that were in that funding opportunity. However, because of some flaws that they calculated that the center force disease -- the centers for disease control and prevention calculated from mortality data and the estimates [10:11:03 AM] they used by the national center for health statistics, they yanked that funding from several major metropolitan areas and I think most of the cities in the state of Texas. So we were one of the areas that had the hope of being able to get funded, significantly to support this activity and then that funding was later pulled by CDC. You know, we -- as the national association or cities and county health officials they have a big cities health coalition that -- who wrote and lobbied to, you know, consider allowing the funding to happen based on this -- mortality estimates so basically the mortality estimates weren't showing we had enough overdose deaths when we know on our level that there are probably more deaths than what the CDC is reporting. And there is also a major lag in the amount of mortality -- like [10:12:03 AM] when we get mortality data there is typically a two-year lag period based on when we get information. So we are able to pull information from our medical examiner who has a bit of information and then our office of vital records who has death certificate data, and that tends to be more timely. We continue to monitor that data. We have been doing that since 2018 and continue to do so and we will present that data in our indicator's report when it comes out. Let's see. You know, we continue to explore other funding opportunities as well, anywhere there might be a lead to funding we definitely are trying to see if there is funding available to our community so that we can get some data behind this and really paint the picture so that -- so that we can get some of these [10:13:04 AM] prevention projects and harm reduction projects in place. I know ems they were not able to be here today but they had one project that was also funded by the department of state health services. It is what they called an intercept project so when they meet people their community health -- can meet people, you know, at a counter what happens is they are able to try to get that person into the sobering center and link them to the proper care for recovery and that type of thing. So that project was also funded by the department of health, state health services the, that there were some issues with how it came out so they continued to support the project through in-kind support with -- from the city. Could we shift to some of the [10:14:04 AM] specific, again, just in the interest of time we are going lose the mayor here at 10:25. >> Okay. >> Chair: I wonder if you could address some of the very specific actions that were in the resolution. Some of them have certainly happened. The third -- the third be it further resolved talked about the current lit gaition which has now concluded, we entered the settlement. I know councilmember Fuentes's resolution that is coming forward next week has some additional next steps on that. You talked about collaboration. >> Uh. >> Chair: Some of the other steps I would be interested in you addressing are whether or not you brought forward funding requests I guess part of that maybe didn't happen because we had the hopes of this other funding source 0 there was discussion about staff recommendation considering without limitation increased epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of public education health promotion, evidence based reduction, harm reduction strategies, criminal justice diversion, increased funding for range of treatment and recovery, [10:15:07 AM] and naah lacks own kits and other .. Best practices so if you could kind of address those, I know for example you mentioned the sobering center, one of the things that happened since its inception and now is that the board that I serve on changed its practices and policies to allow folks who are intoxicated and possibly using intoxicated possibly through opioids or other kind of drugs to be admitted. That was not original intent and that was a policy change that happened. And that's I think our best example of the criminal justice diversion program. It is my understanding the naloxone kits based on the office Q & a that others my office .. And others have put forward increased among the staff but can you address some of the other very specific points in the resolution, just so we is a sense of kind of what -- >> He try to do my best. I know Dr. Roxann Fuente are on the line and since this is like covers a whole broad range of [10:16:08 AM] things -- >> Chair: Sure. >> My focus has always been on the data and. >> Chair: I would invite them to answer that if that is -- >> And I will say that, you know, again, a lot of these recommendations, part of the challenge has been there hasn't been funding to support movement forward. We have tried to move forward, where possible. Like I said, just trying to identify all of the resources that are available -- and I don't know if you have a copy of this, but I can share it with you, if you would like. >> Chair: Thank you. You know, what I would actually ask is if you could make that available to all of the committee members. >> Sure. >> Chair: I think that would be appropriate and, you know, as we try to understand kind of what work got initiated, what the response was, what the work was I think it might be extremely useful councilmember Fuentes to have all of this as backup to your item next week, so I would request that we have that document you just shared the mayor's resolution with the responsive memo and if our [10:17:10 AM] speakers from earlier are a men to believe this, having their powerpoint as part of that work as well. Does that sound good? >> Yes. That sounds great, thank you. >> Chair: Thank you. >> So, again, from my perspective, sparse epidemiologic surveillance and monitoring, we continue to -- we have been doing that since probably before the resolution original resolution occurred, looking at death certificates and any deaths that are coming across through our office of vital records, and we continue to -- we have over time continued to find funding sources when they have been available. We have worked with different groups from can the maternal and child health perspective, generally for public at large and that type of thing. I know from a prevention, education standpoint, I think, you know, boots on the ground, ems their community health paramedic program has been sort of instrumental in doing some of [10:18:10 AM] the educational outreach and intervention at the street level for any of those individuals that are included. I know stars harm reduction. We did take what we heard from the town hall meeting -- okay. You want to go? Okay. >> Good morning. Stephanie Hayden Howard, assistant city manager .. When we referenced the resolution itself, there were two items that department was able to continue to move forward as Jana stated we were able to increase the epidemiology portion and continue to monitor that information. There continue to be conversations internally between ems, Austin public health and at the time the office of the chief [10:19:11 AM] medical officer. Ems was able to provide some naloxone to folks they would encounter but as Janet did state, there was not significant funding that was provided to go hand in hand with the resolution. However, after the fact, there was some funding that was provided and Austin public health was able to do a solicitation, and I am going to turn it over to Lota Fuente director for Austin public health and at least have her to walk through that funding that solicitation that was released and just kind of tell you about the agencies that are funded, including Austin harm reduction. Lotta. [10:20:11 AM] >> >> You. >> Chair: You are muted. Pichette, pa Chet,. >> Chair: Can you try, try again and we will see if we can hear you. So I I am sorry. We are still not able to hear you. You may need to exit and reenter but -- but perhaps we should follow up on the funding piece. >> I can. He is sent me some information. >> Chair: Okay. Great. >> I know she was having problems kind of sending this to me today. Basically, a solicitation was released in December of 2020 and four organizations were awarded funding. Texas harm reduction was awarded [10:21:15 AM] $684,000 for substance and misuse recovery and peer led harm reduction. That did include the one-time funding for mobile unit that they have shown integral care was funded for comprehensive substance misuse service continuum. Community care, substance misuse counseling, navigation and wraparound services and then communities for recovery for peer supported recovery program and services, which includes wellness as well. So those are the agencies that are currently providing services with a contract with Austin public health. >> Chair: Thank you. That's very helpful. So colleagues, what I would like to do now is maybe have a few minutes, councilmember Fuentes, if you could lay out the resolution we are considering next week and then open it up for questions. But I think that we now have a context, a little bit more context of what work has been initiated, what work remains, and what our partners have [10:22:18 AM] identified as next steps. >> Fuentes: Thank you. Thank you, chair tovo. I heard today as you know we have a an overdose crisis going on in this city and in this county. Our counterparts at Travis county have also declared overdose crisis a public health crisis and so what my item does which everyone should have a copy, which I just want to say thank you to everyone on the committee who has cash is in support of this policy item as everyone on the public health committee is a cosponsor of item number 53. And that will be on our agenda for next week for council consideration. So what this item seeks to do is to also declare a public health cry I see. It looks at creating immediate and long-term strategies to increase awareness of the overdose crisis in our community as well as increase support service that are needed. So it does this in a number of ways, including equipping all of our first responders with naloxone and increasing training [10:23:19 AM] and naloxone to other city departments, including but not limited to aph, APL and our parks and rec department. It increases access to medication assisted treatment, as well as looks at expanding interlocal agreements that we have currently with partnerships with the community, as was previously listed from acm Hayden Howard, but looking at increases partnerships and services so that we are able to expand treatment and options for our community. It also looks at expanding partnerships tweet between our community health paramedic program that does an incredible job right now with assisting and then also tasks our newly created public health commission which is another item that this public health committee has taken action on in creating that commission. It tasks them with the objective of creating a comprehensive local plan and action that [10:24:19 AM] prioritizes strategies related to prevention, treatment, and support services for substance use disorders. A in addition as we heard both from Texas harm reduction alliance and staff there is a need for us to coalesce this data and it is important for us to have a centralized source of data so this resolution also directs the creation of a data dashboard to be shared with staff departments and community organizations. Additionally, it looks at the public, raising public awareness about the overdose crisis and so it lays out a public education campaign as well as workshops to inform the local plan of action, and then lastly, the resolution also updates our local legislative agenda, our city of Austin legislative agenda to en? Thought as we prep for the Ada Texas legislative session that we support the legalization, access to the ennil, testing strips, as well as the expansion [10:25:19 AM] of good samaritan laws and to be in opposition of think bills that increase arrests or severity of criminal punishment related to individual experiencing an overdose. And so it does a number of things and I want to thank my team and everyone here for all of the conversations that have been had. We have been working with our organizations as well as with Apa -- Escott, community care and -- if I didn't mention Dr. Walkes, also Dr. Walkes and the Texas harm reduction alliance. So we had several conversations about this and this resolution coalesces this work into these strategies. Thank you. >> Chair: Great. Thank you. Mayor, I am going to give you the first opportunity to ask questions since you have a short time frame here and then we will open it up for general questions to the Texas harm reduction alliance, thank you, or -- >> Mayor Adler: I don't think I have a question. I think in hearing the reporting [10:26:21 AM] I think the will is there , I think the initial work was there but there was obviously not funding provided to go the work so I think it would be really helpful as we go into this next budget sewings have specifically called out for us what it would take to be able to do this work, so that we actually get the opportunity to prioritize that work. But that appears to be where the disconnect happened. Thank you. >> Chair: I appreciate that. Thank you. And I am mindful of the language that you did direct the manager to bring forward to identify those needs and to prepare any necessary funding requests and I don't believe we got any necessary funding requests. So I think it is -- we also need to look at what piece of the process didn't happen correctly. Sorry. I fouled up my microphone here. What piece of the process didn't happen correctly as we didn't get advanced those funding requests, though I think councilmember kitchen, you were [10:27:22 AM] on the council at the time, I believe you were on the resolution, I was on the resolution that passed probably unanimously or almost unanimously. So I don't know that we can get to the bottom of that but I think it is an issue we need to address. The. >> Mayor Adler: I agree and we can certainly look at what happened in the past, but by all means we need to make sure it is a part of the -- it doesn't make it into the manager's budget, we need to know separately what it is going to cost to do this so that council has the opportunity to reprioritize, if we want to -- I think we just missed it. I think the funding request, I they we all just assumed it was happening and we shouldn't have done that. >> Chair: Councilmember >> Tovo: Councilmember kitchen. >> Kitchen: Yeah, I would say we can never expect to have one resolution to resolve everything. This is an evolving crisis and so we certainly made efforts in the past and those were good, and maybe [10:28:22 AM] we didn't finish everything we thought, but regardless of all that, this is an evolving crisis. And having the work of our folks on the ground reminding us and coming back to us and saying this is what's not working and this is what needs ramping up, we would need that regardless of what we had passed in the past. So I think it's important for us to remember that, that this is the opportunity to come back and say what's really, really current right now in terms of what these folks are seeing on the ground for us to focus on. >> Tovo: I agree. I simply want to make sure that because it's not -- I'm only identifying it because it's not an isolated issue of that process, but absolutely I think you've well said what the current need is, which council member Fuentes's resolution really addresses. And so I think that's a good segue to asking questions of our Texas harm reduction alliance, but council member Fuentes, it looked like you had a question or a comment. [10:29:24 AM] >> Fuentes: Yes, I wanted to add on an important element of item 53 is that it directs how to spend the opioid settlement dollars and that's something that the council decided to participate with back. Back in December we passed a resolution with the opioid settlement dollars so we're getting our first funding settlement this month and it's anticipated to be 1 point -- approximately 1.5 million and it will be spread out throughout a number of years and truly it will be nine, 15 years that we'll receive settlement dollars. So while this is the largest amount of funding this resolution seeks to provide some direction on how to best use those dollars. The question I had for the harm alliance is how can our service providers do better around harm reduction and overdose prevention? What what else can our service providers be doing as we look at building a [10:30:25 AM] robust harm reduction system here locally? >> Thank you for that question, council member, and thank you to the committee for having us again. So I think I'll talk specifically about housing, housing service providers. So we have been hearing many things from our participants. For example, at south bridge shelter one of our participants mentioned that we had dropped off supplies or another organization had dropped off supplies, meaning sterile syringes, safe for smoking kits that were there and when they went inside with the supplies they were immediately taken away. We've also heard of folks who have been threatened by eviction from these shelters and just general things [10:31:27 AM] around smoking cigarettes, breaking rules, punitive culture, punitive policies that really make a revolving door from whether it's shelters or transitional housing or even permanent housing. So ensuring that service providers are well equipped, well trained around how to adopt harm reduction culture and values is one piece of it and ensure that these are actually inside the contracts, the written contracts that the city is getting into a relationship with service providers around. So there's a lot of supportive housing that's going to be coming online in the future. It's really, really critical that that isn't just supportive housing for people that don't use drugs or for people that follow a really stringent set of rules. [10:32:27 AM] We have to expand what these units of housing look like, the kind of services that people get and really understand that there are diverse needs and our service providers have to meet the diverse needs of people. That's just on the housing piece. I don't know if you have anything to add on. >> And more broadly, we've lost, you know, service providers during the pandemic. We lost Austin recovery, for example, right? We don't have a good network along our whole continuum of care when it comes to substance use support and a lot of it is really high barrier stuff, right? If you don't have insurance or money, you're not going to get any treatment. And for the low barrier things like our program, we're new and we're already like way beyond capacity. The methadone program is low barrier and much more affordable and we have a long waiting list because there's no coverage for it, which is why we've been working with central health to try to include it in a [10:33:29 AM] covered medication under the M.A.P. Program. That would be an excellent step to bring that treatment, make it much more accessible. So we have a ton of barriers in our community. People want help, they're asking for help and they don't get it. It's infusing harm reduction into all service provision, but it's also opening up the types of treatment so people have choice, people have access. Like this should be easy for people when they're ready for help. It should be like okay, got you, we're here. Because our team is ready and we're constantly trying to support people and our team runs into those barriers with folks as well. So we have an infrastructure problem as well when it comes to supporting people who want to change their relationship to drug use. >> Tovo: Thank you. We don't have our homeless strategy advisor here to [10:34:29 AM] address -- >> Kitchen: I've been speaking with her. I can address. >> Tovo: Let me explain rest of my sentence. I was explaining that we don't have the shelter director here to address the policy. So I will ask the assistant city manager if, but if you have information, councilmember kitchen, I would invite you to share what your conversation via text has been with Diana and if our staff want to add now or later, I'll invite them to do the same. >> Kitchen: Yeah, let me share and maybe our assistant city manager might want to add to what I'm saying. First off, thank you very much for bringing to our attention the concerns that you all are hearing or seeing about the north bridge and south bridge shelters. I do understand that Diana gray, our homeless strategy officer, has I think she scheduled a meeting with you all. So you will be able to dig into the details with her at that meeting. What she has shared with me is that we generally stipulate harm reduction in [10:35:30 AM] our contracts and that the policy at north bridge, and it shouldn't be that, the policy at both north bridge and south bridge should be that people are not evicted for drug use, okay? That's the policy and that should be in contract. She did state that one of the things she wants to talk to you about is that sometimes what could happen is termination for behavior that may be related to drug use. Sometimes that can be an issue. But regardless all the details and concerns that you're raising I know that she has let me know that she wants to go talk in detail with you all about that because there may be a disconnect between what the policy; what the contract sand what's actually happening. So what y'all are experiencing is important for her to understand. So I don't know if you want to add anything to that. [10:36:31 AM] >> Yeah, we're meeting with her on Monday and looking forward to that. >> Kitchen: Excellent, that's great. >> Tovo: Thank you for that. Any other questions? >> Kitchen: I just wanted to say thank you to you guys. This is very helpful. I am curious about -- and this may be a different conversation. And maybe our assistant city manager can answer it. I'm really curious about what we're doing at the city for the M.A.P. Treatment? I understand that Dr. Escott is involved I thought with offering met treatment or not offering, but perhaps it's promoting or making it more available. >> Tovo: Could you tell us what that is? I'm going to follow our -- >> Medication assistance -- medication assistance treatment which is one piece that's helpful when people [10:37:31 AM] are ready for that. Does anyone know the level of that activity that's occurring at the city? No? That's a follow-up item I would like to understand that from Dr. Escott. >> All I can say is through our contract with public health initially we were instructed -- we weren't able to use our funds for medication assistant treatment and through conversations and education that decision was changed so that we were able to pay it because we pay for folks to get into methadone kickly because there's such a long waiting list. And my understanding is that the city might be doing some things around other drugs which is one version of medication assisted treatment, but methadone is another type of treatment and it's regulated differently so it has to be dispensed through an opioid treatment center so we only have a few of those in Austin. And I was also told that [10:38:31 AM] there are separations because of central health on what the city can fund. But I think having a 24/7 medication assisted treatment program, a methadone program in particular, would be a huge asset to our community and it's something that we should talk to central health and y'all should talk to central health because it would require a partnership. But I guess there's some limitations to medical care that the city can or can't fund and that's why we were told that mat could not be used with our funds initially. So I think that we might need to have a conversation about like what that limitation is for the city because it was really unclear for us and we couldn't get city legal to really clarify exactly what was medical care that the city could fund and what was prohibited. So that question still remains for us. >> Kitchen: Okay. Do you work with Dr. Escott? >> No, not directly. >> Kitchen: Okay. That's a follow-up item. [10:39:34 AM] I can check with my colleagues. >> And we have access to [indiscernible] The same a day. We work with koasly with ems and other providers in about the community so it's not an issue with us. Is just the methadone. >> Kitchen: Which is an important tool to have. Very important tool to have. Thank you very much. >> Tovo: Yes, vice-chair. >> Fuentes:. >> I also want to extend my gratitude to the Texas harm reduction alliance. It's my understanding you have test kits for us to look at to see what they look like and include and it might be helpful for the community to get a lens for. And no further questions on my end. I wanted to thank my public health committee for joining on as co-sponsors and thank you for your previous work on opioid overdoses and understanding. And working towards improving our system of care regarding substance use disorders. So I also appreciate the work that y'all have done. >> Tovo: Thank you. [10:40:35 AM] What I would suggest if we have the opportunity to do this is -- do we have the opportunity to see those test kits on that little screen over there? But I'm going to first recognize my colleague, councilmember harper-madison, who I believe has a question. Maybe while we're getting set up for that, which thank you for bringing those, that will be really interesting. I'll recognize you, councilmember harper-madison, for questions. >> Harper-madison: Thank you, chair. I appreciate it. I had the opportunity to listen in on the way in and really appreciate the conversation and council member Fuentes, really appreciate you resurfacing the issue. I'm glad we're taking this step forward. I don't have questions so much as I'd like to, chair, both president items for future consideration and then sort of let the body know, the committee know at large that I also intend to bring forward some items and it's multi-tiered. We had a work session yesterday where we talked about everything from labor [10:41:35 AM] shortage as the direct result of stagnant wages to housing shortage to homelessness crisis to, you know, everything in between. And I think one of the things that was repeated yesterday over and over that we were talking about is I don't know that we as a community have truly seen the manifestation of covid, like the byproduct how far it truly affected our community at large and I mean all of us, universe Sally. That said I am finding anecdotally a major uptick in substance use disorder being publicly presented or problem at that time likely presented Andrew Rivera mental health and wellness issues both in adolescents and in their caregivers. So those are some items that I really look forward to us as a body being able to take into consideration moving forward. But the conversation that you all were having about crime reduction, substance use disorder and its [10:42:35 AM] connection to homelessness. Sort of the way my brain works is I like to see how things are connected so we don't miss opportunities with resources so we're not same team but fighting over limited resources. So I'd like moving forward that we could all figure out how these things are connected. Because the criminalization of poverty. Homelessness now or people on the verge of homeless, devastated by the loss of income, they're about to lose their housing interacting with CPS they're in arrears on paying their parole officers and probation officers. They're all connected but I think we're concerned but we're trying to triage them as opposed to directly connecting them and figuring out how to address it all at the same time. I read some data recently about substance use disorder and how 40 million plus Americans facing substance use issues on a regular day but after two years of a global pandemic and loss of [10:43:38 AM] income around wage shortages and stagnation and all the other implications I think now is the time in watching our critical infrastructure just cram bell I think this might be the federal reserve time for us to really start talking about getting at it from the root instead of trying to repeatedly triage. Let get to the symptoms. The symptoms are poverty, the symptoms are mental health, the symptoms are substance use disorder. And I think if we start there we don't have to keep having these conversations about shortages, scarcity when it comes to addressing the manifestation of the roots. So I really look forward to us diving into the roots. Us, our collectively as partners and getting at the roots. I look forward to working more together, moving forward. I appreciated your presentation and look forward to more support of all my colleagues and anything we can do moving forward to really get at what's making people hurt so bad. >> Really, really appreciate that. We are really excited this [10:44:40 AM] is like an immediate response, but definitely have been thinking about the public health commission role of that body with the county's help involved with it too as well because of course Texas harm reduction deals with a very at risk population, but there's many others that need to be part of the conversation. That are part of the issues that we didn't mention today. Agree for sure. One other thing, council member Fuentes, we were going to just raise that there are a few data suggestions that we were thinking could be helpful in the resolution around just data around homelessness that maybe we could look at to add and I think it would help for future conversations too around future solutions. >> Yes, absolutely. Let's huddle on that. We have until next week before council takes a vote on it. >> Cool. >> Tovo: Thank you. So I think as our last item, Kate or Paulette, if you would like to walk us through what we're seeing [10:45:41 AM] and then if there are no -- unless there are any other comments from my colleagues or our staff, we'll wrap for the day. >> Okay, thank you. Yeah. So we just wanted to bring a few things to bring to life, kind of what harm reduction looks like. You can see there's a fentanyl testing strip there. Do you want to point to things? So that's one of the fools that we mentioned on not the most important tool, but a tool to help people understand what is in the drugs they're using and prevent overdose. You can see narcan, the nasal spray is there and then the same medication but it's injected is there in the Orange top. So we give out those. People have different preferences for how they feel comfortable administering narcan. [10:46:41 AM] We have sterile syringes, our smoking kits. We have hygiene kits, wound care kits. And so these are the life saving tools that we give out on a daily basis to keep people alive and create relationships so that they come back and talk to us more. And see if we can walk together on their path to recovery however they define recovery. So these are vital to starting that conversation, right? We can't just go out in the community and say here's some narcan and they will be cool, thank you so much, throw it out. Right, it has to start with what do you need today? And sometimes it's not narcan. Sometimes it's a shower, sometimes it's wound care. So that's how we start the conversation and build a relationship so we need these tools to meet people, where they're at, whatever they're facing that day, hoping that they'll come back the next day and the next day. >> Tovo: Thank you so very, very much. [10:47:41 AM] This has been really informative. Thank you for the work you do and thank you for bringing along these really visible illustrations of the kinds of resources that you're able to offer. It's my understanding, and I would invite our staff to confirm, that in Austin anyone can go into a pharmacy and purchase narcan and aloxin. That there's a citywide prescription. >> There is a statewide standing order that was passed in 2015 so technically yes, but some pharmacies do discriminate and they will put up barriers and say what do you need it for? You need a prescription. They might not be educated or because of stigma around people who use drugs, they don't make it readily available. But it also expensive. Folks can technically purchase it and if you know to advocate for yourself even if they make it difficult you can get there with them, but it's not as easy to get as it should be. [10:48:45 AM] That's why we like to give it out and that's why as Paula was mentioned it should be available for free and in as many places as -- in the places where a lot of folks are coming through and we can connect with them. So like the libraries and parks and everything. The other thing we've heard is that for some programs -- so like narcan helps with a an opioid overdose. We know that fentanyl is now in pretty much all of our substances. Even if you don't identify as an opioid user you're still at risk of an ownership@overdose so you still need narcan right now. That's a conversation you need to have with folks. And a lot of programs they do this at the trail and integral care, you have to be flagged as having an opiate use disorder. But we know people are dying. Maybe they don't want to say they're using at all, but also maybe they're using something else. They're not a heroin user. And they also need narcan. [10:49:46 AM] So that's like a small barrier to accessing narcan that we could fix if we had the conversation and dug into the issue a little bit more and that's the evolving nature of the crisis that councilmember kitchen was talking about. So the first step I think is really getting narcan out in the community free for everybody, but it's -- that's just one small step. And really we should have been doing it years ago. We have lots of ideas obviously and we would be happy to talk more about it. >> Tovo: Thank you all so very much. Thank you again for being here today. Thank you to our staff for participating and for helping us build the context of the work that you've been engaged in and thank you, council member Fuentes, for your leadership and we look forward to the continued conversation and continued work. Without further adieu, we stand adjourned at 10:50. >> Thank you all. [1:00:01 PM] To start. Okay. Good. Yeah. Okay, everybody. It is 5:05 on June the 7th, 2022. We have a quorum of six, so we are going to begin this urban transportation commission meeting. First item is always public communication. We have a person, but they're not here yet. >> Correct. And Ms. Zenobia Joseph will be joining us virtually. And if it's your choice, we can come back to her later. >> Yes. We'll do her between agenda items when she gets here. Okay. Then moving on to item number 1, which is approval of the minutes. You should have received a% etwith minutes from may 3rd. Is there a motion to approve the minutes? So moved. Is there a second? [1:01:06 PM] >> [ Off mic ] >> I'll second. >> Champion: Thank you. Any discussion of the minutes? All right. All in favor say aye of or raise your hand. Commissioner somers -- there you go. All right. Unanimously approved. All right. With that, we'll do one more quick check. Is Zenobia on the line somewhere? No? Then we'll move on to the first item, 2a, right-of-way vacation on sky mountain drive. Michelle -- I see her, Michelle Smith, take it away. >> Hello. Can you all set it up for me please, Chris? >> It's going to be up in one second. >> Commissioners, this is Michelle Smith, and I'm going to do a very short presentation on a vacation application of a portion of sky mountain drive, from mount shadows drive between [1:02:08 PM] old bee caves road and highway 71, number 2021071146, on today's utc meeting and this is district 8. Next slide, please. This is just a general map of the area that's going to be vacated. You can see highway 71 and then old bee caves road. Next slide, please. It's just kind of an aerial, so you can kind of see what it looks like from a helicopter. Next slide, please. Again, just kind of -- it's an area that was platted as a roadway that was never built. So it's just kind of a dysfunctional right-of-way. Next slide, please. So, the area totals 33,682 [1:03:09 PM] square feet. The adjoining property owners on all sides is lnc sky mountain holdings LLC. Public notice to property owners within 300 feet was mailed on April 21st, 2022 to approximately 113 property owners. Staff received one objection. All affected departments and private utility franchise stakeholders have reviewed the request and recommend approval subject to the two below, one of which is retaining an easement and one is grande, add any utilities there, the owner would have to pay to redo the construction. I don't have any reason to think grande has -- looking at the pictures, I don't think grande has anything. That's just kind of a comment that grande tends to say on all of ours. If indeed we have -- if you run across some of our lines, and [1:04:10 PM] you have to move them, it's at the developer's expense. Next slide, please. So, when asked on the application how do you plan to develop the area to be vacated, the applicant/developer said the reclaimed area will be used for private multifamily development and its associated improvements. There are site development plans submitted and they are now in progress. It is not S.M.A.R.T. Housing. Speaking with the applicant -- the person that showed concerns had concerns regarding development as a whole and how it hurts the environment. And so in talking with the applicant online, he did say they're doing five to six acres of the overall 22 acres will be dedicated for parkland. Next slide, please. [1:05:13 PM] So, again, I can answer any questions regarding the right-of-way process as it moves along and the applicant can answer your questions regarding the abutting properties and proposed development. Thank you. >> Okay. Do any commissioners online or in person have any questions? >> I just have one question. I keep seeing commercials about grande is now astound. Does that change the ownership, does it need to be changed in this document? >> That would be a question for Ms. Smith. >> That would be a question for myself, I believe. And no, if it was grande when it was -- went through the process, then it's fine. It doesn't need to be resent to us. >> Thanks. >> Champion: Okay. Do any other commissioners have [1:06:13 PM] any questions? It does look -- the applicant is here. It looks like it's kind of in the middle of the woods, is that accurate? [ Laughing ] So, the immediate neighbors -- are we looking at this picture, what are the immediate neighbors? Is it commercial, is it residential? You have to push it to the right. It comes on. >> There are a few single-family lots in the vicinity, but towards the intersection of sky mountain and mountain shadows, there's one lot at the corner. All the way down. All the way back to the east, to the other end. >> Okay. Any other questions? All right. I will make a motion to approve the vacation on sky mountain. Is there a second? [1:07:15 PM] Movant and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, say aye or raise your hand. That is unanimous but for process, any nays, any abstentions? No, okay. We're done. Thanks for coming. >> Thank you, commissioners. >> Champion: All right. We will move on to -- I guess I'll check again. Is Zenobia on the line? >> We don't currently have Zenobia Joseph yet. I've been in contact with her via email. When she joins, probably after this next item, I think she's speaking on this item, so it might be more beneficial to take her once this item is over, since we don't have her at the moment. >> Champion: That works for me. Let's move on to item 2b, equitable transit-oriented development update from cap metro. Is Anna LAN -- there she is. Take it away. [1:08:16 PM] >> Good afternoon, board members. Thank you for the invitation, chair champion. My name is Anna LAN, a principal planner with capital metro and I'm also the project manager of the equitable transit- oriented development. I'm happy to come today and share with you guys our project. Next slide, please. The overview of today's project is I want to share some of the key progress we've been making, especially with our community engagement and some of the deliverables that we have completed so far. Next slide. Perfect. This project started when we -- capital metro -- won two grants from the federal transit administration for their tod pilot program. We won a total of $1.65 million to study about 21 stations on [1:09:19 PM] the Orange and blue right rail station. We are working in partnership with our city team. Warner is here today. Would you like to introduce yourself real quick? >> Hi, y'all. This is Warner cook, a senior planner with the housing and planning department, and one of the core city staff members working on tod with Anna. >> Thanks, Warner. Along with our city partners, we're working very closely with atp on this project. So, from the beginning of our project we expanded our project scope from a limited set number of stations on the Orange and blue to more like a systemwide analysis and coordination with our city team for consistency and for future implementation. So on top of the station area plans and corridor plan update, we really wanted to expand some of the analysis for the study to 98 stations on the line. [1:10:21 PM] So this project really doesn't propose any changes to zoning or direct the Orange and blue line design process. I just had to make that distinction. Next slide, please. I'm sure everyone here, since this is the utc, has heard of tod. The reason we started thinking about the shift and adding the equity away from tod is we are mind of the impact of traditional tods on neighborhoods where development comes in and the rent goes up, affecting the local renters, homeowners, and small businesses especially. And this is very sensitive issue, as Austin is rapidly growing. Our neighborhoods are changing and prices are going very high. So, we want to shift to the equitable portion where it's more about reducing or preventing displacement, but it's really about reversing traditional inequalities and [1:11:22 PM] creating new economic opportunities. That was my kid making a surprise appearance. It's about creating the new economic opportunities for residents along these transit corridors. And we want to do that by creating as many new housing opportunities while prioritizing the underserved communities. Next slide, please. This is a diagram done by our -- one of our artists in cap metro. And this diagram really encapsulates our project vision. What you see here is something that is distinctly Austin. It's multimodal. You see electric buses with light rail, with bikes. And it's a neighborhood we hope is accessible for people of all abilities and age groups. There are a mix of housing types for renters and prospective and [1:12:22 PM] current homeowners. Although it isn't spelled out, it's implied that apartments are affordable to a range of incomes and the place feels welcoming to both existing and new residents. And in this image you see that commercial spaces are being used by small local businesses as well as communities serving uses such as library and community center, and also a very public -- strong public realm. Next slide, please. For etod, we have five major deliverables. We have conducted case studies of other cities who are undergoing etod projects. We just completed our existing conditions analysis for those stations along Orange and blue. We are in the progress of etod policy framework recommendations [1:13:23 PM] and updating the priority tool. So I want to highlight that together, task five and six will formulate a plan directed by council last summer. And lastly, a select few stations will go into the station area vision plans that will also be handed to the city to carry into the regulatory plan stage down the road. Next slide, please. This diagram here is our project timeline. We officially kicked off last November, 2021, with two public meetings that were virtually done due to covid. But for this project we'll go into spring of 2023. And the deliverables are coordinated with the city of Austin team as well as the Orange and blue line Nepa process, as well as the fta capital investment grant ratings. So, currently we're in the [1:14:23 PM] second stage of engagement, which is really aligned with task five, the etod policy framework. The first stage concluded in April, and we really kind of looked at high-level feedback regarding priorities and key concerns. For the second stage of engagement we're really targeting underrepresented groups, neighborhoods, and small businesses. We're really hoping to complete the policy framework and the priority tool by August so that the city of Austin team can take it into the council adoption process in September. And for the station area vision plans we're hoping to get them completed by next spring, hopefully April. Next slide, please. For etod, we have six identified goals or visions for this [1:15:25 PM] project. And how these six goals came about, they are defined collectively from a combination of three sources. One is the 30 individual goals identified by council in the tod resolution. Also, goals from nothing about us without us, racial equity tool and collective feedback from our first round of community engagement. So these goals include a safe and sustainable multimodal transportation for residents to help close racial, health, and wealth gaps and to preserve and grow affordable housing options in the neighborhoods. Next slide, please. The goals also extend to expanding and creating access to high-quality jobs in the transit corridor and making sure that community and neighborhood amenities support the needs of the residents. [1:16:25 PM] And really want to sustain and grow and support our small businesses along the transit corridors as well. Next slide, please. Task five, the etod policy framework or the toolkit we like to call it, is really the meat of this project. This task will allow capital metro and the city down the road to best utilize tools according to the needs of each station area based on geography. The strategies that we have are divided into five categories of land use, urban design, real estate, mobility, housing affordability and business and workforce development. Each of those categories contain a spectrum of policy tools from easy wins to more of a long-term policy implementation. So in combination with the typologies and the prioritization tool, the hope is that you'll be able to access the most effective strategies [1:17:26 PM] based on station-specific needs. Next slide, please. This is a timeline for reference. The key delivery of etod is also really timed really well with key project connect deliveries. We really want to make sure that our process does not in any way disrupt the Nepa Orange and blue line process and to coordinate the delivery such as introducing the station plans until after the finalization of the Nepa documents and the federal transit administration record of decision, which happens in March. We're introducing our station plans in April in perfect coordination. Next slide, please. This is a slide I'm really proud to talk about, public engagement is something that we've worked very, very hard together with the city on this project. [1:18:28 PM] So, we acknowledge that the traditional engagement methods of the past limit the audience and we're missing out on our black, latinx, and other minority and underrepresented groups such as the elderly, access, or those facing housing insecurity. So, as a result, we added a variety of new outreach that kind of is meant to bring out the voices from a variety of ways, from we work with the cac on a monthly basis and we hold smaller, more targeted outreach through focus groups and community connectors. And these are all compensated conversations that will help us reach deeper into the community through a peer-to-peer outreach format, is and so far has brought us spectacular feedback. Next slide, please. For example, our community connectors are recruited through an open recruitment process. [1:19:28 PM] We had over 151 applicants apply and 12 were selected from different backgrounds. So out of the 12 some are native austinites. Some have been here for a few years. Some are retirees. Some are students. And all have some form of community activism background. They are paid $25 an hour and the goal is for each of the connectors to reach about 30 to 50 people. And they also help us cohost community events. We show up to the events that they also sponsor such as for Earth day we attended a cleanup event and for juneteenth we have a community bike event that they are hosting that we're also sponsoring as well. So in the span of three months we have logged over 26 events with over 40 hours of active engagement and 104 folks engaged from the connectors alone. [1:20:31 PM] In addition to the community connectors, we worked regularly with the cac. We have a working group established with the cac so that we can update them every month on key progress. So the goal is not to present and inform, but we're working hard to make sure that every working group session we're working together towards strategies so that they can actually help shape and inform decisions along the way. Next slide, please. And the third engagement that's working really well are focuses focus groups, anywhere from three to five people, led by one to two cohosts. And we're targeting a variety of groups. We're targeting grassroots, grass-tops, small businesses, and real estate practitioners with special emphasis on affordable housing developers. So, these conversations are also [1:21:32 PM] compensated. We provide a $50 gift card for one hour of discussion. So far, up to date we have completed 26 focus groups, including at least six just in Spanish and we have over 120 participants so far. So these are conducted in a variety of ways. Of course we always offer the virtual option. But we are also attending community events as part of their meetings, such as we were invited to the Austin area urban league two weeks ago where they were holding a special session for those facing housing challenges. And we were able to engage and have great feedback from participants of that meeting as well. So far, up to date we have offered over $6,000 compensation for just the community group engagement so far. Next slide, please. [1:22:35 PM] For those of y'all who are interested in keeping track of this project, there are a variety of ways to do so. I would recommend starting with our project website, which is nestled in the project connect website. On the project website you'll be able to see any updated engagement information, survey link. You'll be able to access our case study summary. You'll be able to go -- meet the community connectors. They have a special bio page. And we have a special dashboard where you can access some of the key data that we have gathered so far. So that's the next slide, please. This is the last slide that I would like to leave and share with everyone. This is immediately accessible with the link above. But we have gathered all our data into a public-facing dashboard where you'll be able [1:23:35 PM] to access the existing data along the Orange and blue line stations. You'll be able to see a variety of data such as population or displacement risk, jobs, urban design, and real estate data. So an example would be you are able to click on any station. And let's say you are able to access crestview. You'll be able to see information as how many multifamily housing inventory there are in that area, what is the vacancy for crestview, what is the current and future housing inventory projection, what is the current rent and what has been the rent increase from 2011 to 2021. On this website you'll also be able to look through the aerials of these individual future station areas and also it has really cool economic data where you'll be able to look up total job by industry per station as well as the amount and types of [1:24:38 PM] small businesses by station as well. This is the data that we hope is very useful to a variety of folks for community meetings, neighborhood associations, even agency meetings, public agency meetings as well. This is something that we're continuing to expand. This is already a very great tool, but in about a month or two we'll be able to expand the resource to systemwide analysis. So this includes -- concludes the presentation. Warner and I are happy to take any questions you have. Thank you. >> Champion: All right. Thank you very much for the presentation. Commissioner brooks has a question. >> Brooks: Okay. Your goal -- you're providing a lot of data, which is useful in making decisions. [1:25:39 PM] But your decisions are really about one or two etod projects, is that correct? That's going to be the outcome. >> We're actually looking at corridor level, not just station-specific, but corridor-level analysis. Some of the station areas will have deeper analysis. There are several that we're considering. We are considering, for example, north Lamar transit center and crestview. So for those neighborhoods that face greater development opportunities in upcoming years, those would have a little bit more. But all the stations identified in the 21-area project boundary will have levels of analysis and recommendations. >> Brooks: Okay. Well, my concern -- I have played some with the website. Thank you for the link. [1:26:39 PM] And I'm somewhat concerned about the naturally occurring affordable housing. By the description on the website, these buildings are typically older, garden-style apartments. And the problem with taking older, garden-style apartments and somehow making them official affordable housing is you lock them in amber. And most of these are two-story buildings in bad physical condition. And preserving them is a doubtful issue. I went and looked at the foundation communities. It has something like 18 projects going. None of them involve a two-story building, except for a couple of hotels they've gotten. They're all building three and four and bigger and taller buildings. Why? Because that provides more units of affordable housing. So one naturally occurring affordable housing unit, [1:27:40 PM] two-story unit that holds 100 units right now could be, if it were reconstructed, three or 400. So I worry about the thought about preserving those. But that led me to another piece of information that you might want to include, is code complaints are publicly accessible in the city of Austin. The code department has a website. I would like to see the code complaint data also merged into the website and see whether these are, in fact, predominant buildings that are predominantly in bad shape, or just in general which of the affordable housing is not as affordable housing as it looks from a maintenance. >> Thank you. That's a very good recommendation. Thank you. >> Champion: If I can jump in for a second, because the first thing I wrote down -- I know these etod goal images are just aspirational, sort of discussion [1:28:41 PM] points. But what is missing from them is vertical mixed use completely. And it worries me that -- I hadn't looked in detail at the things that are occurring in affordable housing, but when I look at it as racially, none of these -- aspirationally, the land use, transit-supported land use, none of these aspirational pictures is really picturing transit-supported land use. I know these are just image us but it does worry me a bit that people aren't thinking deeply enough and maybe, you know, loftily enough, if that's a word, about what it really does take to get to transit-supported land use. There's vmu discussion happening right now in city council. It's not there yet, but I would like to think that if there are pieces of the city additionally trying to drive that direction it will provide some political support and political background [1:29:41 PM] for those kinds of decisions. Overall I don't want to say -- I love this presentation and I love the amount of data that's there. I didn't get deep enough but there's a lot of data there. I have one more question. Who do you see using that data on this website and how do they provide some feedback on it? What is the goal? How does a person actually look at this website, see these kinds of insights? What is the mechanism for bringing that to you all? >> For feedback? >> Champion: Yes. >> I think the standard feedback for any kind of etod project is we have a dedicated email listed on the website, etod@capmetro.com. If they have questions or feedback in regards to the [1:30:42 PM] dashboard, that would be the best way to reach us. How people can use this dashboard -- it really varies. We compiled the data that you would have taken five or six different dashboards to compile all together. And this is because traditionally our tod projects, we do existing conditions. But it sits in a PDF. It doesn't age very well on the shelf. And very few people get to use it or very much see it. So we brought that all digitally as a way to be more transparent with our data. The hope is for us we'll be able to pull up all the relevant data for that area so they'll be able to see some of the key issues right away. This is something that I'm hoping that at least cap metro will be utilizing more. Hopefully it will be useful for [1:31:42 PM] the city of Austin team as well. >> Champion: Thank you for that. I stepped on my first question, so let me go back to that one. Is there outright plans or vision for vertical mixed use and for levels of density that are transit-supportive around the stations? How far along is that discussion? >> That's a perfect question. That is a stage of the project that we will start this fall when we get into the station-area vision plans. That's where we're looking at solutions for specific station development and that's where the density question will come out full force. And our consultant teams will be looking at a variety of different development options. But right now we're still in the policy section, so we're looking at all the possible policies that might support that physical development down the road. >> Champion: Okay. Thank you. >> And I'll just add to that, that's exactly correct, Anna. [1:32:43 PM] We are looking at strategies for all kinds of different things. Some stations may be more ready for more density. Other ones may need other strategies. So we're taking this approach -- we're working with the cac, internally with city staff and cap metro staff, consultants right now on that. But the goal is that in august/september, like Anna said, we would have a toolkit of strategies and would be diving into applying those strategies at specific stations later on in the fall. >> Champion: Okay. Thank you. I love the idea that you're paying people, because it is difficult to get people involved and I think it is a perfect use of money to say hey, do you have some ideas, opinions, and time. It's literally worth something to us. So, double cheers for that. Who else has -- any other commissioners with questions? [1:33:44 PM] Yes. >> I don't want to throw a curve, but Anna, what's been the most surprising observation that you've made during this process, something that you just didn't know until you were into the middle of it? >> I can definitely say one of the key feedback that we've received is how difficult a barrier of entry is to access any kind of public services. So when we go out into the communities we ask people about things they want to see in the neighborhood and the feedback from residents and businesses is I don't know how to access resources, or it is way too difficult for me to get through the affordable housing application process. I don't even know where to look. I don't know how to apply for it. The applications are like 80 pages long. And for small businesses, they don't know how to access all the [1:34:46 PM] possible funds to go through. So that was our surprise. It was not necessarily the lack of some of the existing support, but just folks don't know how to access it, or it's too difficult to access. We also had a lot more feedback about the need as commissioner brooks mentioned, the need for the missing middle housing. So maybe in the beginning of the study we were thinking affordable housing is our targeted goal and thinking about levels of affordability within that, but we have a lot of community feedback about workforce housing development, the missing preservation of the missing middle housing. That has become embedded into our strategies as well that we didn't originally anticipate as much as we did. >> Thank you. That's really helpful to know about. [1:35:46 PM] >> Champion: Commissioner somers, were you about to . . .? >> Somers: I had a question. I know that obviously these lines and project connect travel throughout the city through some areas that may have more traditionally privileged individuals, through some areas that have more lower-income individuals, marginalized communities. One of my questions is, how are you thinking about -- I'm kind of thinking about a place like crestview. I used to live pretty close to there back in the day. And sometimes in some of our planning processes, we ask people who live near there, who may not want something to change but when we look at the whole picture of all of project connect, crestview with its convergence of different transit and being in a high-opportunity area with particular schools, things like that might be a really good place to build super densely, but maybe the people there don't like to have new [1:36:47 PM] things go in by them. I'm kind of choosing this example as one I know really well. How are you addressing that in what we might say higher income, higher-opportunity areas where maybe people don't accept a lot -- there's more -- anymore nimbyism, you could say. This is a concern we have, when we consult the community sometimes the community says no and we have to put things somewhere. How are you seeing the tool address these tradeoffs? >> I'm thinking Warner may be perspective to answer this, because she had a really great answer before. Warner, I don't know if you want to take a stab first? >> Yeah, so the focus station that Anna mentioned in the presentation that we're looking into in some cases are to poke staff to take a first stab at all these different areas around [1:37:48 PM] town, trying to purposely pick stations that had a lot of different characteristics. We're looking at the east Riverside corridor which has an existing regulating plan and a lot of the naturally-occurring affordable housing that commissioner brooks is mentioning and it will probably need very different strategies. And we'll hear different things from those people that live there today than the areas of crestview. We're looking at Hyde park, around 38th street, north Lamar transit center. Another one that's very different and also cap metro. So we purposely picked these different stations to try to start getting a sense of how different stations fit into the whole picture of the entire system, because we're not just thinking about creating only the complete communities, but some areas will be designations. Some will have more jobs than housing. But one of the things I would say specifically to the idea of density and affordable housing in high-opportunity areas is that is something that housing [1:38:50 PM] and planning is very much focused on. The report just came out from housingworks that showed our current inventory is very much concentrated in districts 1-4 with not as much as in other districts of the city. So while we're trying to get affordable housing along the project connect lines, we're also separate from project connect entirely just trying to get more housing in high-opportunity areas. So we're not continuing to concentrate poverty in certain parts of the city as well. >> Somers: Thank you. >> Champion: Okay. Oh, yes, commissioner brooks. >> Brooks: Because nobody else did it and it's my obligation to do it, buses? I realize that you're well overwhelmed just considering some of the Orange and blue line stations, but the gold line -- the moment the bus -- the trains start running on the Orange and blue lines, the gold line [1:39:53 PM] will -- construction will start in theory on another rail line. And the line between light rail stations and metrorapid stations and ordinary bus stations is a fine one. And it's one to keep in mind. >> Thank you. >> Champion: Okay. Are there any other questions, comments? Chris? >> I have no questions. Ms. Zenobia Joseph is with us, so we're going -- if no one has any other questions, chair, we'll move to -- >> Champion: Yes, that would be perfect. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, members. I'm Zenobia Joseph. I just wanted to make a few comments as it relates to north Lamar transit center, which is a focus area on page 3 of the [1:40:56 PM] document. Specifically, I'm really baffled as to when north Lamar transit center became part of the equitable transit-oriented development, and also part of project connect. The presentations that were given to the community in 2019 and 2020 both referenced the December 17th 2018 long-range plan, which excluded north Lamar transit center and started south of U.S. 183. So this entire project appears to be disingenuous. I will call to your attention I did send a memo and it actually includes the April 15th, 2021 presentation in part by sharmilla from capital metro where she briefed the mobility committee. And she said that the downtown stations are excluded for a very [1:41:58 PM] specific reason. But she lacked transparency and didn't say what that specific reason was. So I would ask the staff that's briefing tonight to mention why we have plaza for example, transit-oriented development. It's on Thursday's agenda again for council to consider, not putting affordable housing there, a fee in lieu of affordable housing. So while I certainly appreciate the comments that were made as it relates to not concentrating poverty, I would call to your attention that 80% area median income is $55,000. That's the standard on the rail line specifically. The gold line was mentioned by commissioner brooks. The streets are named for African Americans there. However, it's 80% area median income for the only affordable highland village apartment there, near the housing authority of the city of Austin because they said on [1:42:58 PM] December 17th, 2020, the interest in the area, they didn't want to serve lower-income individuals. Imagine that, at Austin community college which is subsidized by public funds. At Hyde park on the Orange line, council actually spent $3.7 million at baker school, affordable housing housing there and council usurped that process. And on the blue line as you may recall, October 17th 2019, council rezoned 1,308 units and the uprooted authors, Heather and her coauthors, wrote an article a week later and said council didn't listen to them because that was one of the largest displacements in Austin's history. [ Buzzer sounding ] >> I think it's disingenuous to keep talking about -- [1:43:59 PM] >> Ms. Zenobia, your time has expired, but please do finish your thought. >> Yes. I would ask the commissioners to look at the memorandum that I sent. And if you should make a recommendation to council to please ask them to restore northeast connectivity north of U.S. 183. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them at this time. >> I want to acknowledge she did send me a memorandum a few minutes ago. I will get that out to the commissioners now. So. >> Champion: Okay. Thank you for your comments, Mrs. Joseph. I would like to follow up, I think really with city staff, in particular the question about the north Lamar transit center. I think, you know, Ms. Josef's question is essentially, is that truly part of the etod area? You can jump in, Ms. Joseph, if you want to restate just that particular part because I think that's a straight factual [1:45:00 PM] question and we might be able to get an answer. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So the factual question is, December 17th, 2018, is when capital metro actually approved the long-range vision plan. And if you look at the maps it actually cut off the words north Lamar for north Lamar transit center. And commissioner brooks can probably speak to this better than I because he testified and mentioned to them that if they left out north Lamar there might not be ridership, because the federal transit administration to actually fund the light rail system. So the factual question that I have is, at what point was there coordination between Texas department of transportation, txdot, the city of Austin, and capital metro? Because the slide that we saw from the community's perspective all said that coordination was required because the city of Austin doesn't own the right-of-way for route 275, which is north Lamar boulevard. [1:46:03 PM] So I'm just wondering when that coordination occurred and how did that north Lamar transit center get included in the literature when the map that was adopted in 2018 excluded it. >> Brooks: Perhaps you're confusing the north Lamar transit center itself with rail service north of north Lamar transit center, but I'm now looking at the August 2021 map, cap metro map and it shows north Lamar transit center in very large letters. And in addition, public meetings have been held about the design of a light rail station at north Lamar transit center. Now, what upsets me is that it's the end of the line, but north Lamar transit center is definitely included in project connect. >> Yes. Respectfully, commissioner, I'm just asking at what point was the coordination done. [1:47:04 PM] There is a March 2020 presentation on page 29 that said -- 30 -- north and I am pretty involveds a you are and I have not seen where Texas has coordinated. And so I'm referring to the comments that you made where you said the highest concentration of people below the poverty line in all of Austin, you said was rundberg and Lamar and you said you'll actually have. , I don't think if you leave that segment out, you'll actually have enough riders to fund the rest of the system. And so I'm just wondering how the terminus moved. >> Brooks: Campo came out with their forecast and there will be more than enough ridership than the rest of the system. There is no question that that area would be -- if I were [1:48:06 PM] running the world, that area would be -- there would be a station at rundberg and Lamar, end of the story. But the actual story is it has not been dropped from the project map plan. It is still considered to be the second phase, part of some future phase of that plan. Whether we can believe them or not I don't know, but that's the current status. >> If I may, commissioners, if the conversation were to continue between Mr. Ruven and Ms. Zenobia, I would encourage that potentially off the commission. I don't know if we call it the dais or not. But it might be best for that conversation to take place outside of the commission unless staff specifically have any questions that they can answer or if any other commissioners have any other questions. >> Champion: I think that's okay. Let me just ask one question. Does staff have a specific answer, or is it happened and [1:49:08 PM] it's part of the plan? You can get back to us with some details. >> I would need to check with Austin transportation department on when it specifically occurred, but I know that txdot has been reviewing the draft design deliverables from the consultant alongside city staff. I've seen their comments in there as we've been going through. I can confirm that coordination is going on. I can't confirm when it started. >> Champion: Okay. So that is a good answer. If you can find it, or any record, you can forward it to Chris, who can forward it to Ms. Joseph. That would be great. Okay. >> Mr. Chairman, may I just make this one last comment? North Lamar transit center opened in 1985 and it has taken them over 30 years just to put a sidewalk from affordable housing to north Lamar transit center. So I would just ask you to keep that context in mind when we're talking about that area. Thank you. [1:50:09 PM] >> Champion: Okay. Thank you for your time and your contribution as always. All right. Are there any other discussion points on this agenda item? Is there any request from staff from us? This is just listed as an update. Do you need anything from us besides our comments and feedback? >> No, I think if individual commissioners have comments or feedback, that would be great. Otherwise we will keep you updated as we move into the next phase for station area vision plans. And maybe seeing us back later on in the fall, if we start the council adoption process for the policy plan, I would assume that y'all would be on the road show, so. >> Champion: Okay. Sounds good. Thank you all for your time. All right. Moving on to item 2c. Metrobike update from Jason [1:51:11 PM] jonmichael. >> We're going to have David Orr present on I believe atd's side and then I believe Kirk will be presenting on -- yeah, or Chad Ballentine will take over the presentation. David, I'll hand it over to you. >> Hi. Hi name is David Orr, I work in the mobility office of the transportation department. I'll be presenting today's metrobike update on behalf of assistant director Jason along with Chad. The demand response and innovative mobility vp at cap metro. Next slide, please. We're going to go quickly over how it started and how it's going and where do we go from here. Next slide, please. So, in summer of 2013, the city's first public bike share [1:52:12 PM] started. The Austin B cycle system. And it started with a contract with b-cycle, and bike share of Austin for five years, two separate companies. Summer of 2018 each contract was updated to 2023. In the summer of 2020, we signed an interlocal agreement with cap metro to partner on the expansion and maintenance of the system. In the fall of 2021, there was a strategic expanse plan which mapped out proposed expansion to the system. In summer of 2022 we are proposing to do an updated interlocal agreement amendment with cap metro and this would be a ten-year agreement. Next slide, please. [1:53:15 PM] So in 2013, it started off with 11 stations. In 2014 we're up to 43 stations and 350 bikes, all the way until now, we have almost 80 stations and 850 bikes. 350 are e-bikes, electric. Next slide, please. Last year, we had a quarter of a million trips in the metrobike system. Next slide. And just note that the e-bikes even though they represent less than half of the total bikes we have in the system represent most of the rides that occur in the system. They are preferred, like at a [1:54:18 PM] 4:1 ratio over the old manual pedal bikes. Another innovation is we now are introducing these modular docks which each independently check in and check out bikes and they install as easily and take up equipment with the standard bike rack. So it's really quick. They fit among the trees very nicely. We don't have to have this 40-foot footprint for each station. It's given us a lot of flexibility. Next slide, please. What's not fun about a cat riding a bicycle. We have an artist, a very talented local artist, and we have been placing that art on the bikes and on the stations and it's getting all over town [1:55:19 PM] now. And we just wanted to make sure you knew that we're doing some fun things with it, too. And now I'm going to turn it over to Chad Ballentine to talk about where we go from here. Next slide. >> Chad, this is Christopher parks, utc liaison. Can you hear us okay? >> Yes. I can hear you now, thank you. >> There we go. All right. The presentation is yours. >> Wonderful. So, again, I'm Chad Ballentine, vice president of demand response and innovative mobility at capital metro, very excited [1:56:20 PM] to talk to you about this as well. It's been a great partnership with the city of Austin and it's really going to be an awesome partnership moving forward. We have big plans. We've already worked with our board of directors to get approval to enter into an agreement with the city of Austin to expand and improve the bike share system. We'll be going to the city of Austin council meeting in July to do this. What we're looking to do is we're looking to make this the best bike share program in the country, but more specifically we're looking to transition our fleet to an all-e-assist electric fleet. Those are incredibly popular. If you haven't used them, I encourage everyone to try them. They're awesome. They extend the reach of the service and the program. We'll be doing a lot of coordination with transit for first mile and last mile [1:57:22 PM] integration, as well as, as we roll out project connect with all of the different light rail lines as well as the metrorapid lines, really making this a hand in hand expansion so that it naturally coordinates well with transit. We'll focus on promoting metrobike to new users. Certainly we want to keep our existing users. But we want to make sure we have an equity component to where we get folks who aren't generally on bikes nowadays. We want to expand the reach of the metrobike program to nontraditional communities, including folks, maybe even people with disabilities. That would be another awesome thing to see if we could do that. So that's our plan as we move forward. David showed you that modular dock, the 3.0 dock, the single dock. That is something we want to start doing a little bit more of, really putting these stations into smaller places where we can really put in a [1:58:24 PM] very specific answer to a transportation challenge that we've had in the past where one of those huge docks with eight, ten, fifteen docks just doesn't make sense to put into a neighborhood. So this gives us a lot of flexibility. And we want to integrate with all ages and all abilities, the bicycle network the city has been working on. I'm blown away by what has already been done. We've already hit over 200 miles of this bicycle network. We're moving to 400 miles of this network. So making sure the bike share program is expanded along with that is going to be a key element. We want to make sure we have continuous improvement. Cap metro is great at maintenance and ongoing operations, so we want to bring that to the metrobike program by continuing to keep the staff we have, but give them the resources they need to up the game to make sure we have more up time, better maintenance, and [1:59:24 PM] better availability across the board. And next slide. So, we're going to be doing -- moving forward with an interlocal agreement with the city of Austin because our first round of the interlocal agreement was great, but we know we can do better, we know we can do more. We want to transition the bike share of Austin staff, the mono-profit -- nonprofit running the program, to our cap metro staff, pay living wages, benefits, really make sure that this is a sustainable program for the long term. We want to make sure that operational sustainability is going to be a big key as well with this. And we know that we need to make this a sustainable business model, but we want to make sure that there's equity. That's going to be a big component of it. We won't always just be chasing fares. We want to add elements like an affordable program, continue the [2:00:24 PM] program they have with the $5 annual membership, potentially expand that with other new so what this will look like is a ten year expansion, we're looking around the general ballpark of $11 million of an expansion for the program, which would be pretty transformational for the whole program. This will really focus on the capital equipment, you know, the new bikes, the ebikes, better stations, more reliability, more reliable interaction in general, and so that's the general direction we're going with this interlocal agreement, next slide. And, yeah, so that is pretty much it. We're very excited about this. We'll take questions. We do plan to do a large expansion that will be working through the expansion plans coming the next six to nine [2:01:25 PM] months coming back to everyone and it's going to be an incredibly participatory process. The transit system going, the bike network, also talk about where the people want to be using the system, and all kinds of things, it's a very exciting transition, so if it's all right with the committee, we can certainly open it up for questions. >> All right, thank you. I'm going to jump in with a couple of questions, because I find this very exciting, and I love the idea of the 100% bike, in particular the 3 modular docks, I love the idea of a pair of bikes deep in the neighborhood that people are near transit but not near enough to walk. I have a strategic question for y'all, if you've thought about this, and if you have, where you land on, are these 3-0 modular docks, is it to try and get new into the system, totally [2:02:26 PM] into the biking system? Is there a strategy for getting people who are transit, you know, users likely transit users, because the area is fairly rich, maybe a little bit outside the walk shed, not really a scooter territory, you know, to like dig deeper into transit users, and the more of transit users, or how -- what is your strategic thinking on that? >> I can start and David, you can certainly jump in. There's a -- you know, what we found with these ebikes is people go a lot farther, those heavy manual powered bikes, you don't go as far, and now that we have these ebikes, you can go so much further, so this really allows us to get that extra reach that we normally wouldn't get with the manual bikes. This is an additional tool to kind of add extra elements where it doesn't make sense to build the whole station. It's kind of, you know, we're using the right tool for the job, whereas, you know, we used a hammer for [2:03:26 PM] everything with a larger station. Now we can really get -- find information about specific smaller areas, and it also allows us to instead of putting it all in one chunk, it allows us a corner here, a street corner over there, maybe down the block, the more concentrated you have some of these areas and the more you can see the docks, the more it's on their mind, the more they feel like it's a more reliable opportunity, it allows us to kind of get into those smaller spaces, and we think there's a lot of other potential uses for it as we continue down the path of looking at where all we can stick these, because you just don't needs a much real estate as well, that is another really nice thing, when you've got the small awkward spaces that just don't really quite fit at whole stations, there are really good solutions for that as well -- >> Yeah, so smaller stations, closer together, deeper in the neighborhoods, kind of the goal, you know, and just the flexibility of them. The old stations are [2:04:28 PM] solar powered and the current ones have -- have little batteries in them, so we're not constantly looking to see if we have enough sunlight exposure to keep the station -- >> Okay. Just want to ask the question maybe a slightly different way. So if you have a strategy for which of the kinds of potential users to place these, I mean, I agree with all the things you said. Is this going -- going to pick a random place, out at Springdale, pretty far from the city, still areas of density, or is it, you know, denser neighborhoods where you think there might be a lot of users who don't normally use this kind of system, just interested in where you're going to distribute these resources. >> Yeah, well, one of the key pieces of this is it doesn't have a kiosk, so it's not a screen, you know, you would have to use a smartphone to access these or a fob, and so we have to be very cautious about putting them anywhere and [2:05:30 PM] everywhere for folks that don't have a smartphone or aren't comfortable using a smartphone, aren't used to using a smartphone, generally that is, you know, like the university of Texas, or like the student population, they're really savvy, so that is an easy fit for those kinds of areas. But, you know, I think we're still learning how to use them, and where they fit best, because these are brand-new. We're still just testing to make sure that the technology works well, so a lot of use cases that we could do with these, and so we're still kind of working through that. >> Okay, it's a totally valid answer. One more question and then I'll open it up to the rest. I was glad to hear you say maybe you're not going to do so much fair chasing, because one of the things I was planning to bring it to next month's utc meeting, have you considered a basically unlimited debit card, unlimited fob card for the ebikes, because the worst that can happen, a lot of people use bikes, if you're not really faces the fares, [2:06:35 PM] is that under consideration? >> I think everything is under consideration. I know that is a terrible ABC. (Chuckles). Everything is under consideration, when we delink getting fares to the rest of the program, then we can really reframe how we're thinking about everything and how people use it. Our main goal is to get more people on bikes and using bikes and make them more reliable, make them more of an everyday option for people. Our goal is going to be more driven by trying to get people on bikes and also making it easy to use, because with transit, we would love to make this something very seamless if you have your transit, you know, fare, you can maybe have a smart card, rolling out a amp program with our transit system. We would love to integrate that, maybe we have employers who pay for the employees to use the bus and bike, so you're not adding up when you get on and off the bike, you get on the bus, get off the bike, you don't think about it, quick seamless [2:07:35 PM] transition, we're trying to get away from chasing the funds and focusing on what the user experience is going to be, I think that is the best way to get people using these, it is easy, and you don't want to have to think about it, the more we do that, I think the better we're going to have a chance to get more rider, for sure. >> All right, thank you for detail. Okay. >> My question was going to be what is the current integration for the fare and the whole payment system with cap metro, and how has that morphed over the last two or three years, and you mentioned you are planning some additional improvements in that, a little more detail in that area. >> That's a great question. So, you know, two years ago it was really you had to have the -- (indiscernible) And then cap metro fares and they were very different. We've done the first step of an integration where [2:08:36 PM] you can on the cap metro app buy one pass that is for transit and bike, all in one transaction, really cool, but the only problem is it's a deep integration, and once you activate your bike, you still have to download the bike share app to unlock it, so it's not a good user experience right now. That was sort of our, you know, step one, our tip toeing into these integrated fares, and so that's where we are right now. We've got -- you can buy the pass, but you still kind of have to make sure you have that app and then it will unlock the bike. So we want to get to the point where we can integrate the app, so you only have to have one app or one account so that it's a lot easier, but that is part of what we're doing with this interlocal agreement. This opens the door for us to commit some heavy dollars investing into making that a little bit more seamless, because right now it's a little clunky, I will admit -- [2:09:37 PM] >> Cap metro, these challenges, different types of cars, different types of apps, different types of bar codes and scan codes, but they're very serious about supporting the move to, you know, a single app and single way to use those systems. >> I have a question about how far out you intend to place stations, because if I rented a bike from downtown, like in the first hour of the free bicycling, I can get out to the k2 stadium or I could get all the way to the target on south mopac and do some errands, but if I have no place to check it in, I'm incurring fees for the whole time the bike is there, that is a little cost prohibitive, also you can go so much farther on an ebike, is that part of your plan, like to put the stations far out, like south of 71? >> So right now we'll -- we will be talking more about our strategic [2:10:38 PM] expansion in the coming months in this coming year, and that is going to be part of the discussion. What we're trying to do is balance -- we want to make sure that we have enough density so you have a place to check your bike in and check your bike out, because that's key, if you're traveling really far, you have nowhere to check it in, it's not going to be very effective, and so we are going to slowly build this out, it's best not to do islands. We're going to try to build this out in a contiguous manner, but by partnering with transit, by putting this at all the rapid stops, the rail stops and all of those kind of things, that will at least allow folks to get to Q2 stadium, if you want to take your bike over to plaza saltillo, and take the train to Q2 stadium, that is an option too so it is possible. We don't have any definite boundaries right now as to where it will or will not go, that is going to largely be driven by community engagement fees, so we're looking forward to that, and as well as funding [2:11:38 PM] too. I would have no problem having it all over the city if I possibly could, far north, far south, as far as we can take it, so that's going to really rely on funding also, community engagement for that process. >> Thank you. >> Are there additional questions? Any other commissioners? Okay. All right, well, thank you for the update. I don't think there's any other follow-up. Thank you for your time. >> Great, thank y'all. >> All right. Moving on to the next item, item D, the north congress avenue plaza, I guess state preservation board, ready when you are. >> Good evening, commissioners, my name is [2:12:39 PM] Chris Kearns, I'm with the state preservation board. Good morning -- or good evening. I'm here this evening to give a small presentation on the pedestrian improvements the state hopes it can work with the city to make at the north congress avenue intersection with martin Luther king junior boulevard, the former north congress avenue. At this point it's now being converted into a large pedestrian mall, if you could advance the slide, please. And here is a rendering that would show you -- right now it's just a whole lot of dirt being moved all over the place, but a few trees that are going in the -- to what would be the left side of that grand outlay there, and probably by the fall will be inviting Austin [2:13:39 PM] to come down and start using this new civic amenity. Next slide, please. As part of some long-term planning that we initiated in 2016, which was also the time that the city passed a mobility bond in 2016, and university embarked on their speedway mall, we feel like all three entities have finally reached a point where the plans that were aspirationsal six years ago have come to fruition, and we need to make some changes, and this kind of goes through the history of how we arrived at where we are today, the sequencing was to build the first section of the mall, continue the slide, please. Which is shown in the Orange there. And then here is an nice symmetric view which shows the mashing of the two buildings which are [2:14:41 PM] somewhat more elaborate with skin, but the masking is pretty much adequate to what we're talking about. To the far right would be where the George H.W. Bush building fronts the former congress avenue right of way and to its right would be martin Luther king, and you can see on just the other side leaving the frame, Blanton museum, more to the center of the picture is the Barbara Jordan building, which they will start occupying in late this month and early July. Continue the slide. Please. And the second phase is now under way, we're actually doing some of the exploratory work on the sites which are presently two parking lots at 15th street. The work there should -- the construction work currently there's [2:15:42 PM] architectural planning being done, but the construction work probably start in early 2023 and will take about two and a half to three years to complete. That's shown by the lighter Orange in the previous section or the previous phase of the work is shown in the red. Continue. And this just shows that, you know, here we are, we're bringing 3,000 more state employees down to the center of downtown, to the capitol complex. It's an area that is bounded by tenth street to the south, mlk to the north, lavaca to the west, and Trinity to the east, of which, you know, we've grown -- we will be growing from about 9,000 to about 12 to 13,000 state employees. Next slide, please. Which interesting would be like Fort Worth [2:16:43 PM] absorbing Lubbock in terms of, you know, if you want to get a sense of scale. So we're getting ready to have a huge impact on the northern tier of downtown. This is a detail from our master plan where we discussed with our urban planners and with the city how we would treat some of the roads that we do need to cross the mall space, provide some circulation within our capital complex and to, you know, for the betterment of just general transportation grid through northern tier of downtown. You can see there's a speed table and a different -- and a differentiated surface for the street, you know, depicted in the pinkish/red color, and where the streets, 16th, 17th and 18th street cross the mall. [2:17:44 PM] Continue. So internal so our space, we will be making those improvements and those will be part of what happens in the next three to four months as we complete the mall. What we also studied was what needed to occur on the streets on our perimeter, the major arterials, and the -- here is martin Luther king boulevard, you can see the cross section is -- well, let me -- the cross section here is the same as what the city has also come up with in the 2016 mobility bond, if you go to the next slide, I believe that is where it will show the similarity between the two. Yes, sir, you have it. This is out of the 26 bond proposal cross section for what mlk would look like. [2:18:46 PM] We -- by way of this, kind of shows all entities are in agreement as to what the profile of the street cross section needs to be. If you'll go to the next slide, and in also shows at fifteenth street, the cross section for 15th, the idea is for the capital you scwaish which interestingly, Austin, Texas is maybe one of a dozen cities out of hundreds of cities in the world specifically created as the seat of government, and part of the original historic grid for the planning of the city by waller was capital square, what we're doing for the first time in 180-plus years, so we're adding capital mall to that and this [2:19:47 PM] will be a major linkage, we'll come to talk to y'all in several years when we finish phase II. Let's continue forward here. So one of the things, as I've said, we address in our plans actively, they're actively being built, the cross streets, as you see 18th and 17th and 16th, what is at the very bottom of that rendering is a -- albeit kind of rather generic, but the idea is to suggest that there needs to be some type of differentiation to the urban street scape there, as the capital mall crosses over to the Blanton and what's interesting, we've all started this plan six years ago, we're all in agreement. Unfortunately, we are still looking at 1970s urban arterial there. Next slide, please. [2:20:49 PM] And here is just a small rendering out of -- or just a small take out of our master plan that shows how this street might relate to our site and of course somewhat anonymously on the north side, the Blanton, who we would want to engage with the university of Texas, along with the city in how to create a pedestrian-friendly crosswalk or crossing space, not just a crosswalk, between the two entities. Next slide, please. This is directly out of the 2016 mobility bond, allowed I believe $1.9 million for plans to improve mlk all the way from 130 to ih-35, and then this section, which [2:21:50 PM] was ih-35 to Lamar boulevard for the $1.9 million. They basically did an overlay of an existing condition and said that's as far as we have dollars to take this project. If you will notice, just to the left there, you can see the intersection we're talking about, it has very basic outlines of what might be some medians, a crosswalk improvements, but really none of the embellishments that would really set this -- really convey to the pedestrian that this is pedestrian-friendly zone. Next slide, please. One of the things about the capital mall is it's intended to be actively occupied. This is a small outdoor [2:22:51 PM] amphitheatre that we've constructed, this rendering kind of shows that you would have about a 300 to 500-person audience capacity. We expect that this will get weekly use. Of course it will be obvious maybe the cold of winter and the heat of summer might be some hiatuses, but in the nicer weather months, you know, there would be, you know, weekly activity. We're expecting at least 400,000 people a year using the mall, and that is over and above what would be the state employee load using the mall which would add several hundred thousand more visits daily, as they come to and from work. Next slide, please. And here is another green space that will occur in our second phase that we create an internal park [2:23:52 PM] amongst several historic structures that still exist, the church, the covert house, and some older apartment buildings that were kept from the wrecking ball mid last century. Again, the idea was to convey just how much of an active space we intend for the capital mall to become, as gentlemen gem stone for austinites and Texans from across the state. Next slide, please. And, you know, what I also want to bring up is, you know, university of Texas, they built their speedway mall, this is just a rendering. Then if you go to the next slide, it shows it's complete and it's in use. There is now a pedestrian-friendly way to get from Dean Keeton down to eleventh street, [2:24:53 PM] and then we have unfortunately mlk and 15th street are just, where absolutely comes to a crashing halt, we go right back to 1970s urban architecture, transferred architecture, and then we resume again with a nice pedestrian green space. Again, that seems to be over and over again, city planners, urban planners, talk about, you know, you activate a city by creating these walkable spaces. We have -- we have both collectively, between the university and the state probably spend a billion dollars putting together a very inviting pedestrian landscape. What is missing is when we get to the city streets, it's back in the previous century, and we've implored through [2:25:53 PM] the downtown commission, we really want to have all the parties come to the table, we are in agreement about the symmetries or the cross sections for the streets and it's time to act further as -- not only is it time to act, but finally the space will be finished, the university, as we go to the next slide, they will be in the next year completing their new courtyard between the two Blanton buildings which we'll have these very eye catching structures as I've said the capital mall will be definitely getting its feet underneath them. The ability to share across these spaces in a safe manner, and also one that is aesthetically pleasing to the pedestrian where they don't feel likes a game of frogger, you know, to [2:26:54 PM] get across one of these heavily-trafficked urban arterials can happen and what is more, when I'm saying it's finished zonewise, all the blocks that we've turn up for three year, all of blocks that UT has torn up for three years because they've had to work on the realignment of red river, the other work doing on the southeastern part of the campus is over with, and now we can put some new street improvements in that will actually stay there -- went be torn out in two more years because of the new albeit I-35 will be under construction and Orange line under construction but, you know, this one pocket, you know, six blocks either way, or six blocks one way and three blocks the other will be kind of a completed zone in this type much [2:27:55 PM] in-stage improvement would, know, have a lasting effect. Next slide, please. And just another rendering if you were standing at the capitol mall looking across that would just be the view, so you can see how they, you know, these planners who built these beautiful civic amenities, you know, are just inviting you to use them, but, you know, there's this -- you know, this ribbon of concreature that, you know -- concrete that is carrying 35 miles per hour traffic and you are bent for leather on making it to the freeway or making it to Guadalupe that we could calm the traffic down. And allow those hundreds of thousands of visitors that we expect to have more of a pedestrian-friendly experience is what we're looking to do. And next slide. [2:28:56 PM] And, again, I want to thank the commission for having us here this evening and we'll look forward to any questions that we can answer and any input, you know, that we can offer up. >> Champion: Well, thank you for that. Waiting for people to get on the screen. Okay, do the commissioners have questions or comments? >> I seem to be the first commenter. I serve as the liaison to the downtown commission and that's where I first heard the presentation and we've had so many changes in our staffing and so many active projects underway, and I just wanted to make sure that this got the attention that it needed. Not just contributing to the construction of whatever might be, but in the design and the [2:29:56 PM] updating. I mean, from all sides -- like he just said, the speed, the accessibility to pedestrians and bikes and all of the things that this committee -- or commission talks about all the time. This is a real good place to focus all of those good things. And that's why I was excited about bringing it here. >> Well, thank you, it is exciting and the visualization is nice and you definitely say the right things. So my question would be how is it going with the city? Is the city indifferent or not engaged enough or engaged or not -- >> Unfortunately, the city is extremely busy and as I said as the previous meeting they have this increase to complete and so it's hard to get everybody to focus, but I think that by reaching out to a forum such as the urban transportation [2:30:56 PM] committee -- commission, is an opportunity to say can we all bring it to the table, focus on what -- what the city would need to trigger this internally to get started and then, obviously, the university and the -- the state being two other large stakeholders and what input we could give and you can see that there's been a lot of study, it's been shallow, but it's been well thought out and the groundwork has been -- has been done. So we're at a point where it's -- it needs to, you know -- if we don't stop and focus then it's just going to get overlooked and put on a shelf and never happen and we think that that is wrong given that we're getting ready to invite [2:31:57 PM] hundreds of thousands of visitors to visit that space. >> Champion: In some places it's for cars but here it is a place for people. >> I think they can both co-exist well in that area, I mean, there's enough street to work with. And the fact that we took congress avenue, which was a non-connecting piece of right-of- way, there's no turn there. So you have two large medians that, you know, instead of just doing hatchmarks which is what is called for now, and just putting another concrete median there, and putting in landscaping and it doesn't have to be elaborate but it could go, you know, a hundred feet east and west of what is the intersection, if not 150 feet and it would not affect the turn lanes for brassus and congress and you are adding that much more greenery to -- I had a picture and I thought about [2:32:58 PM] putting it there on the slide deck of -- some of the pictures of what we call urban blight from the 1970s and there's several on websites that you can find of Austin or looking back somewhat geographically and look at how nice Austin was. You look at the streets and it's nothing but concrete and I show the picture of today and it's the same unfortunate concrete expanse that, you know -- and, again, we all have evolved and the city is growing up and the state has converted parking lots into, you know, buildings that are alive with people now. So it's kind of time to bring the other landscape with it, the street scape with it. >> It would seem like there is a real need to bring together all of the different aspects that the transportation and urban design people have in mind. [2:33:59 PM] Because safety will be a really big issue and I think that transit probably would also be an integral part because you're going to have people -- you know, I don't know what the service is today about people bringing kids and others to go to the Blanton or go to the museum. >> There's two -- >> There's a lot of possibilities. But the right people need to be involved. I don't know if that is Tim or you. >> Champion: I think if we make the recommendation -- what were you going to say? >> I think that the recommendation from utc would be great. In the end, for this I definitely agree, you have made a considerable investment here already to make it a very attractive place for pedestrians and very comfortable for them. And a great placemaking opportunity and you have 15 and mlk. One of the things, when listening to the presentation it seems that what we need to [2:34:59 PM] figure out on the city side is how do we resource this effort with the hundred years of backlog with that that we're doing and the fortunate -- in a way blessing that we've had from the community and funding us to do a lot of capital improvement work across the city and there's a lot of needs throughout the stay. But one of the things that I can take back is to talk with our group and get an answer back on how would we resource this in terms of staff to do the engagement and to do the design work, and then answering that next question that comes after that and while we're working on this, how would we pay for that and then win. You know, the sooner the better, and maybe there's something that we could do to some of the things that you were mentioning, Chris. Maybe we could do those Sooners as we wait for more funding to come, if we have to wait. So I think there's definitely some opportunities there. To me it's a question about resourcing and I will go back to our group and get an answer -- an answer to that. And get back with you. [2:36:02 PM] >> Yeah, to that, the city supposes that they're doing something, they have already invested a million nine and drawing some plans. And we're just adding some green space there which is not outside the -- the city's previous efforts on 12th street and 15th street. There's several medians that are all green. They're not, you know, elaborate but they're green. >> They're there. >> And they're there. And, you know, it might be an opportunity to, you know, y'all put the dirt and we have put in the sweat and, you know, the type of opportunity there. And, you know, I can't speak for the legislative process. It gives us the money to do these things but, you know, it's something that we can discuss, you know, and say, okay, the city is serious and we need to be serious if we're going to, you know, how would this be [2:37:05 PM] structured. You know, is it -- you know, something that we participate in or is it all on the city or I can't speak to that, but, you know, we're wondering too. But we want -- we want to have that discussion with you guys. >> Champion: Well, at least -- >> It will create problems if we don't. >> And there's more opportunities as well. >> Right, 400,000 people coming to this area and it's well order heavily trafficked with pedestrians and part of our goal is to make more placemaking opportunities in Austin as part of our Austin strategic mobility plan and safety is our top -- is our first chapter in that plan because it really -- >> With the emergence of all of those efforts, and it's a doable one. You know, that's not years -- years and years of time and bond money. You know, we've all kind of Teed up the ball, it's kind of ready to kick, you know, to -- you [2:38:06 PM] know, to get -- you know, so we're kind of saying let's blow the whistle and start the game. >> I will just let you know what the downtown commission said. They did pass a resolution at their last meeting and now, therefore be it resolved was to immediately to identify and to commit more -- not more than $500,000 for the construction of the pedestrian enhancements of the intersection of congress and mlk. But it doesn't really talk about design or involvement in any of the other part of the needed work to be done. And that was sent to the -- the downtown commission urging the city council to direct the city managers. >> Champion: Um-hmm. So we did come -- on the dais resolution that, you know, whether that is specific dollars attached to it or that generally urges -- I guess atd to work [2:39:10 PM] with the board organization -- >> The preservation board and the Texas facilities commission, we're the responsible landowners for the state. >> Champion: Yeah. And we'll say the responsible state parties and working on the intersection of mlk and congress, I guess -- >> Congress right away. >> Champion: Yeah, congress right away, okay. So we can come up with something like that but before we jump imo that detail, any other commissioners who have some observations or want to practice some word smithing or any objections? >> [Indiscernible]. >> Champion: Can you turn on your mic? >> 15th street, we are figuring we would take it one intersection at a time. But at some point I would say three years from now I could very much envision being that we have followed through on phase two and we need to -- actually, I would hope that we do that [2:40:12 PM] more proactively than we have now. I think that we've been a little bit flomommed on how we proceed and extend our hand and say we're ready to work with you guys. And the same thing at 15th and congress that is a very key intersection, the traffic between capitol square and capital mall will be even greater at that location. And we're actively working with architects on one of the buildings they were proposing, you know, coming up to the lot, you know, to the property line, and it's like pull it back and we're not trying to maximize some roi, we're trying to make a place here. In that intersection. Has most of the buildings have a much greater setback than just the property line and we asked them to respect that and so the [2:41:15 PM] opportunity to do something at 15th street is definitely on our minds. >> Champion: Okay. Well, I will make a motion that we propose a resolution, if we agree with that we can wordsmith. Is there a second to proposing a resolution in support -- who is going to do the resolution? >> Well, theoretically what we could do is that either way we need it in the paper form or maybe we could verbally -- >> Champion: Certainly, we could do it in notes form and we could take it back -- like last time and then I'll make it official letterhead and send it. >> The meeting is recorded. So -- no worry. >> Champion: Okay. But generally the key bullet points is that the urban transportation commission will [2:42:16 PM] recommend that -- would it be atd or be the city of Austin as the -- >> It goes to the recommendations of seeing Andrew and having atd be integrally involved. >> Champion: Okay. >> And we bring together the different parties from the Texas state preservation board, UT, and other departments, urban design and others in that conversation. >> Champion: Um-hmm. Okay. So the urban preservation board and other -- necessary, that's a good word. Necessary state of Texas departments? >> No, I'm speaking about the city of Austin departments. >> But to your point, the agencies -- state agency. >> Champion: State agency. Okay, to work together? To find a -- whatever you want [2:43:17 PM] to call this. To work together, to -- >> To recommend -- >> Champion: Yeah, so we'll be recommending so utc, and that's how it all began roughly. Recommends the city manager direct -- and then we have to figure out who is directing, atd, and so we're going to have the state agencies to -- what we want to call this -- to address the placemaking opportunities at the Texas capital mall, specifically north congress and mlk Jr. Boulevard intersection, just taking it directly from this. Is that broad enough or do you think that it needs to be more specific? >> The placemaking is definitely a piece of it. And I think that the other piece that needs to be in there is the pedestrian accommodations and more of a connection, the way that Chris described it as you have hit mlk and it's somewhat of a barrier. Well, let's try to soften that barrier and really provide the connection across there with the investments that have been done [2:44:20 PM] already. >> Champion: Okay. >> Integrated pedestrian connection. >> Champion: Okay. So -- [indiscernible] There. So, it is going to be something like -- all right, so the key words that I was taking because you were talking basically is -- utc recommends the city manager to direct atd and other city departments to be integrally involved with the state preservation board and other state of Texas agencies to work together to address the place making and the pedestrian accommodations including safe access and connection to complete the Texas capitol mall project -- or just Texas capitol mall? >> Pedestrian connection. >> Because connecting to UT develop theirs on the north side. >> Champion: At north congress [2:45:20 PM] avenue and mlk Jr. Boulevard. >> And add the university of Texas and Austin as one of those. >> Champion: Okay. Okay. Agencies -- >> This is wordsmithing. [Chuckle] >> I was going to say we've got to get Alison involved and she's an English. >> Runas: Don't worry, I won't mention anything about the grammar today. >> Champion: Give us a moment to mention my lack of capitalizations. But, you know, in the end what will happen is that I'll go home and do this. Okay, so it is essentially this and I will read it one more time. Not one more time but again. Utc will recommend the city manager to direct atd and other city of Austin departments be integrally involved with the state preservation board and other necessary state of Texas agencies, including UT Austin, [2:46:21 PM] to work together to address the placemaking and pedestrian -- hold on a second -- we'll move that to the end. To address the placemaking opportunities, including safe access and pedestrian connections to complete the Texas capitol mall project at north congress avenue and mlk Jr. Boulevard. Something like that. >> And to add just a little bit more specificity to it -- >> Champion: Okay. >> I think that what commissioner Weatherby of saying in terms of the collaboration, but also how -- the resourcing to do the design work and then -- >> Champion: Okay. >> The resourcing for implementation. And just to figure that out. And in collaboration with the different parties, and how will we do that. >> Champion: Okay. So to determine resourcing [2:47:21 PM] and -- what was the other word that you used? >> Um-- resourcing for the design. And implementation. >> Champion: Okay. The -- okay. All right. So do another read through. And from a legal standpoint, Chris -- from a legal standpoint does it matter if it's not exactly word-for-word, if I get home and I tweak it a little bit just for clarity? >> Yes. >> Champion: Well, then let me -- okay, so -- okay. So then let me just see. Okay, so I'll read this all again. The utc recommends the city manager direct atd and other city of Austin departments to be integrally involved to determine resourcing for the design and implementation -- I feel like the last sentence -- here, one [2:48:23 PM] second, because it's going to be a big sort of side clause here. Implementation -- take that back. Let me just read it as it is. Utc recommends the city manager to direct the Austin transportation department and other city of Austin departments to be involved to determine the design and implementation with the state preservation board and other state of Texas agencies and UT Austin to work together to address the safe access and pedestrian connections to complete the capital mall project at congress avenue and mlk Jr. Boulevard. >> [Indiscernible]. >> Sorry, I second that. >> Champion: All right. Any comments? Samuel? >> I think that sounds great. >> That sounds good to me. >> Champion: All right. So it's been a motion discussed. [2:49:24 PM] Anymore discussion? Okay, all in favor say aye or raise your hand. And it was unanimous. All opposed say nay. Any abstentions? No. This will become our recommendation that we'll make official and get moved on up the chain. >> We thank you very much. >> Champion: Yeah. Well, thank you for presenting and thank you for working on this for years. It looks very exciting and it looks like an awesome place to visit. >> Please come down -- >> Champion: We'll be there. Okay, thank you. All right. Our final item on the list is the bike lane bounty program proposal. There is in your backup. And I won't change chairs since I don't really have a presentation presentation, but I will give a minute or so of background context. [2:50:24 PM] So that you know where this comes from and what its value is I think. So as it says in the whereas, I'm not going to read the bullet points but I want to summarize the key elements of the whereas. A, successful transportation system doesn't just move cars and it moves people and there are lots of ways to move people, micromobility, scooters and wheelchairs and bikes. All of those require safe separated bike -- or safe separated infrastructure. This proposal talks about bike lanes in particular. Because bike lanes are something that we spend money on and study after study shows that safe separated infrastructure or the perception thereof -- or the lack of this, is the number one reason that people when asked why don't you ride your bike more they say this is why I don't ride my bike more. So that's sort of the reason for proposal at its root level. And then some evidence that this kind of thing works is that second whereas, the city of [2:51:24 PM] Austin, in case you weren't aware, already does kind of a bounty reward program around disability parking spots or accessible parking spaces. So this is an existing city program that is 100% in this vein and it just covers a different topic. So there's nothing new there. And New York City as I mentioned in the past and if you clicked on the links that are in the document, New York City has had a very successful clean air program. You know, if you look at it, if there's -- you know, this isn't real numbers but if you could say there's a million trucks idling for 30 minutes a day that's half a million hours of pollution per day that they're trying to cut back on. They have been successful with this program and there's some links there if you have taken the time to read them. It results both in millions of dollars for the city, but it also results in a lot less idling for cleaner air. So this kind of bounty program works in other places. There's another example in there of similar legislation that goes a little bit further. And then there's three examples [2:52:27 PM] where not even citizens are required to help enforce the ordinances. And unmanned red light cameras and unmanned school bus cameras and speaking as a person who potentially their spouse has gotten a $300 ticket for going past the school bus that they didn't know that was parked, that is a true thing that already happens. So this set is to say that from a technical standpoint and from a cultural standpoint, these are things that already happened and they just can don't happen on this topic. >> [Indiscernible]. >> Speed cameras and red light cameras because the legislature threw it out in 2019. >> Champion: Now I remember that but this is more of an example -- yeah, these things do exist and they exist in other places. Yeah. >> [Indiscernible]. >> Champion: No, that's fine and I understand and this is setting this is not that crazy of an [2:53:27 PM] idea. And the last whereas, there's good outcomes. The city spends millions of dollars and that is to make these facilities and these facilities get blocked all the time. I ran into councilmember Paige Ellis at an event and I was talking to her about this and she said on that very day which was the start of bike-to- work month or whatever it was, that the councilmembers went out on a bike ride just as sort of a showcase opportunity and ran into multiple people in the bike lanes. Like, it's a thing, if you don't ride your bike downtown you may not be aware of this, but it is a thing that is constant, it is constant. And you can go on Twitter and find examples. >> Are scooters victims? >> Champion: Scooters are vehicles but they're allowed to be in the bike lanes. >> [Indiscernible]. >> Champion: You have to turn on your mic. Sorry. >> Are scoots allowed to be lying down in the bike lane? [2:54:28 PM] >> Champion: They're not supposed to be lying down in the bike lane but for people that's probably a different topic about how people handle the scooters. >> Can we change the language of the vehicles and other obstacles? >> Champion: I would love to focus -- that's something that is detectable or traceable to a person and the problem with the scooter in the bike lane, and that there's no recourse to know who that is. If you see a scooter in the bike lane, it could be there for any number of reasons and I couldn't tell you who put it there. With a car and a license plate I can tell you who is responsible for that car. So then the last part that I want to point out is the be it further resolved. There's three things that additionally would need to happen to make this viable. If you don't know, the city ordinance currently says that you can only get a ticket for obstructing a bike lane that says there's a sign that says [2:55:28 PM] you can't obstruct the bike lane. You can't block a bike lane unless there's a sign that says for whatever reason that you can park in this bike lane. The city has opposite ordinance and that's crazy to me but it does. And that needs to change. And the city needs to make people aware of that because it would be a change and also make people aware that you can actually get a citation. In my brief surveying of people, nobody thinks that you can do that and I think that is part of a problem. People don't think that it's a citable offense to block the bike lane but the. And the last bullet points are aimed at changing some underpinnings that a, make it seem culturally acceptable and also take in my opinion the opposite stance, which defaults to being sort of okay to block a bike lane. So, that is a quick overview, and I don't really have a presentation, but I guess that I'll make a motion that -- >> I'm sorry, real quick. [2:56:29 PM] Before -- I want to make it aware to the other commissioners that the Google link to this document is in the calendar invite. I don't see anyone else on there, but I just got nervous. It's in the calendar invite if you look for it. I want to introduce Jason Redfern, here with city staff to just discuss this. If he so chooses. His division, I believe would handle a lot of the implementation of this, but Jason, correct me on that if I'm wrong. But I didn't get a chance to introduce him. So sorry about that. >> It's quite all right, Chris. No, we do enforce the regulatory signage that prevents people from parking in bike lanes. So the tow away Zones with the placards and the signage. So we have over the last two years cited over 1,200 vehicles [2:57:31 PM] and we've towed 230 vehicles out of the bike lanes so far. >> Champion: Yes, that is good to know. Okay, so we'll get to discussions here in a moment. First we have to make a motion and move this into the discussion stage. I will make a motion that we approve this recommendation -- or that we have this recommendation. Is there a second so that we can discuss it? >> I will second. >> Champion:I saw her raise her hand. So let's move into discussion. Who has any discussion items? Yes. >> And I agree that no one can use bike lanes but without knowing what the ramifications of this are and I understand [2:58:32 PM] that you are citing the positive effects but where else is it done and what are the negative effects, right? I would like to know both sides there before I vote on this issue. Like, anything, there's always some sort -- you know, there's always collateral damage and I would like to know what that possibly could be for lamenting this. I wouldn't want to paint austinites as austinites, put it that way. And people pointing fingers at each other -- I'd like to know what the potential negative ramifications of this has been in other cities before we move forward, just saying that this is the golden ticket and the only way to solve this issue. >> Champion: Well, a good question. And I wouldn't say it's the only way to solve the issue and it's an additional way to solve this issue. There's not enough traffic enforcement staff and this is not a place that police need to be involved in or something like that. The ordinances are the ordinances and it is already a citeable offense, but a lot of [2:59:32 PM] people seem to not know that. It's a citable offense, and it's just really spreading the workload. Just like the accessible parking spot, there's just too many accessible parking spots for them to be governed in some way by city staff. You know, and it's a pretty low risk endeavor to say, hey, there's someone in the bike lane, like it's a low risk endeavor to say, hey, you're in the parking spot that you're not supposed to be in. And there are negatives that I need to do this [3:03:13 PM] >> I was going to mention that we have a program for delivering vehicles that if they need to deliver during certain times of the day they can take a lane of traffic versus parking in a bike lane and that's a permanent program. So that's one solution if you do move to council, you know, to do a widespread ban of parking in a bike lane and then move to a permissions model where in those specific areas where there is a need that you could do permissive signage versus restrictive. So that is a part of the program. I did want to mention our Ada volunteer program that you mentioned is -- it is fairly successful. There are some limitations to the program that -- for example, that there are state regulations that back up the fact that there is the ability for volunteers to issue citations and they still have to follow the procedure of serving the citation for the [3:04:15 PM] vehicle. And for them to participate as a volunteer and I know the bounty program kind of suggests that there may be some sort of a benefit. So the state legislation that -- I think it's Texas transportation code 681 privileged parking and it talks about volunteers have to meet certain criteria for, you know, certain age restrictions. They still have to serve the, you know, the citation to the vehicle and so the -- and they can't accept anything because it's a completely volunteer basis. I just wanted to bring that up. >> Chair: Yeah, thank you for bringerring up those specific details. And this program is different from that in that the 311 app is used to report the infraction and the city is still entirely responsible for deciding if that's a citable offense or not. And the city could decide for [3:05:16 PM] the first six months we're sending those people application to the permit process that you just talked about and say, hey, this is your warning and you're going to start getting a ticket if you keep doing this, here's our way around that. Please follow the rules. So that would be totally fine. I think that would come up in the details as this would get implemented. The goal of the recommendation is that is there a way to get citizen involvement into pursuing unobstructed bike lanes? That's the core part of it. I just want to add one bullet point. In the be it resolved is sort of what you're talking about is that the signage -- I think there needs to be an effort to clarify in signage what is available or what is allowable and what is not allowable . People, they just don't know and they think that it's okay or they've seen it somewhere else. Shoal creek, for example, a lot of that bike lane is parkble before the new bike lane got [3:06:16 PM] put in two years ago or so. People parked in the bike lane because it was allowed and so that's -- how would they know that it's no longer allowed? And so I'm going to stop there, unless there's more questions. Yes. >> One more question. I guess this is a personal reading of it. But would you be amenable to taking "Bounty" out of the title? Bounty is a little bit radioactive at the moment. >> Chair: Yeah, bike lane bounty was alliterative. >> Supporting the like lane enforcement program. >> Chair: I'm sure the press will still call it bike lane bounty. >> Other programs were eliminated. >> Chair: Do you have a suggestion, bike lane -- >> Enforcement. >> Chair: Bike lane, citizens' bike lane -- >> Enforcement. >> Chair: Or reporting or [3:07:17 PM] something like that. Totally. Yeah, bike lane bounty was literally -- >> I think it would be the bike rider who would have the incentive to do this. >> Chair: Oh, 100%. Yeah, we call this citizens' bike lane -- I don't know if enforcement is the right word, reporting. We go with just a very utility title program. I'm totally amenable to that. So the change would be then instead of being called the bike lane bounty program it would be the citizen bike lane reporting program. Yeah. >> Thanks. >> Chair: I'm totally fine with that. >> Chair, one last question. I would be a little more comfortable with as opposed to -- in the be it resolved, the utc recommends that council members implement a program. What about study the feasibility of implementing a program such as this? [3:08:17 PM] Like giving us more information on like Jason pointed out, is this even legal? What does state law say about this? >> Chair: So the develop -- I mean, I would rather go with something like undertake to develop and if that undertaking turns out for legal reasons this can't be done then we can come back and make the necessary tweaks. But our recommendation to study -- I fear that it would just get lost at the study level. Whereas if they undertake to develop or something like that then, you know -- and in the end this is just a recommendation. Council will do whatever council does. Would you be okay with it, like undertake to develop? >> Sure, sure, sure. Well, I guess what I'm saying is three months if they look into this and three months they come back and say this is actually the ramifications -- these are our hurdles that we're having to get over and this is what we've seen in other cities, the collateral [3:09:19 PM] damage potentially or not. >> Chair: Right. >> It's 100% improve the bike lanes and we're much more mobile now and everybody's happy. >> Chair: Yeah, we might find three other cities somewhere that have done this. Yes, Mr. Redfern. >> Maybe a phased recommendation because I think everybody has agreed that parking in a bike lane is not, you know, people don't like it and I don't know if your recommendation maybe is a phased recommendation so that the larger thing is that we recommend that, number one, the city of Austin directs the city manager to, you know, make it illegal to park in a bike lane and then there are other pieces to this recommendation because I think that number one piece about parking in the bike lane is pretty important and if the other things don't work, if the other things like we go through the legal department and there are impediments, the main thing is potentially addressed [3:10:20 PM] through enforcement staff that can. And so just, you know, thinking about the restrictive versus permissive and maybe making that a multi-part recommendation. >> Chair: Yeah, so I'm just trying to imagine how to do that specifically, potentially. I mean, I think the bullet points under the be it further resolved, I think that's sort of what you're getting at. Those really are stages along the way and, you know, and whether it matters or not, I don't know to city council or the city manager as it comes to it. I mean, I don't have a problem saying that these three things kind of need to happen for this fourth thing to happen, the fourth one is currently the thing that's shown first. So flipping those around and saying, you know, we should undertake to try to do these three things so the fourth one can happen. I'm totally fine with that, [3:11:20 PM] personally, because it gets to the same outcome. It's just if that's clearer to how we get to that outcome. Do any other commissioners have feelings on that? Okay. So then what I would say is are you in the document right now or should I be in the document? Because I'm just going to copy and paste this in a different direction. >> I'm in the document. You can do whatever you like though, that's fine. >> Chair: Let me just add this phrase. All right. So I'm just going to swap out the be it resolved and the be it further resolved because I think the fair statement, which is true, they need to happen first. The overall one can't happen unless this happened, 100% agreed. All right. So the change of people not looking at the document, in the what was be it resolved is now the be it further resolved. [3:12:21 PM] I did add that they undertake to develop and that gives the flexibility of a bit of wiggle room as to whether or not they have to develop this or they just have to figure out how to develop it. And the phasing of the first three bullet points on which the fourth, which is now the be it further resolved, depends, are these other things. If all three of them happen, it would be great and if for some reason the last step can't happen then we'll bring it back up and say why can't it happen. Okay. With that, any other questions, comments? Athena, do you have any other comments as co-sponsor? >> Not right now. >> Chair: All right. I guess we can just move to the vote then. We don't have to do a new -- >> Correct. >> Chair: All right. All those in favor of the recommendation now known as the -- oh. Hold on. Since we're here live, let me [3:13:22 PM] change it from bike lane bounty. I'll call it formerly known as -- the program formerly known as citizens - - >> It will catch on, don't worry. It sounds just as good. It's even more delightful. >> Chair: We need to craft an acronym like Thor or something. >> What about bike lane blockage? >> See. I knew Allison. >> Chair: There you go. Bike lane blockage program. Yeah. Unblockage program. >> Does that sound as cool? I don't know. >> Chair: Citizen bike lane blockage program. Oh, I think just actually drop the citizen. Would that be okay? Bike lane blockage program? Okay. It's still got some easy ring to it. That's the most important [3:14:23 PM] part. Next we'll spend ten minutes discussing the font. So all those in favor of the bike lane blockage program recommendation, raise your hand or say aye. There's six. All opposed say nay. Or abstentions. 6-0. Oh, 7-0. Sorry. Allie's here. 7-0. With that, thank y'all very much. This is exciting. We'll see what happens next. On our agenda is time for the briefings. First up, downtown commission. >> The program that we had today was the entire program of the downtown commission that needed to be brought up. Thank you very much. >> Chair: All right. Joint sustainability -- I do not see commissioner wheeler. >> Yes, Diana is absent today. Apologies. I should have announced that [3:15:25 PM] earlier. >> Chair: Bicycle advisory. No, that's commissioner Athena Leyton. >> Oh, sorry. I wasn't able to make it the last meeting because I had a conflict so I just checked their notes. Last time I checked there were no slides. There was a joint meeting with the pedestrian advisory council that updates on the metro bike, signal detection failures, and a walk-bike presentation. >> Chair: Okay. Thank you. Pedestrian advisory. Commissioner runs. >> They canceled their meeting yesterday so I have nothing else to add to that. >> Chair: Okay. The mobility committee. So I attended the beginning of that. I gave a report on what we had done at our last meeting. After that they were having the metro bike -- I'm looking at the thing now and it looks like they had the same presentation we had plus an update from the city manager on strategic mobility outcomes. [3:16:26 PM] I did not attend that one. Was there anything exciting in that? >> No. They did get the same metro bike presentation and a couple of other bike-related items but nothing else that's really major. >> Chair: Okay. Thank you. And then commissioner Susan somers with the transit partnership board. >> Yeah, I actually couldn't make -- we canceled in April. I couldn't make it to the may meeting because I had my child's orchestra concert. Turns out that meeting ended up not convening because of quorum so they haven't met -- they met twice in March but they haven't met since March so there is a meeting on Thursday of that body so I will have an update for our next utc. >> Chair: Thank you. And, with that, we are down to future agenda items. We have a list, if you have looked at your document. Tdm update, signal timing, right of way information brief, walnut creek, special events. [3:17:27 PM] Is there anything anyone feels strongly about that they would like to include in an upcoming meeting? >> I do want to take the time to acknowledge Samuel Franco or commissioner Franco -- you know. Your item for the south central waterfront regulating plan, I have been in contact with staff. We hope to get that to you all in July. They just need a little bit more time from the presentation that they gave to you all. They do intend to come to you all, though. It will more than likely just be in July. They couldn't make it this time. In regards to the scooters item. The atd staff is very aware of the many incidents happening with scooters. Staff is working on it now. They also need just a little bit more time. We hope to get that item to you and give a full presentation on what we've done in August. I know that might be more of a delay but, again, we are very aware of what's going on and we're -- staff has informed me [3:18:27 PM] that they're trying to fix it as quickly as they can. So in regards to those future items, I just wanted to make those announcements. I have a few more announcements but I'll wait. >> Chair: I think we're getting very close to being done. Any announcements need to happen before adjournment? >> Yes. >> Chair: The floor is yours. >> Briefly, if everyone could, in no way, shape, or form am I trying to get from your business but if you could let me know if you are going on vacation in the summer, I would very much appreciate it. It just helps me ensure that we have quorum. I think the worst thing on the planet outside of a lot of different things but for this commission, the worst thing to happen is to not meet quorum. If you're going on vacation and you have that planned out, I would appreciate you letting me know in advance just to make sure we have quorum and if not I can let everyone know ahead of time and we can hopefully save a lot of time. Speaking of vacation, [3:19:28 PM] July 5th is our next meeting date. I recognize of course that that is after July 4th. In hindsight maybe this next November we can schedule better, I don't know. But I will be on vacation from June 5th to July -- I'm sorry. June 17th to July 5th. I'm getting married so -- >> Chair: Congratulations. >> So if you don't hear from me between then, we're still going to have all the backups, the calendar taken care of. If you do see one or two backups that are late, I apologize now. I'm not ignoring you. My future wife will take my phone. And, yeah. But, yeah, I just wanted to make that clear in case anyone sends me e-mails in between that time. The meeting will still run smoothly on July 5th. We're still going to meet on [3:20:29 PM] July 5th. Everything will be fine. I just wanted to clarify that. Lastly, we have a new member of the utc for district 2, replacing commissioner Nathan Ryan who has since left us. I'm not going to introduce her here. The next time we meet on July 5th, I'll have a red carpet, lights, maybe some fireworks and she'll come in blazing. Hopefully she's watching now. >> Chair: No pressure. >> [Off mic] >> No, no, no. It will be fine. I just wanted to make you all aware of those things. If you have anything else in the meantime, let me know and I'll get it on the agenda. Thank you. >> I have a suggestion for a future agenda item. I'm curious about how many people are involved in scooter accidents with a car turning right on red and I don't know who would be able to provide information on that. But obviously the scooters aren't running into themselves. >> Okay. I will check in with staff on that and we'll see what we can do. >> Chair: And then finally for the many, many people watching [3:21:30 PM] at home, where's your wedding registry if they need to go buy you things? >> No, don't worry about that. I do want to apologize though for starting late. City council was still in executive session and we ran into a few issues but we got it all resolved. Thank you all for being patient with that. >> [Off mic] >> Yes. Mayor Steve Adler, actually I met him for the first time today, it was amazing. At least, I saw him walk by to adjourn the meeting. >> Chair: You visually met him. >> It was a wonderful experience, yes. >> Chair: With that, I think -- unless there are any last-minute items that people need to throw out for discussion? Nope. Okay. Then last item is adjournment. I think we can do that by consensus. Unless anyone objects, we are adjourned. Thank you, all. [6:02:30 PM] >> Commissioners, it looks that we do have a quorum present. Item going to take roll just for the record here. Cathy, I see you. Amanda, there you go, thank you. Albert Swantner? All right. Melissa Rothrock? Jonathan Barona? Ethan Meyers? Kaiba white, I see you right there, thank you. Let's see. Ian, there you are. Thank you. And Ingrid Powell, there you are. Looks like we do have a quorum and we can begin this meeting. And if anyone else logs in, they can certainly join us. Let me see here. You know, commissioners, the agenda tonight was pretty [6:03:31 PM] straightforward. It was a simple meeting. I think we're mainly going to be focused on the update to the comprehensive master plan. Having said that, I would love to get started by going through the first item, the approval of minutes from the may 11th meeting. And commissioners, if anybody has any questions on those or would like to make a motion, I will accept that. Kaiba -- >> White: I move approval. >> Acuna: All right. Do I hear a second? >> Chair, I'll second. >> Acuna: Ian seconds. All right. Hearing no discussion on this, I hope, all those in favor please [6:04:34 PM] raise your hand. Wave, do something. Thank you, commissioners. It passes unanimously. Thanks, guys. Next item is the new business, arr's rca on the vehicle wrap of the trucks. And that item itself is -- there was an rca included in the actual package for us to look over and I think Ken -- who was going to speak to that item? Chad. Chad, are you there? >> Yes, I am. >> Acuna: Thank you, Chad. >> Can you see me? >> Acuna: Yes, I can now. Thank you. >> Good evening, commissioners. My name is Chad Presley, chief administrative officer for Austin resource recovery, here tonight before you to request a recommendation for item number 22-2060, an authorization to award a contract to eagle eye partners,, inc. To provide wraps [6:05:36 PM] and installation services for our vehicles. The contract would have a term of five years not to exceed $3,085,430. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. >> Acuna: Thank you, Chad. Commissioners, any questions? Commissioner white? >> White: Yeah, I'm wondering what is done with the wraps when they are removed. >> That is a very good question. I'm assuming we would recycle them. These are vinyl wraps, so we would be able to recycle them. >> Acuna: Was that a trick question, commissioner white? >> Tammy Williams, that is correct. We would recycle the wraps. >> Acuna: Thank you, Tammy. Any other questions? >> Yeah. It was in a way the right [6:06:37 PM] answer, but the added information that it's vinyl concerns me. That's a particularly toxic material to produce. Is there any other option for wrapping vehicles that is not vinyl? >> We can research that. We haven't made up the actual wraps itself, so we can certainly research that, commissioner white. It's not a problem for us. >> White: So this contract would not lock you into a certain type of wrap? >> No, the actual artwork for this contract has not been designed. It's been designed, but we haven't made up the material. We could research that to see what other materials are out there. >> Acuna: I'm sorry, go ahead. Assuming there is something out there -- an alternative to the vinyl, obviously or I'm assuming that that would affect the cost on this? >> It could. If that's the case we would have to bring it back. [6:07:37 PM] There was one sole bidder. We could go back to see if that has an effect. They asked for a mockup of one of our designs. We'd have to check to see how that could affect the actual contract. And Victoria Reeger might be on. She might be able to give additional information. Since we provided the mockup and didn't have the artwork for them to attach, which is normally -- we'd have to see what would happen to the contract. >> Acuna: Thank you, Tammy. Any other questions, commissioners? >> White: I'm a little confused. So, you're saying you don't knowwhether or not this company can do other types of wraps or not? >> So this company -- all we did for this particular contract is we provided a mockup of what we wanted to see on the actual vehicle itself. So our graphic designer designed what arr would like to see, give mockups. It doesn't mean that's the final [6:08:38 PM] product in terms of what would be on the vehicle itself. So I don't know that the artwork is the final thing that you'll see on the final attachment. So there is some room for us to negotiate how that likes. Victoria may be able to add additional information. That's up in the air, because the artwork -- the wrap is part of the actual price of the contract, but the -- what it looks like and how it's attached may not have been part of the contract itself. So we may have the ability to look at some of those things and finalize that piece of it. Does that make sense? >> White: I think I understand, but that doesn't address my concern. My concern is not about the artwork, it's about -- it seems like this contract -- they're offering a physical product. >> Acuna: Kaiba, you're breaking in and out. I'm sorry. >> White: Sorry. >> Hi, commissioner, Ken, [6:09:39 PM] director, Austin resource recovery. I think I can answer your question. The quote for this particular item was provided to us as a vinyl material. I think what director Williams is saying is that we could ask them if it's possible to do this in a different material. I will say that the typical standard material for this -- because of the durability, fading factors, and that sort of thing -- vinyl is kind of one of the hallmarks, the standards of that industry, but we could ask if there are other materials that we could use in place of vinyl, something that might be more recyclable once these -- the wraps are removed and if we decide to put a new wrap on to advertise something that we're doing, or something that we're promoting, that type of thing. We can ask that if they have an alternative material. >> Acuna: Thank you, director. Commissioners, any other [6:10:39 PM] questions? It sounds as though we do have a question here. And the fact is the trucks are waiting to be decalled, is that correct? The fleet is in need -- >> We have some that are. And this also covers new trucks as well. So through the next five years, this would cover the inventory that we currently have already, and then also any new purchases. >> Acuna: Hypothetically speaking, how long would it take to get an answer back from the contractor? >> We could have something back by the next meeting for sure. >> Acuna: And that wouldn't cause a problem to defer something like this? >> Not at this point. I think we have enough time. Because we made allowances for both new trucks and existing trucks, so we have time. This is a brand new endeavor. We're still building this thing. We have some time to still work with the contractor that bid on [6:11:40 PM] the job. >> Acuna: Would that be comfortable for this commission to perhaps we view -- review other options? Commissioners? >> Yeah, it would be great to hear what other materials would cost if there are suitable materials and what their pros and cons might be. >> Acuna: Thank you, commissioners. So, I'll -- I'm sorry, commissioner Gattuso. >> Gattuso: Yes. So, it sounded like -- >> Acuna: Cathy, you can speak up -- sorry. >> Gattuso: Can you hear me? >> Acuna: A little bit, yes. >> Gattuso: Okay. I don't know what else to do. >> Acuna: There you go. >> Gattuso: Maybe the chemicals in the vinyl as well as is being recycled? >> White: Yeah. [6:12:40 PM] It's a particularly toxic material. So even if it's recycled, it's one of those things that I think unless there's a real strong need that it's the only thing that can do a task that really needs to be done, then I think vinyl should be avoided. It's not an environmentally friendly material. >> And Mr. Snipes, when you check on this, Mr. Snipes, can you find out the cost of these wraps? Hopefully there's other materials that can be used. >> Commissioner Gattuso, absolutely. I'll check to see what other materials they have or what they might recommend and try to figure out the pros and cons if they do have another material, of both. >> Gattuso: Okay. Thank you. And then Mr. Acuna will put that [6:13:40 PM] on the agenda for next month? >> Acuna: Yes, absolutely. Just out of curiosity, Ken or Tammy or someone, Chad, what are the trucks currently labeled -- what type of decal material is on there now? >> All they have on them now is just the city of Austin seal. >> Acuna: Nothing to this extent. >> Nothing at all. >> Acuna: All right, commissioners. So I guess we are going to be deferring this item, and I don't believe we need a motion to do that or to vote on that. >> Just really quick then, unless I'm mistaken, have we seen -- it may be worthwhile for us to -- since we're going to review this anyway, to get an idea of what the mockup looked like and an idea of what the intent is here of what they look like today versus what they will look like with the new decal, or new wraps. [6:14:42 PM] >> Acuna: Great idea. We had that conversation earlier and it would be a wonderful opportunity to show the decal on the next -- as a next agenda item, if we could add that on there, too. >> Sure. >> Acuna: All right, commissioners, thank you. We're going to defer this item until our next meeting. The next item of business is the actual comprehensive plan update and I think the presenters on that are Jason, Selene, gena, and who else, Tammy? >> Again, Tammy Williamson, assistant director, Austin resource recovery. Tonight we'd like to give you an update on the progress we've made on the zero waste comprehensive plan. For those that are newer on the commission, this is an update to our existing waste -- zero waste master plan that council adopted in 2011. [6:15:42 PM] The zero waste master plan established the goal of zero waste by 2040. Over the past decade, we are proud that our department and the community have made -- progress that we've made together to achieve our goal so far. So like the rollout, we've done a few things like the rollout of the curbside composting plan that we've got and the policies -- other policies that we've managed to get, we've rolled out to the community to help us get closer to this zero zero waste goal. The city is growing and challenging. We're facing challenges like mobility, affordability and more. So in order to continue our mission to protect the people and the planet, the plan update takes into account that growth and the built and natural environment. During tonight's presentation, you'll hear an overview of the community engagement's efforts and what we've heard as well as some of the focus groups in this [6:16:43 PM] updated plan. Tonight we'd like to welcome your feedback and look forward to your support and assistance in meeting the zero waste goal. With that, I'll turn it over to Selene Castillo to walk you through this presentation. I know you'll be riveted to hear what she has to say. [ Laughing ] >> All right. Well, hello, everyone. I'm Selene Castillo like Tammy said, and I have been managing this project from the arr side. As you know, we hired some consultants to help complete this update and they were not able to attend today, but obviously they've played a major role in this project. And the last time that you all received an update from this project was actually delivered by them. [6:17:45 PM] Next slide. Okay. So, since it's been a minute since that presentation happened, I'm going to start with a very high-level recap of the process that we've been following up to this point, and then I'll dive a little deeper into one area of this project, which is community engagement. Then we'll talk about arr's newly developed racial equity tool and how we intend to use this tool for our planned initiatives. Then we'll get into those initiatives and those goals. We won't be covering every single idea, goal, rationale, around the comprehensive plan tonight, because we'll be here for hours. But instead, we're going to focus on those goals that are most relevant to this group and I'll explain what I mean by that in a little bit. Then we'll discuss the connections that this plan has with the climate equity plan and the project's next steps. [6:18:47 PM] And we will close with questions. Since there is a good bit of ground to cover, I'm going to put a little bit of emphasis on waiting to the end for any questions, please. Next slide. Okay. So, our recap. The consultant started by doing research, both on our city and other cities and analysis to develop recommendations for how Austin can achieve zero waste. So the consultants and the department's leadership team discussed those recommendations through a series of workshops and meetings and that informed the plan's drafting. While the research and the discussions were happening with the consultants and arr staff, another -- a subset, if you will -- of consultants and arr team were leading the community engagement efforts. And those conversations and those efforts also informed the [6:19:47 PM] drafting of the plan. So we've gone through several dafting rounds now with the consultants and with staff, and we are now nearing the end of that drafting process. So that was a bird's-eye view of where we are. Next slide, please. Okay. Now let's zoom into the specific topic of community engagement. So the first point I want to make is that our community engagement efforts changed from what was originally planned back in 2019, since obviously 2020 brought a pandemic that we're still grappling with. So, we shifted to using two tools that could lend themselves well to both a virtual format and an in- person format if and when public health guidelines allowed that to happen. So one of those tools was a survey, which you're looking at right now. So we did two rounds of surveys, [6:20:48 PM] one in 2020 and the other one in 2021. So, for the first round we distributed surveys online through speakup Austin and Austin energy, since in-person engagement activities were not being encouraged at the time of the pandemic in the fall of 2020. Even though we couldn't get out on the streets to collect survey responses, we still received almost 3,000 responses from the community, which we very much welcomed and appreciated, given the other priorities that the world was dealing with at that time. Next slide. Okay. So, when we looked at who was responding to the survey, we noticed that participation varied across districts and by and large, that's normal. But some districts had almost double the number of responses than others, so the arr [6:21:50 PM] communications team staff developed a plan to relaunch the survey and target specifically those districts where responses were lower during the first survey round. And the districts that they targeted are highlighted in yellow. So we're talking about school districts 2, 3, 4, and 6. Next slide, please. Staff launched a series of marketing campaigns using digital, radio, print, and television ads. And these ads were strategically used on platforms that the team understood to be frequented by members of the four target districts. Additionally, staff reached out to several organizations that were either in these districts or they served the communities in these districts. So these organizations are the ones listed on the slide and include places of worship, grocery stores, ymcas, and [6:22:51 PM] farmer's markets. Next slide. Okay. So this is a timeline of the outreach done by the arr team. And what I wanted to point out here more than anything is that as soon as staff could safely attend in-person engagement events, we did. The blue squares and the blue circles both symbolize an in-person activity like tabling at a community event. And both of those activities were triggered by the yellow sun, we'll call it, which was aph calling a stage 2. Next slide. Okay. So these graphs represent the results of survey participation after our second round of surveying the community. If you look at the graph on the left, we're talking about participation by council [6:23:53 PM] district. So, council districts that had the lower participation in the first round if you recall were districts 2, 3, 4, and 6. And two of those districts now became our highest-participation districts in the second round, namely districts 6 and 4. Then the graph on the right represents participation based on self- reported race and ethnicity. We did not track this parameter in the first round, but we included it here because the demographics of the districts with the originally low participation show a high hispanic/latino or Spanish population, and this graph shows that we were able to engage with that community. Next slide. Okay. This is my last chart slide. So on the left side we can see that overall we had a mostly [6:24:53 PM] online submission for surveys, but the split was fairly close. And considering that we were only able to distribute paper surveys for less than a month, this breakdown shows that there is still a use and success in doing on-the-ground engagement. There's still a population to be served that does not live online. Then on the right side we have the language in which the survey was filled out. The related stats to this graph is that according to the U.S. Census, about 30% of austinites speak another language besides English at home. And austinites who speak English less than very well is about 11%. So we tried to accommodate community members who do not consider English their primary language and people did take those surveys and we were able to consider their input. Next slide. And that leads us to overall [6:25:54 PM] input from everyone who participated with the survey. So, we asked them about their diversion habits, what they knew about arr services, what they used from arr services, and also what they wanted if we made more drop-off facilities. And this is what we heard back. So the majority of survey participants reported always or frequently practicing at least four of the five diversion activities that we listed for them. So these are recycling, reusing, repairing, and donating items. The majority of the respondents didn't have knowledge of the zero waste block leader program and the clothing and housewares curbside collection program. About half of respondents had used the arr doc or are using it. And the most desired additional drop-off option was having [6:26:54 PM] several drop-off centers at places like libraries and city facilities. Next slide. Okay. So, the second type of engagement tool that we used were focus groups. And line the surveys -- like the surveys, we did two rounds, one in 2020 and the other in 2021. The first round was focused on stakeholders like nonprofit organizations, businesses, and property managers. We spoke with 38 participants during that round. The second round was focused on our residents. And we spoke with 50 participants there. For all of the sessions, we had a trained facilitator that was not city staff leading these discussions. Next slide, please. [6:27:57 PM] One more back, please. Or not? Okay. Well, I'll just tell you what was on that slide. Okay. So, that slide was the major takeaways from the focus group discussions. And it basically said the majority of the feedback that we received during those focus groups centered around education. So our participants were knowledgeable about arr's main services, but they mentioned the need for clear, repetitive and consistent education and messaging, which is something that we've also heard from a few commissioners here. So that lines up. They also suggested building awareness about our classes, rebates and any programming to increase participation. In addition to the education [6:29:00 PM] focus, the stakeholder-specific focus groups heavily mentioned an interest in collaborative opportunities with arr, whether that looks like technical assistance or perhaps a more comprehensive partnership on a project or a program focused on zero waste. And as we work towards the end of this project, arr staff and also our consultants will be working to update the public on progress and results. And I'll talk more about that towards the end of the presentation. Okay. So now we're on the slide that I can talk about. Now we're shifting to talking about the content of the plan. So these are the chapters that we intend to include in the plan. We are -- like I said, we're not going to mention and go over every single one today. Instead, we're going to focus on the goals where your [6:30:02 PM] participation and support would make the most impact. And if you're particularly interested in a topic that you're seeing here and we don't cover today, I'm happy to give you more information on it after this meeting. Okay. Next slide, please. Okay. So, to meet the goals set in this plan, we'll be using our developed racial equity tool to ensure that we are delivering equitable services and programs to our community. We began developing this tool in early fy21, so around October of 2020 and we modeled it after other racial equity tools that had been used by other cities, teams, and organizations like the ones that are listed here. We also asked for and received feedback from several sources, including internal arr staff, arr leadership, other city [6:31:04 PM] departments, external organizations and subject experts to craft our tool. Next slide, please. [ Chuckling ] [6:32:04 PM] >> Should I just keep going? Sure. I'll be louder when I say next slide so that everybody can move. Oh, okay. >> Acuna: Commissioners, just for the record, I think we all should have a copy of the actual presentation. >> Okay. >> Acuna: There it is. Okay. >> Yes, we do have it. >> Acuna: Thank you. >> Okay. I think we're one more, please. Okay, yes. Okay. So, the purpose of this tool is to provide a process and questions to guide staff in the development, the implementation, and also the evaluation of our external arr initiatives, our public-facing initiatives, to identify and address impacts on racial equity. And I want to emphasize that [6:33:05 PM] this tool is only intended to be used for new public-facing initiatives. So it's very much one tool in a toolbox that we intend to grow. This one is the one that is more relevant to the conversation today with our comprehensive plan including public-facing initiatives. Okay. Next slide, please. So, the first goal we want to share is regarding our curbside services, and that is exploring the option of assessing additional fees for arr customers who repeatedly place trash in their recycling and composting carts. So this is a long-term goal, meaning we're talking about a five to ten-year period to achieve and develop. And we've started by -- we'd be starting by doing periodic waste audits of recycling collection routes. In the event that a fee is [6:34:08 PM] deemed the best route to address contamination in recycling and composting carts, that fee would come to zwac to receive support. Next slide, please. Okay. The next goal is related to our community services or our litter abatement division. So this goal is aiming to address challenges that are on the ground, litter abatement team experiences when they're doing their work around our city. This goal in particular would require partnering with internal stakeholders like Austin transportation and, of course,en gauging -- engaging with external stakeholders. This is also a five to ten-year goal, and again, any proposed ordinance language would come to zwac for support on its way to council. Next slide, please. Okay. [6:35:08 PM] So the bigger picture goal here would be to develop a transfer station. Clearly, more is needed to develop a transfer station than getting a permit approval, but we wanted to focus your attention on the part of that extensive process that would benefit from your support, which is the goal listed here. So the overarching goal of developing a transfer station is near-term, meaning arr would aim to begin work in the next five years. And I wanted to give a brief reminder, or perhaps new piece of information for new commissioners, that a transfer station is a facility where trash, recycling, or compostable material is temporarily held. And it's consolidated there to haul to a landfill or processing facility. It's a tool used by other large cities in Texas like San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas due to the efficiency it can bring to the collection and hauling [6:36:10 PM] process. Austin does not use a transfer station currently. And that has been placing a strain on collection vehicle maintenance and also negatively affecting road wear. The development of a transfer station is also linked to the use of electric collection vehicles. You heard this from our director and staff. To implement electric collection vehicles, transfer stations would necessary to reduce that travel time of those vehicles. There will be many moving parts to achieve this goal. The way that you can help and be involved is through your support of an permit for a transfer station. Next slide, please. So, the next goal has also been mentioned previously to this [6:37:11 PM] group, and that is to study a commercial collection system approach with the goal of minimizing negative environmental impacts, enhancing data collection, and promoting consistency and accountability. And here we're talking about studying different collection systems for the commercial waste stream, one of which is a franchise system. The topic was discussed at length in the last project update and we heard your feedback on wanting more information. We also want more information and that is what this study aims to provide. Once that study is finalized, arr would have public stakeholder meetings focused on the report findings and during that part of this timeline is where we'd request your help in getting participation for these public meetings. I believe also at the last meeting there was a request for meetings to be not only geared for stakeholders with a business [6:38:11 PM] interest, but also for the public at large. And that is something that we can collaboratively make happen once we reach that point. In terms of timing, arr would plan for the study component to be started in the coming five years. Next slide, please. Okay. So the department has a number of goals related to the universal recycling ordinance that you'd be able to support and be part of, since we're dealing with an ordinance and any policy change, again, would come to zwac. And for this ordinance in particular, we'd also be discussing it in the uro committee. So the first two goals listed here are near-term goals, meaning the department would intend to start work on them in the coming five years. And the last two goals listed are long-term goals, meaning they have an extended start date beyond those five years. So the first goal is to address [6:39:13 PM] collection services and diversion requirements. Right now the uro does not include information specifically on valle collection services. And with that style of collection present in the community, arr's intent here is really to prevent or to reduce confusion regarding a property's requirements for diversion and how to be in compliance. The next goal is to explore the development of a multifamily composting policy. So, arr would intend to use the results of the multifamily composting pilot and research on peer city policies to determine how best to increase access to composting for multifamily residents. And this would of course also be passed through a public stakeholder engagement process to receive valuable community [6:40:13 PM] input. Then moving into our longer-term goals for the uro, arr would establish -- or evaluate tiered uro diversion requirements. And by tiered requirements we mean establishing baseline service and diversion activity requirements for all businesses across the board, and then establishing supplemental diversion requirements based on information like the type of business, the size of the business, or perhaps the rate at which it generates waste. We'd also look at having alternative requirements for some business types that are more on the unconventional side like mobile food vendors. And then the last goal on this slide is to expand organics requirements beyond food-permitted businesses. Currently, only businesses holding a food permit from Austin public health are affected by the universal [6:41:16 PM] recycling ordinances organics diversion requirements. However, there is potential for us to divert additional organic material from the waste stream by including non-permitted businesses with a steady flow of organic material. And this, again, would be a longer-term goal, looking at five to ten years for development with an extensive stakeholder engagement process. Next slide, please. Okay. So on the construction and demolition ordinance we have two near-term goals. The first is to explore changes to the qualified processor rules. So currently effective projects have the option to use a qualified processor, which has its diversion rates verified by a third party. Arr would explore the option of requiring all projects to use a qualified processor in order to [6:42:17 PM] improve the accuracy of information reported to the city, and also to incentivize other processors to increase diversion rates. The second goal is to consider diversion requirements for key materials. And in order to do that, arr would conduct research and work with stakeholders closely to identify which materials have a strong local and market. And those would be our identified key materials. And for both of these goals, once again, if the outcome was an actual ordinance change, we would, like with the uro, come to zwac seeking your support. And in particular for the construction and demolition changes, we would also be discussing this in the C & D committee. Next slide, please. [6:43:17 PM] Okay. So, that wrapped up the arr-specific goals that we wanted to share with you all. Now we're going to look at how the comprehensive plan aligns with the climate equity plan. So, the climate equity plan has a series of goals of its own. The ones that you see listed here are the ones that arr is supporting through current or future work. So these span a community-wide per capita disposal rate, ensuring all austinites can access a food system that minimizes food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the electrification of vehicles. Next slide, please. So, these are some of the specific actions that arr is taking or plans to take to work towards achieving the goals set in the climate equity plan. [6:44:18 PM] And I'll go through them quickly. So, we're expanding bulk pickup, or the on-call program citywide, developing a furniture reuse bank, advising the office of sustainability's food waste root cause analysis, creating sustainable purchasing guidelines through the circular cities program, expanding the circular economy program initiatives, and last but not least exploring alternative fuels for fleet vehicles. Next slide, please. Okay. So, the next steps for this project are that arr and consultants will finalize the draft plan this summer and then return to zwac and other boards and commissions for review this [6:45:19 PM] fall. In parallel, our communications team will be sharing a draft plan with the public at large and also with residents who participated in our engagement activities through several outlets including speakup Austin, social media, our zero waste block leaders, and individual emails. We intend to -- just to kind of wrap this up -- we intend to have an approved, updated comprehensive plan by the end of this calendar year, so you will be seeing and hearing more from this project in the coming months as we work our way towards council approval. >> Acuna: Thank you, Selene. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Acuna: Staff, thank you for the presentation. Commissioners, I'll open this up for questions at this time. I personally have quite a few questions and comments, but nonetheless, I'll defer mine. [6:46:21 PM] Any questions? Hearing none, then I can hopefully chime in here, but, you know, great plan. Great opportunities here to say the least. I've got a couple of questions here. The curbside services, yes, contamination is a major issue when it comes to recycling collection. In fact, with the pandemic we probably found a greater amount of contaminants in the recycling containers. Having said that, I know that other cities, as you stated, have gone to a -- I guess a fine system. And I'm curious how that's working. I know Corpus Christi, Houston, I think even San Antonio have gone to that fine mechanism. And I would love an update on the challenges they have faced and how that's progressed. And has it actually cleaned up the containers themselves? [6:47:23 PM] >> Chair, Ken snipes, Austin resource recovery director. I can't speak specifically to those particular cities -- Houston, Corpus Christi, etc. But I do have some experience with fees for contamination, you know, to help resolve, you know, or I should say to help modify behavior, right, from what people are doing. We is are seen it be -- I have seen it be successful. We talked a bit about a here, but we just haven't made a decision on whether we move forward with that or not. We're certainly open to it and can certainly explore it. And it's something that we can definitely look into. But as far as what the other cities have seen in terms of performance improvements, I can't speak to that. >> Acuna: In the future, maybe in a few months, we can get an update on how that has progressed. And has it been received by the public, if possible. And thank you for that, for answering that. [6:48:23 PM] My other comment, too, is the actual facilities that are needed here -- we've talked about a transfer station. Obviously that is a needed item if we're going to reach our potential. When I say potential, that includes a lot of different items -- the electric vehicle fleet. Before you can begin that, you've got to have a place to charge these guys. And they're not going to make it -- not going to make a collection route on one charge with the loads that they're carrying. I would love to see us progress faster than five years on at least identifying a site and literally perhaps begin this process, because the sooner we do that, I think the greater the opportunity is for us to lower cost and to achieve more -- literally a better, more efficient collection program. And that's just my two cents. And please, feel free to comment [6:49:25 PM] on that. >> Yeah, chair, we share the same point there. What I think we'd be looking at is hopefully that would be on the high end of the max of what we'd be looking at. We're already canvassing the city looking for properties that might be suitable. So that process, as you know, when you start the process of siting a transfer station, there's a lot that goes into that -- feasibility studies, consistent use, etc. So we're in the early stages of trying to find a property and have looked at a couple. Nothing solid yet, but we are definitely trying to do what we can to identify potential properties. We're early in that process. And I couldn't say today that we'll have a property by a given date, because as you know, the price of property in Austin is at an all-time high. So we're wrestling with that as well. We've had a couple properties that we've had our eyes on. And before we could even get a review or anything started, the [6:50:27 PM] property is sold already. So we're wrestling with that right now. So we'll continue to inform the commission as to where we are on that process. >> Acuna: I echo the challenges of finding property here, so that leads me to my next comment. Again, would something like this be a great opportunity for a public-private partnership? And again, I say our goal is in the northeast corridor. >> Yeah, I think so. I'm sorry, go ahead. >> Acuna: No, I was going to say we can at least begin that conversation. Why not take advantage and look at every potential opportunity that is out there? Again, do we have to reinvent the wheel or is it already with spokes and perhaps we just need to air up the tire? >> Well, as we said, we definitely need a transfer station and a system here. Not having one has major ramifications on what we're doing now. As we talked about before, the [6:51:27 PM] wear and tear on our fleet is pretty high because we're driving so many miles to tip our loads. We talked about the inability to maximize our green fleet initiatives in terms of electrifying the fleet. And just in general, even with internal combustion engines, reducing the overall carbon footprint would be another benefit of transfer stations as well. So, routing efficiency -- as we start to get more and more densification in the city, our people are spending more and more time driving as opposed to collecting, right. They drive to the landfill and back to the route to continue the work. So they're spending tremendous -- I guess, personnel hours in traffic in a lot of cases. So we certainly need it in our system. A city this size should definitely have one if not more. And so it's definitely a top priority for the program. [6:52:28 PM] >> Acuna: And that equates, obviously, to needless dollars and cents being spent in traffic. And director, I agree with you. I mean, this is something that should have perhaps been done a few years ago. And I know we've had these topics before, these discussions. It sounds as though we're moving closer and closer to that finish line. You know, having said that, I guess my next question is, you know, just the collection system, the information that we acquire. I mean, as we've stated many, many times, we are responsible for a very small portion of the diversion equation here. I think what is it, 50% is actually single-family homes that we collect. The vast majority belongs with the private sector. Having said that, you know, we start the conversation of [6:53:28 PM] franchising. Now issue it's an ugly, ugly word to many people, but if done, and continuing this information, can we find something that provides the haulers who choose to participate within the city limits of Austin the opportunity to -- or actually, ask them to participate in providing this information? At the end of the day, we really don't know what our diversion numbers are, accurately we don't. How do we get those numbers? And again, it's going to be not the city of Austin doing this, it's going to be the private haulers providing that information. And valet services, you're absolutely right. They're all over the place now. And they are truly in need of providing this information. And maybe I'm speaking out of line for this commission, but I think that you would have the support of the commission in doing whatever it takes to expedite efficiencies in a greater service to the [6:54:30 PM] rate-payer, especially if it's going to lead to reduced cost in the future and more efficient pay scales for the employees. That's my two cents, guys. >> Appreciate it. >> Acuna: Any questions, commissioners? Commission Gattuso. Cathy, you're on mute. >> Gattuso: Yes, thank you. Ms. Castillo, I want to thank you so much for your presentation. It was very sensitive. I felt like you were really including the commission on that. And I appreciate that a lot. I also think that -- I love the racial equity tool that you all used. And it looked like you made extra effort when you didn't get much response from several of the areas, and you went back out [6:55:30 PM] there and tried to get more feedback from them. And it really showed a difference. So, thank you for that. I saw a lot of really interesting, very important things for arr to work on. I think the sad part was that some of these things -- might take five to ten years, and I don't know how much time we have on all this. I'm wondering if in prioritizing, are there ways that the commission can be included on that, to at least get our feedback on maybe a majority of the commission feels that one thing is more of a priority than another. And also, one more thing. Jerry spoke to a lot of things that I thought were very important. The other thing is talking about [6:56:32 PM] additional fees for people that -- the carts. I think that's a must. I don't think we can get anywhere without doing that. So, I hope that won't take five or ten years to accomplish. Thank you. >> Thank you, commissioner, for the feedback. And yes, definitely, to clarify, on the timeframes that I was sharing, we were really trying to find -- to start to structure our prioritization. So, definitely when we talk about a near-term goal, you know, being around the five-year mark, we're talking about that timeframe to start. So it doesn't necessarily need to start at the five-year mark. It could start between now and the five-year mark. So, just to kind of clarify and give a little bit more context for that framing, for that conversation. In terms of including the commissioners on prioritization [6:57:33 PM] moving forward, I think that's something that can be considered and can be moved forward as we continue to develop the plan and actually get into the implementation piece. Because right now we obviously -- this is a comprehensive plan, so we're not talking about implementation yet. So once we get to that point of an implementation plan, I think that is really when we start looking more closely at what timelines make sense. >> Gattuso: That's great. And we talked about the word repetitive when talking to the community, and I think it would be helpful to be -- if staff could be repetitive with us on the commission when there are certain issues that we probably need to hear more about, like how's it going, or are you all at step one, two, or three. You know, we don't work at this all the time, and so I would [6:58:34 PM] welcome more feedback on the process that's going on in these different important areas. >> Acuna: Thank you, commissioner. >> Thank you. >> Acuna: Any other comments or >> >> Chair: Any other comments or questions? Amanda and then kaiba. >> Thank you for the presentation and the detail that you've provided. I had a few questions in relation to the racial equity tool first. I'm curious about the description of the purpose of the tool. It's specific to external arr initiatives. Is that because you have a different tool for internal assessment of racial equity? >> Yes, great catch. Yes, that is the intent so we're wanting to make different tools for different situations, and one of those very clear distinctions that we're trying to make is external [6:59:35 PM] public facing, which would be this one. And then internal would be in the future. So we haven't developed it yet, but that is the intent exactly. >> Okay, okay. Thank you. And then so when you met with the focus groups and you had a little bit more of a wider ranging discussion, were you able to present specifics about this -- I guess not specifics about the tool and the second groupings on the timing, but were you able to talk with them and get their perceptions on racial equity and environmental justice in relation to arr and the zero waste plan? >> That conversation did not happen with that focus group, no. We focused specifically on more along the lines of what could have been in the plan and just overall gauging [7:00:35 PM] where does zero waste stand in terms of prioritization with the community. And unfortunately we didn't get to touch on that topic with them. >> Masino: I ask partly out of curiosity. I can't help but wonder about the research question. But also when it comes to implementation buy-in, getting good participation and programs, I am very glad to see the racial equity tool and the fact that arr is going to be using that lens as an evaluator for external programs. That is critical and important and I think it's a critical to all of you that you are doing that and implementing it. I don't know that all stakeholders are going to see that synergy and connection and understand why racial equity is sort of an integral part of how we handle waste and recycling and rate paying. So I would be curious going forward if there would be [7:01:37 PM] opportunities to test out that message, understand if that could be to engage people who really aren't in the conversation and also maybe connect on a different level with people who are in the sustainability conversation, but think of the racial equity component as being secondary or tertiary or worse. So I just wanted to raise that and I'd be curious about what that looks like going forward. >> Chair: Thank you, Amanda. >> Commissioner? >> Chair: Go ahead. >> Commissioner Masino, thank you for that comment. I can assure you the racial equity tool will be an integral part of what we do going forward. I think the thing to remember here is the development of the plan had been moving forward. The team adopted the tool really quickly actually and instead of waiting we decided to start using it immediately. So it's been a developmental process to pull together all the details associated with [7:02:37 PM] it and also to learn how to use it and then to kind of review how we put into it to make sure that it's actually doing what we want, right? So it's been an iterative process, but I think going forward now that we have it and we're using it, you will see the expanded use of it and we'll able to collect data and have a better understanding of what are your perspectives on this? Are we meeting your expectations, etcetera? There will be a number of things that we're able to pull from the data once we are able to, I guess, have time to review the process as we get further along. >> Chair: Thank you. Commissioners, any other questions? Amanda? Kaiba, I'm sorry. Kaiba, you're on mute. >> White: I appreciate the work that's gone into this. I'm curious about [indiscernible]. >> Chair: We're having a [7:03:37 PM] difficult time understanding you, kaiba. >> White: Okay. I don't know what to do about that. >> Chair: There you go. >> White: All right. I am hoping that you could maybe provide a little more detail on what the things that you're considering under tiered uro diversion requirements? If you could share a little bit more about what you're considering on that. >> Sure. So what we started seeing once we look at the information that we receive from businesses is that there's definitely a wide variety of waste streams and of waste generation. And so right now we don't know exactly what type of criteria. The pieces that I mentioned in terms of the type of business, in terms of the [7:04:38 PM] size of the business, those are just potential examples of what we might use to set these different tiers, but what we know up to this point is that there is a potential benefit to having different diversion requirements depending on the businesses that we're working with, but we haven't been able to dig fully into all of the data to do a full data analysis in order to get exactly into a this is going to be a tier 1, this is going to be a it tier two, this is is going to be a tier three. We've just noticed some overarching trends in the data that we have been able to review. >> Those trends are based on type of business or size? >> The types of businesses in particular. >> White: So envisioning there would be some more specific requirements for specific types of businesses. >> Yes. [7:05:39 PM] >> White: Okay. I like that. And I see a few of these items on here. I think most of these probably in some way connect to one of the subcommittees, but some of them very clearly do. And I don't know, is it seems like our subcommittees haven't been super active so I was wondering between basically as this draft is being worked out, is there an opportunity that we can start having subcommittee meetings to kind of dig into more of the details Andrew Rivera start looking at what the options can be for these items? >> Absolutely. We're available to meet your committee and the [indiscernible] Committee. I think there is plenty of [7:06:40 PM] material there to discuss. >> And that was another comment I was going to make later on concerning the subcommittees and how we probably need to get a little bit more active in reviewing some of the options, opportunities that are currently existing out there, and the challenges, because there is numerous challenges that have come to light over the last six months. But nonetheless, yes, as far as the subcommittees, absolutely it's vital to get together and start to talking and planning about that. I'm sorry, kaiba, go ahead. >> White: Oh, no problem. I just wanted to say thank you for connecting back to the climate plan. I think the Austin climate equity plan is obviously a -- it should be working in synergy with this and it looks like y'all are doing that. That's great. I am specifically wondering in terms of that per capita [7:07:44 PM] disposal rate what the data might be showing and what's under consideration in terms of a numerical goal. >> Well, commissioner, the per capita generation rate is typically your total generation divided by the population. We don't have all of that data yet. We're in a process of still working through some of that because we've been until now or as of this plan using the more traditional method, which is just a basic subtraction method of your total versus -- minus your recycling etcetera. We're starting a process of trying to evaluate the per capita generation model that's part of this plan. And as soon as we have that information or tighter information around what that will look like, we will definitely share that with the commission. >> Chair: Thank you, Ken. >> White: Thank you. [7:08:45 PM] >> Chair: Any other comments, questions for Selene or the director? >> I'm just going to add a little bit to commissioner white's question. Actually, we have been working with a third-party for a waste characterization study and as part of that study there is information in order to create a per capita disposal rate. So that information should actually be coming to us in the next few months I hear. It's something we can share. >> Chair: Thank you, gena. Any other comments, guys? Go for it. >> I have a question. >> Chair: Melissa? There you go. Thank you. >> I have a few follow-up questions. >> Chair: Welcome, by the way. >> Same topics. So regarding the fees to be assessed potentially in the future for contamination, my [7:09:46 PM] question is how would that be documented? Is that a program that the city already has that they log that information and that they would assess that to the customer? Is that something that would be needed to be purchased in order to put that into practice? How would that work logistically? >> Commissioner, we're not sure yet. This would be a brand new item for us to implement. The program that I'm familiar with, we had a one dollar fee and you might think one dollar, what's that really going to do? The point of the one dollar fee was just to get people's attention, right? So it wasn't to penalize or hurt people. As far as how it would be assessed here and managed here, we don't know that yet. We would have to figure out what that would look like. Again, this is something that has been proposed as an idea or consideration or something that we could look into. To be completely transparent we haven't taken a deep dive [7:10:48 PM] into that space rate to figure out the details, what the actual number might be. And to your point the question about how it would be tracked or implemented and what the vehicle would be for actually making it happen. >> Okay, thank you. And then another follow-up question I have is about the transfer station. What sort of properties are you looking at, are you trying to get just land? Are you hoping to buy land that already has structures on it? Are you planning on building those structures? >> Commissioner typically, we would at this point take any property we could get. It's been so difficult to find a property. Ideally it would be a vacant property that we could just build on and build what we need without having to incur demolition costs as part of the project as well. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> No, no, go ahead. >> But ideally we would take any property that we could get at this point that would be suitable. We just -- we really need a transfer station in our [7:11:48 PM] system and we are definitely dealing with a lot of issues and restrictions because we don't have one in our system right now. >> Sure. What size property are you looking for in terms of acreage? >> Minimally I don't have the number off the top of my head. That would definitely determine the size of the facility and the types of functions that might take place. I would say I'm thinking in terms of Texas size here. >> Ideally. >> Probably minimally, you know, 20 acres up, somewhere in that space, because we have to accommodate for the size of the facility, parking of containers, queuing for traffic on and off of the facility, road infrastructure, you know, maybe slow down lanes, ramp lanes for vehicles to speed up and merge safely. So there's quite a few considerations that had to be taken into I guess considerations that have to be thought about as we look [7:12:49 PM] for property that would be ideal for a transfer station. >> Chair: Melissa, do you have a real estate license? >> I don't have a real estate license? >> Chair: Get one. >> And then my last question would be about the racial equity tool. If somebody could give me an example of what that actually looks like put into practice. >> Sure. So the racial equity tool is a little bit difficult to describe just with -- without it actually present. But basically it starts you off with questions that deal with previous history between the department and the community perhaps where the project or the effort is going to take place. Then it walks you through steps of how to be communicating with the community, with that area, what considerations to make. And then towards the end we're also talking about, you know, even after [7:13:50 PM] launching the project we're also -- we're circling back, we're kind of closing that feedback loop with stakeholders. So it's very community oriented obviously. It's really a guiding tool if you will for staff in order to be developing programs and services that actually serve the community. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Chair: Thank you, Melissa. Any other questions? Kaiba. >> White: It's really just a quick comment. I just wanted to second what Kathie had mentioned about the timeline. And I heard the response, but I just -- yeah, I also think anything that's past five years almost doesn't feel real. So I hope that near term could become more like one to three years and like long-term is more years. That's how I'm thinking [7:14:52 PM] about things. My two cents. Thank you. >> Chair: Thank you, kaiba. You know, commissioners, again, I just want to reiterate every good idea we have, every fantastic idea that we envision without the infrastructure in place, it's just an idea and a dream until you get the infrastructure in place can we actually make that dream come true? And again, I'm referring to a transfer station as a possibility that will open up many, many other options for us. And looking at the assets that we do currently have, we have a beautiful facility over on fm 812. I say beautiful. You go over there and it looks like a farmland. They did a great job on the cleanup there. One of the items in your presentation was the C and D challenges. I mean, that right there I [7:15:54 PM] can tell you there are no processors, certified processors left in central Texas. Having said that, is this an opportunity for the city with its facility on fm 812 to get involved with Austin energy who actually oversees green building in Austin to work together as a partnership into developing a facility that would provide that C and D recycling opportunity or option for the community. And again, it's just a thought. I mean, have we envisioned that, have we started a conversation where we can utilize the tools that we currently have, and fm 812 is one of them, to achieve your goal? >> Chairman, good question. Recently staff started a process for considering how we might reuse the landfill there. And one of the ideas did include some sort of process [7:16:56 PM] of facility. So we can certainly take a look and study to see what a viable option or viable model might look like. Those facilities as you know are really tough. They're -- >> Chair: Extremely tough. >> They're definitely needed, right, and they're definitely beneficial. But I wouldn't want to promise the commission that we can pull it off because they're really tough. And so we can certainly look at it to see what we can come up with or figure out what a serviceable model might look like. It might not look like what we would think of as a transitional C and D processing -- C and D processing facility. It might look somewhat different. We might have a different number of items that we could process that way. But it's certainly something that has been proposed and that we've heard mentioned multiple times in terms of a need for the community and for the system here, but they're just tricky [7:17:57 PM] facilities to run and maintain. So we'll certainly take that into consideration. >> Chair: And you're absolutely right, Ken. They are very, very tricky, very expensive, but to your point as you made, is it possible to start something with limited opportunities, the metals, the simple things to do, there's other more challenging building materials and there are no answers for today. Drywall is one, gypsum. Having said that and I'll say it again, we are requiring C and D recycling and most of our buildings that are currently going up all around us, without that support to make it as a goal, viable recycling facility to take this material to, we really need to do what we want to be [7:18:57 PM] doing here. Just my two cents' guys. Again, Selene, Ken, thank you very, very much. It was a wonderful presentation. I look forward to round two and hopefully updates on that. And commissioners, any other comments for Selene? Thank you, guys, thank you. All right, the next item of business is literally the director's report. Ken, don't go too far. This is your -- >> Thank you, chair. I don't know if any of the commissioners had any questions about what was in the director's report. I know we had some questions from the last meeting and I think we reached out to answer those. I don't know if there are any additional questions. >> Chair: I had a comment on that. Really, I am glad that we're looking at oncall bulk collection. I mean, that could -- literally could be a game changer. >> Absolutely. >> Chair: Instead of people having to put out their items on a certain [7:19:58 PM] given day and everybody comes by and they end up going through, rummaging through, making an actual mess in what was a neat pile at one time, I think on call is something that is probably going to be well received. >> And chair, you know it's actually interesting. One of the good things to come out of the pandemic for arr has been the opportunity to just look at how we do business differently, to continue to provide services in light of the restrictions that were in place for roughly two years. In addition to on call bulk we've also started to schedule at the rrdoc. One of the things that we learned from that process is that we can actually get more customers from the facility than we could before we started schedules because of traffic, etcetera, having people show up at the same time and you have a limited number of people that can get into the facility. You have people turning around, there were some safety concerns with people [7:20:58 PM] cueing out on to the main roadway. So this is just one iteration of one of the things that we're doing or some of the things we're doing and continuing forward we'll continue to push the envelope. E thank you, Ken. Kaiba and then Cathy. >> I guess my question is on the same topic of the bulk collection. So I'm glad that you're expanding it because I think that it really offers the opportunity to [indiscernible]. Thank you. I know I've been pushing on that. I see that currently there are three piles, metal and tires are the only things that are separated, which I think is the same as the regular collection. So I'm wondering if when you roll that on call collection out at the end of 2023, are you envisioning more [7:22:00 PM] categories being separated? I'm thinking like plastics, furniture? I saw you were considering some sort of furniture [indiscernible]. Anything you can say about that? >> I don't think we're looking at any new categories. I think what we hoped to see is that there would be more materials available. Typically what happens now is is by the time our trucks come through, most of the things that were set out are either gone or is just trash left behind. So I don't know that we're looking at any new categories. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by plastic. If you mean larger plastic furniture items and things like that. >> Yeah, everything. >> I think we would just collect those things is what we would do as part of the collection process. >> Chair: Thank you. >> White: I guess I'm wondering why would you not consider converting those into recycling. >> The plastic items, the [7:23:02 PM] plastic furniture? >> Yes. I'm just thinking when you go to the dropbox center there's a place for bulky hard plastics. Can they be picked up and diverted? >> We haven't but we can consider that. We'll make a note of it and add it to the things that we look at as part of this new process. >> Thank you. >> Chair: Cathy, did you have a question? >> Yes, when you're looking at the on call service, quantity is going to be important. Are people going to have to tell you what they have and are you going to just go pick up two or three items or what are you looking at when you do on call? >> Well, it certainly helps to know what they have. We kind of take the calls and then decide how to create a route so that we're not crisscrossing the city. And so we're still kind of working out some of the details on that. [7:24:04 PM] As far as how we determine what they have, that's part of the process, but we wouldn't want to stop someone from setting out something that they may have forgotten about or say well, we're not going to take that. We probably would just collect anything that they set out at that point if they schedule themselves for a collection. >> Chair: Thank you, Ken. Kathie, is that -- >> Well, it seems like a lot of wasted fuel if they're just going to put out a few things. >> You're concerned about the quantity of things that they set out? >> Yes. >> Okay. So that's why we would build a route. So for example, if four or five people called from the same neighborhood, we would -- when we build the route we would focus on that given area as opposed to if we have four or five calls from four corners of the city, we wouldn't chase those around. We'd wait until we could build an appropriate route to be able to service those areas. >> Okay. So you might tell the [7:25:07 PM] customer that you would get back with them as soon as you build a route around them? >> Yes, correct. >> All right. Thank you. >> Chair: Amanda? >> Masino: Yeah. I had a question about the solicitations like the upcoming solicitations. The household hazardous waste and mattress recycling program have been in this -- under development phase for quite awhile. So I'm curious about what's going on with those? >> The mattresses I think I can speak to pretty quickly. We have Donald on board here. He can speak to it probably more eloquently than I can. I can tell you I've had quite a bit of experience of trying to stand up and establish mattress collection or mattress processing facility. And it's one of the areas [7:26:08 PM] that most entities struggle with. And even prior to me arriving here in Austin they've tried it several times and it's really difficult. Prior to coming here I was part of a program that tried it five times and entities stand up, they try it, and what would typically happen is they would give it a shot and then they couldn't make it work. So mattresses are a really tough item to make work. The reason that one is dragging on is because we're still trying and constantly working to try to get a company to agree to try a pilot or to try to process the mattresses. So Donald, do you want to speak to those two items? >> Sure, sure. Donald hardy, Austin resource recovery. As far as the mattresses go, there is a scope of work that's being worked on, and we're hoping to have that out for a pilot in the very near future. It's actually -- most of the scope is complete actually as we speak. >> Chair: Thank you, don. [7:27:08 PM] >> And the other item, that's an Ila with Travis county, that's being worked on. It's a little bit of a delay. I think Travis county may have had some turnover as well, but the folks we were working with over there. Once again, working on those things, hope to have some answers soon. >> Are you thinking within the next couple of months probably we're going to see? >> I hope so, I hope so, especially the mattresses. That seems like it's been a very long time coming. >> Okay, thank you for the update. >> Chair: And yes, we have tried it before and it is extremely challenging, the recycling of mattresses, for some strange reason. Nobody wants to sleep on your old mattress. Anyway, guys, any other comments? Kaiba? >> White: On that hazardous waste, is that just outside of city limits because y'all are already doing it for estimate city limits or -- [7:28:09 PM] inside city limits? >> That's going to be for the Travis county customers that are using the facility. So that Travis county would be responsible for the material that's brought in. >> Everyone will be able to have these items disposed of? >> Yeah. Our facility would still be available for everyone, yes. >> Okay. So it's not about picking up from households. >> No, it's for Travis county folks [indiscernible]. >> Chair: Dropoff. >> Thank you. >> Chair: And my last comment on that, public or private service provider on the on call bulk, is that us or is that going to be private hauler or contracted hauler? >> Right now it's scheduled to be us. We've been using the private hauler during the gap in the [7:29:10 PM] interim, but the plan is the city would take on that work. >> Chair: Thank you, Ken. Any other comments on the director's report? Guys, thank you very much. Good job. All right. Let's see, moving on, guys. I think we actually have gotten to a thing called future agenda items. And I've got a couple of silly -- I would love for us to continue the conversation on I guess the -- guys, help me here. Probably a Victoria question. What would a 22-dollar an hour minimum wage do to arr's budget, future budget? And are we prepped for that? Can we look at that in the future, talk about that as an item on how to prepare for a 22-dollar wage for our employees? >> Chairman, I'm happy you [7:30:10 PM] asked that question. Yes, we've already looked into it and we're ready for it. Right. Yeah. I think that it's definitely warranted. It would help us be competitive in the market as we compete for CDL holders and compete to keep our own. So we definitely need to be there somewhere in that space around that 22- dollar an hour mark and we've been doing the homework and we're ready. >> Chair: Thank you, Ken. Commissioners any future items you want to see? I would love -- Ken, I would love to add the continued public-private hauler franchise discussion, if we can start that conversation because it kind of leads into a lot of what you're planning to do in the future. And the sooner that we begin those conversations hopefully the quicker we can come up with some solutions. And the other thing I'm looking at here is the transfer station again. That baby's not going to go [7:31:10 PM] away. In fact, it's probably going to get a little bit more needed, to say the least. So we can look at that, at least come up with some ideas and thoughts on where we are today and how we get to the next step. And again, back to that franchise thing, I think once we get everybody on board, all the haulers on board doing the same thing, I think it will make life a heck of a lot easier for arr and the city of Austin working together. But those are my thoughts, my items, future items. Cathy? >> Yes, we're having a uro committee meeting on June 30th. I'd like to speak at the next meeting about what we covered. >> Chair: Thank you, [7:32:12 PM] Cathy, be careful what you ask for. Any other items, guys? Hearing no other items, commissioners, I will entertain a motion for adjournment, believe it or not. >> Move adjournment. >> Chair: I hear a motion, kaiba. Second by commissioner Gattuso. Hearing no discussion because I turned off my mic, but anyway, all those in favor raise your hands. Done. Thank you, thank you. By the way, it gets clone lonely up here, guys, right? I welcome you to come back and join us, all right? Anyway, commissioners, thank you very, very much for everything. Have a great rest of the month. [11:29:55 PM] Awesome with that, then I think we can we can get going 80 extent if you already. Hello everyone. My name is Nehemiah Pitts. The third. I'm calling to order the regularly scheduled meeting of the community technology and telecommunications commission. Thank you for joining us. We'll begin with the roll call, Alaska. Everyone in the room. Ah! From left to right my left to right to go ahead and introduce themselves and the district that they were. Appointed to represent. Beginning with our far left here and our brand new commissioner. Hi this is commissioner Christina Garza, representing district four. Malcolm Yates, representing district three. As I mentioned Nehemiah Pitts the third and I'm representing district one. Dave Floyd [11:30:56 PM] district five. And then going to online, beginning with the vice chair. Even Apodaca, representing district two. And now for commissioner Dasgupta. I'm just gonna go in the order the screen I see here. The task of representing district 10. And commissioner island. Maxine island, representing district seven. Great. Thank you so much. Without them will proceed in our agenda. The first item up is public communication. General and we have ah, the wonderful advantage of having a citizen sign up. So with that, then it is my pleasure. To announce Ms Rosenthal. If you could please state your full name, and introduce yourself. Sure you might check. We're good here. [11:31:56 PM] Just fine. Thank you. Thank you . Hi thank you. Chair Pitts. And commissioners. My name is Courtney Rosenthal. My pronouns. Are she her hers? So you know, I'm a former member of this commission. I served for 12 years up to 2014. Currently I'm on the library commission. Although my presence tonight is unrelated to that. I wish to let you know that there is an opportunity ahead that could benefit from your involvement. This relates to two reports being prepared by city staff. Concerning cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Back in March, the city council adopted two resolutions that direct city staff to prepare reports on these matters. There was a lot of public interest at the time. They generated significant media coverage. Both national and local. One K XC and news story framed it as Austin considering whether it would become a quote [11:32:57 PM] crypto city and quote now that the reports are coming do I think there should be an opportunity for the community to receive the information that's in them. Unfortunately there is no public presentation. Plan. They just would be issued as memos to counsel. Given the interest and the potential impact of these issues. I think there should be some public visibility into these reports. Therefore I respectfully proposed that you request the briefing from city staff on these reports and their findings. I think this commission is especially well suited to receive this briefing . You're used to evaluating new technologies and how they may benefit our residents. Moreover, you are especially adept add evaluating these through an equity lens. One reason I'm concerned is because should Austin choose to accept payments in the form of cryptocurrency? [11:33:58 PM] It will send a message to residents that it's okay to go all in on crypto. As somebody who bought a small amount of crypto back in March and watch my portfolio shed about 40% in value. I believe that would be harmful. Another key point is that the blockchain resolution calls for exploring other technologies unrelated to blockchain that may serve the public good, such as public banking. I look forward to how the report addresses these opportunities. A public presentation of these two reports would serve the community and would benefit from your consideration. That's why I hope you'll request a briefing from staff on these reports. Thank you very much. Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you so much for that. Munich action and information share. I'd like to give a chance for, commissioners [11:35:04 PM] to ask any questions they might have in a brief timeframe. But before I do, I'd like to see this opportunity. But ah express my thoughts. I concur with your sentiment. Ah and. Although I anticipate there will be broad support for, a briefing amongst this commission. Ah it's something that I will advocate for personally, I have also been curious about the applications for blockchain with ah, solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Ah as it comes to document management capabilities and other things. So I think there is promise indeed. And at the same time, having had lots of friends who experienced similar dynamics related to crypto ah, there's also natural pause with crypto and what that could mean and mass. So those are my thoughts. I would like to give everyone [11:36:05 PM] else a chance. Jesse point of order here. Can we discuss anything that is presented during citizen communication? We can have basic Q and a. But if we're going to have a full discussion within the commission, I would suggest that we posted as an agenda item on the next meeting. Okay well, thank you for bringing this to our attention. I definitely think that this commission needs to look into this. So that's my thoughts on that. Like please. Yes thank you again for bringing the store attention. I agree. I think we do need to request this report. Appreciate it. I mean, like, I concur. Thanks for the same same thing I was saying, but thanks for bringing to our attention that definitely needs to be discussed. By us with the city and I open discussion where we can ask a lot of questions [11:37:06 PM] and get more information out for the public to, digest. And for commissions online and see commission Dasgupta raising his hand. Yeah I want to agree with everything that's been said so far. Thank you very much for bringing to our attention. I've had some exposure to this to my council member, but I think this commission definitely needs to dig deeper into it. And the other commissioners online would like to weigh in feel free. I definitely agree. I think this is a very important topics that needs to have some visibility from the commission. Yeah I, I would concur. Not sure I have anything else to add other than, look forward to discussing this more deeply into future commission meeting. Thank you for that feedback commissioners and thank you again for your time. Miss Rosenthal really appreciate it as well as your service to the library commission and this commission in the past. With that, then [11:38:09 PM] will proceed in our agenda now changing the item one approval of the minutes from the April 13th. Ah and excuse me. April 13th 2022 may 11th 2022 meeting. Ah as ah, the record reflects we did not have a sufficient. Vote to approve the minutes based upon abstentions, and those who weren't in attendance and have a chance at that point to review the minutes. So hopefully at this point, we do have that. Ah so I look forward to a motion to approve these minutes as presented unless their edits and then a second chair Pitts. Yeah I have a minor headed here. The. Current commission member for district for or council member rather is identified as Greg K. Star I believe that council member of Bella was sworn in at that point. Okay, that's a good catch [11:39:12 PM] and to be clear. We have. Okay well, I think we have an interesting dynamic. I'm not sure if, the documents that you have online are the same, but based on what I have in my folder, we may have to table this vote again because I have. Well I just makes other changes. So okay. For the minutes that I have dated for the meeting April 13th. I do list. Former council member Greg Cassar. However, for the ones listed. Mistakenly for April 13th. Which is an edit that I would request that we amend this date to reflect. The date of that meeting, which is actually may the 11th that does actually reflect the correct appointment from council member vela. So I think we just need to [11:40:13 PM] make an edit of the date. But I want to stand. I want to give Jesse a chance to confirm that. Yes I wanted to happen real quick. I told this to commissioner Yeatts. I didn't have a chance to tell everybody else. But I did catch that date error in after printing. I just didn't want to reprint all of the documents. So the date is correct on the digital version. Okay. Okay, so then commissioner vice chair on that version that you're looking at data for may the 11th. Are you? Are you stating that at that point that that documents incorrect, although it should show counselor vela and that the at the point of the April 13th minutes that that that's what we need to mend. I just want to make sure that I understand your concern. Yeah apologies. It's the April 13. Minutes. Okay? [11:41:17 PM] And I appreciate that clarification. Ah! I have to admit. I'm unable to level set that based upon my remembrance of the calendar, but I will certainly take that. Ah we just have to look for someone else to be able to confirm that in order to get a second I can confirm that council member vela was sworn in on January 25th so happy to make that amendment. Okay, great. Great so then I will go ahead and second, the motion. And with that thing we can hold well, unless there any other changes. We can go ahead and hold the boat to amend the minutes as presented with in person with the correct date to match the one that's presented to our commissioners online and also to reflect the election of council member villa. Effective January 25th when they were sworn in. All in favor of that amendment to these minutes, please say aye, and show your hands. Hi. Anyone opposed? And [11:42:21 PM] anyone abstaining. I am upsetting since I was not here for either of those meetings. Fair enough. So with that, then we have a vote to approve these minutes with one abstention. Ah! Six. In the affirmative and 1% 1 abstention. Hmm. And to clarify, that were boat was for both sets of minutes, as was reflected in this agenda item. Right approval of the minutes from both dates. So with that we proceed in our agenda to agenda item. To a staff and community briefings. Beginning with the United Way presentation on connect 80 X. Us with that. I'd like to welcome our speakers. Delighted to have you join us, Annabella, Toronto [11:43:22 PM] and Francisco gay goes. Thank you for joining us. Can you all hear me? Okay. Make sure we can hear you. There might be a little goldilocks still. And play. Maybe just a tad louder. But okay. Okay. I can definitely do that, right? Thank you, Claire. Thank you very much. Okay, perfect. Yeah. Can I go ahead and share my screen as well? Yes we are transferring ah to you momentarily. Okay perfect . Yeah, everyone. Good afternoon . My name is Anna Bella. I am, part of the United Way specifically with the connect 80 X team. Here just to give a presentation about connecting tx. It's online features and [11:44:26 PM] it's not online features and all of the functions and capabilities that it currently has. Alongside with me is also Francisco Diego's who is also part of United Way and, I'll let him introduce himself actually. Thank you, anabella. Happy to be here, too. Present on this. I think very productive platform. My name is Francisco Diego's and I'm a program manager of the United Way, and, I oversee digital inclusion initiatives within the organization. Inability should be able to share your screen now. Okay, it's still blacked out for me. We are diagnosing over here. [11:45:27 PM] Give us one moment, okay? I can I can go ahead and start. I don't really I think the visuals are more so for your sake. So you're not only having to listen to my voice. But I can definitely, just go ahead and get started. So yeah, like I said, my name is Anna Bella as part of the connected tx team. My role is to really connect with community based organizations. In the utilization of the platform, and really support their needs and whatever way that makes sense for them. As part of this work, I like to see that connect the T X is really what we like to do is we're connectors, connectors of community resources and whatever makes sense, moving forward. There are a couple of, I guess for kind of different areas within connect. 80 X one is that it is an online community tool and then again connects those people's program services that are free or reduced cost, to the community moving forward. And that's kind [11:46:30 PM] of the on line component and what I'll spend the bulk of today kind of demonstrating and talking to you all about. And I think I can I see that I can share my stream now, so let me go ahead and do that. Alright can get to see my screen, okay? Perfect so like I was mentioning, connect 80 X. It is part of our community tool that I'll send the bulk of today and then part the online I'm sorry. The helpline that we also have available so this is really an opportunity for those that either don't have online accessibility or really just prefer to talk to someone in person to be able to chat to someone live. There's helpline is available via phone text and [11:47:33 PM] chat with bilingual staff, and we also have a language plane available. What's really great is that, all that what we call them navigators are frontline stuff. Is that just help line? Something that we learned is that especially during with this storm is that a lot of people like texting right being able to be connected to those resources. Texting is one of those ways so that is something that we have also recently launched within the past few months and have really been utilizing a lot. And then, additionally apart open it. Gtx is what really people like is the what we call the closing referral system. So this allows organizations to directly received referrals. Basic information about someone directly from the community through the online set. And ultimately, really, it's just so great way for organizations to network amusing and over variety of ways that I'll demonstrate today to really help and serve those in need. So in terms of [11:48:34 PM] the online features is one of being able to have any programs listed on the, the site itself. Even site is listed organizations also have the opportunity to what we call claiming which means taking ownership of that listing and being able to update eight up has a listing, updated in real time. Especially during covid. There is a lot of changes going on all the time. We know that sometimes hours change locations , change opportunities like that , so organizations then can really say we can update this information real time moving forward since we have ownership of this program listing. Anyone within the community can really search for resources and refer clients to other programs. Online resources. And I'll show you again. What kind of those searching capabilities are and how do you liza platform to its best abilities? The third one that I like to very, very loosely loosely uses what we [11:49:36 PM] call a case management system. And I'd like to say very loosely because it will never truly replace an entire system. All that really does if you're still you know, on panta paper or still using spreadsheets. This is a nice upgrade in that, you're able to manage client profiles. You're able to see the individual information. You're able to attach goals and you're able to see all of their referrals that were sent over and sent in in one systemized location. And then, additionally , being able to actively respond update referral status is this is what we mean when we're saying this closed loop system idea. That not only are you able to send and receive referrals, but you're also able to follow the trajectory of that individual. So you're able to say this person got help. Maybe they didn't receive help. They were referred elsewhere. Really being able to make sure that the individual actually got the help that they were wanting to receive. And then the fourth function is that we know that data and analytics are super [11:50:37 PM] important. So making sure that also on the back end, they have the capability to view all of this information they're able to view kind of in real time, the impact that they're having on their community. So what is connected tx? It is an online data tool. Today, connecting tx is completely free and available to anyone, it can be done anonymously or by creating a free account. There's absolutely no charge. Nothing on our end. As a part of connecting tx. We do have some what we call network partners and either just organizations who have committed to not only being on the system and updating it, but really committed to updating the status is on a regular bases. And so those partners you'll see kind of listed higher up the search result list but also you'll be able to see, they have. They'll have like a connect et ex partner tag next to their name. And then on the screen. I [11:51:38 PM] alluded to the helpline. I wanted to make sure that that information is also visited. So we have the phone number listed on here again. That's Monday through Friday, eight A.M. To six P.M. Or they can also get available to those that help I M B a text on that zip code to eat 5511. Something to note with our helpline is that it is not anonymous. It is something. What we really strive to do is to make sure again that we're following the trajectory of that individual. And so usually when somebody calls in or the text in , what we do is go through a an assessment with the individual. We want to make sure that we're meeting all of their needs, and so we asked them questions. Like, what is your type party? What are you hoping to accomplish? And then within a couple of days follow up with them as well. Like did you get your services? The individual that we connected you with where you able to receive help, if not here's another resource. You can also appoint you to so again really all about not only connecting but following their [11:52:39 PM] journey. So the first thing that I will talk about is E, the searching and kind of all the features associated that, when anyone is searching on connected T S, it is completely free or reduced costs. That is something that we actively strive for, and we have a whole day of these team committed to this. Searching can be done completely anonymous again or you can be logged in and create a profile. Creating a profile really allows you the opportunity to save and view the history of anyone that is, either you're referring out or you're receiving information from because connected T X is powered by this larger network called find help. It is always when we start our searching process. We start by the zip code and then especially here in Austin, as we think about the central Texas region. We want to make sure that we're searching by the closest available resource to that individual. On connecting tax. There's also [11:53:40 PM] language features, so we know that there is more more than one language. There are multiple languages that are here in our, central Austin region and so being able to utilize that moving forward is something that we want to make sure is available and I'll definitely demonstrate kind of a couple of those options. And then also we know that every individual has a unique need. Every person is individualized to what they again what they need. And so we're able to kind of narrow in our search results. Using filter options we can filter by age, we can filter by income and I'll be able to show you all exactly what that looks like as well. And then the fourth thing when we're searching is also being able to utilize saved. So if you're someone that, really engages with the platform really regularly, and you know, an organization that is trusted and reliable, you can go ahead and save that organization to your profile. You can send multiple resources we call a research shopping cart. To an individual [11:54:41 PM] . And you go to share their search results so you can send it through the platform or you can share it, in a multitude of ways. So with that we're gonna go ahead and talk a little bit about understanding the program card. So when we're searching on connected T X anytime there is this white box that you see on here, this is what we call a program card. This is a resource . That is listed on connected T X, and you can see on here. As a very top is going to be the name of the program and at the bottom right below. It's going to be the name of the organization. On here. You're also going to have a really brief description of the program that that organization what kind of the services that they provide the main services? This is really helpful when doing the searching process, you'll see sometimes multiple tags listed on here. And then also the population that they're serving. So if there is, a specific population [11:55:42 PM] that an organization serves, they can definitely filter through that as well. And then at the top right here, we see a checkmark. So that check mark what essentially what that means is that an organization has logged in and has claimed that program card means to have ownership. They're aware that there program is listed on connected T X, and they're actively using it. And so you you always see this checkmark at the very top, right? At the very right in the middle here. We see a next steps so information about the organization their preferred contact information, their email but super, super importantly and what I'll talk about a little bit later. Is this green? The screen button that we have listed on here? Essentially what this green button means is this is the way the organization prefers to be contacted. And this is also the best way. If you'll know if an organization has a referral to and is accepting referrals through the platform itself. And [11:56:47 PM] then infused girl a little bit to the left here. This is just a picture of it, but we'll go into the demonstration in just a second. You're able. If I click on here, I'm able to see more information. And this is all the four different buttons so I can save this program card. If I know I utilize it really frequently. I can share this information to a client a variety of ways. I can also take internal notes. So when I talked about that case management piece if I wanted to, if I know, let's say I know that I regularly see connected tx two demonstration program and I know that Francisco. It's a great point of contact. I can write in that note for myself to make sure that I remember to contact Francisco. And then here, let's say a I have a, I see that the hours maybe are not aligned and I call and they say, actually, you know what our hours are from 8 to 4 P.M. I can go ahead and suggest to have that updated, so the rest of the community is also aware. So that was just a [11:57:50 PM] brief overview. I'm gonna go into the demonstration now of connected tax live so that you all can see everything that we talked about. So when we go to connect 80 X, this is all. Always what I'm going to see. I can see at the very top. It's help starts here and then I'm always gonna start by zip code. But because we're doing a training for today. What I want to point out instead as I want to scroll all the way to the bottom. Because I really want to highlight this. Translate this speech function. This is powered by Google. Translate this right here. This page, you can see there's only a limited amount of languages. And again. This is just for this page. This is not for all of us searching functions. If I scroll a little bit up, I can also see all the training opportunities that are available within connect the T X and these are alive. And so if you are we have those [11:58:51 PM] periodically if you're wanting more or if you want someone else to also partake in some of these trainings. They're also constantly available either live or you can watch a pre recorded session on here. You want to tell someone? Hey I got this great training on 90 tx. This is where you would you can direct them to for more information. I'll so, if you want to get a hold of us, and this is the best, you know, to be able to reach us as the info at gtx .org. You're probably get connected to me since I've worked with media based organizations on a regular learn about how to become a partner, updating resource cards or really any sort of general information that you are needing. Something else that I wanted to highlight within connect. The T X is our lift partnership, so we do have a partnership with lift. And anyone can get free rides for any basic needs, and we need any basically. They can get access to food employment healthcare [11:59:51 PM] school, vaccine really, literally anything, to get access to that lived partnership , and they will be able to call the hotline or the helpline that I talked about earlier. And to be able to get access to that. And then again at the very top. If I scroll up a little bit further, it's the need help. So if I forget, I don't remember the presentation that she gave me. Where do I find that information? Where do I find that phone number? This is where you can find that information. So here is the way to call chat with a team member or Texas in code. So everything is on this first club page in case we forget. And then also on the very right if I go through this presentation, and I really like it, and I want to create a profile to log in or sign up. This is also where I'm able to find that so with that I'm going to scroll all the way back up to be able to really start searching. And utilizing connect 80 X I wouldn't be using [12:00:54 AM] Francisco's name a lot throughout the demonstration, just as he is my test person for today, so I'm going to be pretending that I'm navigating Francisco through this. San Francisco. Let me know that his preferred zip code is 78724. So I'm gonna click on search. And then when I do that, I'm redirected to this page. There's a couple of ways that I can help Francisco out. One is by category and subcategory, so if I go to the top, I can see there's multiple items on here, so there's food. And then when I scroll over food, I can also see the subcategories associated with it. Second seafood, food pantries, snap and wic etcetera , and this will be the case for every single category that I hover over. And you can see that we have quite a few categories listed on here. So that is one way to begin the searching process. The other way is just to be able to directly type it in. So if I know directly that [12:01:54 AM] president Chacon needs help with finding diapers, I can click and diapers and that is a tag that is listed on here, and I can click on that directly as well. I can also, while I'm here, change the language. So here you can see all of the language features that are available. And again, this is listed, and empowered via Google translate, so it's not always 100. I will say that but this is definitely a more comprehensive list of all the languages are available. And then, lastly, if I ever while I'm in the searching process, want to change the zip code? I can also do that at the very top. In this search bar. Alright so now I'm going to say so. Francisco and I are talking and he lets me know he really needs support and finding a food pantry. So at the very top, I'm going to click on food and then [12:02:55 AM] click on food pantries. And I'm here. I'm going to highlight a couple of things that are available. So first thing that I always highlight is this matte feature? Again. This is really important, especially here in Austin. If I expand that out a little bit bigger. You can see all of the food pantry office options within his area. This is also really helpful, like let's say Francisco works up north, but he lives down south. What is his preferred area? Does he prefer, to look at food pantries up north down south somewhere in between? That is on his route on his way phone. Really being able to utilize the, that feature for this. So if I exit out of this, then I can also see what I alluded to earlier, which was this program card again. Each program card is an individual resource that is listed on connect the T X. At the very top . I can see that is the name of [12:03:55 AM] the program in this case is going to be fresh food families. It is by the central Texas food bank, and I also see that they are connected T ex partner, so I know that they are actively accepting ferral through the platform, which means that I can send over basic information. Come to them as well. And there regularly updating and being able to see the status is of all this. And then I also see a brief description. I can see the main services, which is the food pantry, and I can also see the population that they're serving . So this one says all ages, covid-19 family's income and limited English. If I'm like I'm still not really sure if this is the right fit, I can also click on more information. Click on more information. I can see the eligibility requirements if they're available. And sometimes organizations view there will have like, look capacity or they'll have limited funds. And so you're able to see the different updates on here. And then I can face see a full description of, this exact [12:04:57 AM] program card. The central Texas food bank has decided to have their entire schedule listed on here. But every single program depending on the organization will have this view a little bit differently. I can also view the languages that are on here. The cost of the program I can see. It's free, which is really great. And then all the different coverage areas. And then also on here by scroll a little bit further down. I can see that the mirrors location is the greater love Baptist church . And if I scroll a little bit further down, I can start, seeing the other areas as well within that location. And then on here, so I really wanted to ask Francisco like, how would you like this information to be received? So one? He just let me know. You know what? I just wanted to be printed and I will do the rest on my own, which is completely fine. We can do a print view. And you know, right there in the office, give it to him. The other options that we [12:05:58 AM] have on here. And we're telling someone in about this program is to be able to send an email because I'm logged in. You can see my email address is already listed. But I can send this email to Francisco and letting him know. Hey this is a really great program. And really importantly, I can also change the language of the email. So if I know that he has a different preferred language. I can scroll through and look through and that email will be sent in his preferred one way. I could also send this via text if I wanted to, so again, my name is listed on here. I can ask for a Francisco's phone number, and then the text message of that language that he's going to be receiving and then for if whatever reason, you will have an awareness of his their Facebook. You can also share it with your Facebook. Okay. And then, what I also wanted to highlight on here. Is this green button? So this green button is [12:07:00 AM] what we call the referral tool. At all, yeah, let me I want to go through this, so if I click on this referral tool, I see that it's called a basic, so one step. And essentially this means , that I can refer. I know. In this case, I'm referring someone else. I can also type in their name on here. I feel like I've you haven't used Francisco as a demonstration, but I've used other coworkers so let's say, Marcela Ramirez. I type in their information and their preferred language. And then she let me know. You know, the best way to reach me is actually the text message. And what's great? Is that an impromptu me to, provide a phone number on here? I can also add a comment if I so choose, so let's say that they informed me that they're working between the hours of, noon to five and they prefer to be contacted in the morning. So I can write a note to the agency to central Texas food bank and let them know. Hey Marcela would [12:08:01 AM] be hurt. Prefer to be contacted between the hours of 9 to 11 A.M. And then super importantly , is confirming consent, so I want to make sure that I have the appropriate consent from Marcela to be able to send their information over to the central Texas food bank. So that is the program card itself. And I can also narrow down the search further because right now I see there are 80 results. But if I want to do this, I can also vote blue five personal filters. You can see there's a ton of options to be able to do that. I can see low income I can see if they have families with children, citizenship veteran status, etcetera. I can also filter based on the program itself. So let's say, Francisco has let me know. You know what I really prefer, I want to visit the location and so then it prompts me to be able, like to narrow [12:09:01 AM] that down a little bit further. I also know that fancy school works weekends. So I want to make sure that they're open now and they're open and I want to make sure I know that Francisco also has the kids, so, make sure it's available during school. And then being able to select, but the language of the program communication. And then the third option on here is an income eligibility. So income eligibility just helps you narrow in on that, searching process a little bit further. I will say this is our least commonly used, a feature on here just because a lot of this is already free or reduced cost. So I feel like I've been talking a lot. And that is just a basic searching and how to utilize the connected tx platform. Part two is going into the more detailed features of what it means to [12:10:02 AM] turn on referral tools and all those capabilities, but I didn't want to pause here and see if there are any questions. Thank you, anabella. We really appreciate that, and the presentation so far. Ah I know I've got a couple questions myself and others might as well and or at least opportunities to drill down a little bit. One of the things I wanted to ask about. Is pertaining to the ways which partners are added. Partners programs and resources . It seemed as though when you focus on the website that might have been really an opportunity to kind of jump in on that, but I wanted to wait. I didn't wanna interrupt you. Would you mind? Focusing on that piece again. Yeah so you're talking about this connect 80 ex partner tag. Like how organizations get added that functionality. Yes, ma'am. Yes, Annabella. Thank you. Awesome yeah, so with that they have to commit to one turning on the referral tool. Most on here [12:11:04 AM] you can see that have been a D tx partner have a role to which means that they're accepting. Referrals directly through the platform. They don't have that you can. Sometimes you can see like a C next steps. So if I click on that it'll just direct me to the program's website instead. So that is one of them . The second one is to update the status is of the referral within a timely kind of manner so internally, we want to make sure that if we're actually following the client that it's within, at least like a two week return that they're following up with that individual. And then the third one is really having, what we call workflow documentation in place, so knowing who is going to be updating it, knowing who is going to be responding to the referrals who's gonna be responding to the referrals. Whether that's like the birth, they're calling the individual or texting the individuals seeking services or they're updating the status of it. So we [12:12:05 AM] go with them. I go through a whole kind of process. Kind of a lengthy, probably about a month or so process. And yeah, those are the three main ways. Great thank you for that. And my last question before I pass it on to my peers is ah! It's actually pertaining to a slide that she didn't really focus on in your presentation today, so I don't want I'd like to level set there was a slide that we had included. Ah, that, I guess would have been the third slide. That referred to 211, Texas. Yeah. I'd like to just speak to that briefly and then to give you an opportunity to share. Ah any collaboration that has taken place. Ah or. Ah thoughts about collaboration with Austin 311, particularly with their new smart ap. Yeah good question. So [12:13:10 AM] I just originally had taken it out just for the sake of time, but I'm happy to go into the history of that, just really briefly. So, as we know 211 is a state funded agency. At the very beginning, the idea was that to be able to, instead of having a 211 and connected to help find the way that it is now being able to utilize to and once I really, both through those assessments. But then covid happened and the way that you won one, that was utilized got dramatically changed so currently to 11, or previously to 11 used to be able you would call in and you would get sent to your nearest person to the nearest like within years of code. Now it's the nearest to the next available kind of online person so I can talk to some. If I call 211. There's a potential that I could talk to someone who is currently, let's say or in Houston. So when that happened, and then we kind of had to change gears a little bit [12:14:11 AM] , but what I wanted to bring up is that we see that T 11 and connect gtx are very complementary to each other. 211 is really focused on those basic needs if you need immediate help right away there 24 hours. Then you go ahead and we say yes. Go ahead and call to one woman. Versus connect the T X. It's more about that, like holistic journey. It's more about like we're taking time. We're taking 15 20 minutes to be able to do with your full assessment. Beyond just basic needs to be able to identify other resources and then also following them and seeing what happened to that individual. I think the main two differences thank you for that. I guess one thing I do want to make sure to interject before I passed it off again and give you a chance to respond is to clarify. I was referring to the city of Austin's 311. 311 smart app and curious about any plans [12:15:11 AM] to interact or integrate there. It's very different, but I won't say very it's different. Primarily in that. Ah, it is. Meant to be a way for citizens to also, input service requests and things of that nature. You know, overgrown grass. You know, graffiti removal things like this, however, it has great potential as well. For ah resource distribution access to a variety of programs and resources that could share space with connected 80 X. So naturally advise the question about any type of integrations that might be possible. Or that have been conceived of today. Yeah okay. Okay. Good question. Yeah. Connect connect. 80 X is focused on those like social services. Moving forward, and so currently I am that's might be above my pay grade. But I'm not aware of anything that doesn't [12:16:12 AM] mean it's not happening. That just means I'm not aware of it. But that's something I can definitely like. Check in. Awesome. Thank you for that. With that, then I'd like to open it up to anyone else to asking questions or finding feedback. I see commission Yates and then commissioner. Yeah, well, at your Pitts. I think your your question was the same as mine. And that was if a citizen calls 311. Would they be able to be connected? To this service. I. If they call to me, 11. Now I know what you want one they will be with 311 because it's different. In terms of the type of service. I don't believe so unless they have an awareness of. Right well, maybe 31311 [12:17:12 AM] operator would refer them to the 211 service and then the 211 service. Possibly might. Connect to you. Right yeah, that's currently how we operate is like 211 refers to connect 80 X thanks, commissioner Garza. Thank you for the presentation. Annabella how long has the site been live? Good question, so it is not been life for long. The version that you see here today has only been existence. I would say about a year or so, 90, tx, officially officially launched at the peak of covid in March of 2020, and then obviously everything happened, and it looked slightly different. So it's about, I would say two years old. How would someone find this resource because I just googled pre diapers in Austin or basic needs in Austin, and it wouldn't come within the first four pages of Google. So how would someone know that this [12:18:13 AM] resource exists. Yeah so in terms of like our current outreach plan, we try our best to really table as in as many events have to, as many organizations have as many presentations as we as we are here today. I will say that it is currently word of mouth as much as we do have a partnership with a I S D. For example, we're have partnerships with a couple of clinics. And so slowly but surely, you know we're getting out there and getting in front of individuals. But that doesn't mean that we can't do more. I will say, and I think also because it's just so new that when you do like a basic global search is definitely not going to be the first thing that populates and because it's such a generalized resource. If I unless I know specifically type in the keywords for like general services, versus like a diaper. I can definitely see connect gtx not the very beginning. Thank [12:19:15 AM] you since you've been using this the sideline for, like, two years a year. Do you know right now? What who is your user who's actually using this service? Yeah most of them are actually organizations that utilize the platform. I think that was the first targeted outreach plan. Organizations, especially because we wanted to have them being able to turn on the referral tool. And then, with the hope that eventually as we are able to build up the platform than more and more individuals are utilizing it. Thank you and then my last question, and then I'll let other people speak. How. To residents were undocumented interact with this up. In terms of. He said that you collect information if they call the hotline. What information is there to understand what is safe for them and not maybe not so safe for them to, to reach out to yeah. Good question. So right [12:20:17 AM] now I'm currently logged in, but I don't have to be logged in. I can sign out and, start this like searching process completely anonymously. And then I fail also go back to your personal filters, and I clicked on undocumented. Yeah, it's been hot. It's been glitchy lately. For me. It's only been for me, so I think it's my computer. But if I I'm sorry I went back really fast. Click on a personal filters and I click on undocumented and filter research . And then it'll populate specific resources for those undocumented folks. And then went on here. I can then see exactly like if I if it's fresh food for families, then I'm able to utilize and go directly. However I feel safe and comfortable doing so moving forward. This is the platform itself is compliant and so like I have no even though I'm like a user of the platform itself, I don't have any visibility of like individual people. The only [12:21:19 AM] people that I can see is anyone that contact us directly. Okay. Thank you. Yeah so they can, either if they feel comfortable, they can refer themselves or they can just go to more information. And see how to best get contacted. I would like to supplement the, response. The first one that Annabella provided, many members of the connect 80 also connect 80 X team also partaken coalition activities. So they're very much in the waves are broad infrastructure. And our engagement with multitude organizations here in Austin and there's often a referral to this specific platform to co locate services and allow them to utilize this as a standard case management tool already expressed. Thank you, Francisco and I do know you. I will disclose my organization is listed on this website. And we're part of all the united white coalition. So this was [12:22:20 AM] just a really good opportunity for me to dig deeper. So thank you. Thank you for that. I thank you for those questions. I guess I'll give you a chance to let us know what organization you're referring to. I wanted Austin, which is not listed as a partner of connecting tx, even though we're one of the founding partners of all of your coalitions, but so that's also I'm glad that you asked that question because that was going to be one of mine. We do refer are this has been a useful website for our home visitors for home educators because it does have. It's a nice summary of a lot of the community services. We have not gotten any referrals from this website. To us. We have used it to get referrals. So usually like there wouldn't be anyone in this community that would know about a fancy Austin through this height and not through like our website or Facebook page or word about but it is helpful for our home visitors or parent educators and early childhood educators to have a list of all these services. Great. Thank [12:23:22 AM] you. For that another, there'll be an opportunity to dive in a little deeper in our working group discussion. But appreciate that that share here now and I know that we're also midway, so I wanted to level set from a timing standpoint or were, however way, but I think we still have a portion talk to still complete. Is that correct? Yeah and I will say I did. That's a good reminder, too, that I did give a presentation into urban like a couple of training sessions completely in Spanish, to the home workers, so I know that I worked a lot. I think with the I can remember her title by. I worked a lot with Maggie. And I think her and I are still working on updating that connected tx partner having as well, usually the connected to ex partner tag the higher or when you have it, then the more likely you are to populate higher on the list. Thank you. Okay and just to clarify. I was trying to confirm how much more time you needed for the presentation today. Yeah, I would say. Probably like just another. I know that, pretty [12:24:27 AM] close to time, like 15 minutes at the most with questions. Okay ah, well, we'll give you a chance. Well, I guess before we proceed if I can get a visual on our online commissioners or give them a chance to win with anything they might have before we proceed. Questions at this point. I had a question. In regards to the website. Do you have any type of metrics or statistics in the past couple of years on what zip codes are getting the most searches is were, what types of filters or programs are getting the most traction. I do? And if I. I can go into that. My program tools and their program analytics and , it's just a that's a lot of data at the current moment. I will say just from the last time that I saw, food is always the highest. Most search trends within connect 80 X, and I can't remember having several memory. [12:25:28 AM] But I can't remember the top searches approach right now. But there is there is capability and ability to be able to be with that might be a good opportunity for us to also take a look at that data and figure out if we need to address certain inequities in different areas of town. The other question I had was when there are, areas or things that are happening. In the state of the world, like, say the baby food or formula shortage. Are there anything special that is done on the website to help users find that type of resource. Yeah good question. The only thing that we've really done is to make sure that we're up to date on all other programs that currently have it or database team are the ones that are really utilizing every single day and updating the program listings. That's as much as I think within this within specifically connected tx. I [12:26:29 AM] will stay within the larger United Way and there's coalitions and things that were a part of, but specifically for this platform. It's just about making sure that that information is up to date when people are trying to search that might be another area where, when there are big things like that, to maybe promoted it or create a separate category just for that to help people easily find that information because I, for example, just tried to type in baby formula. And nothing showed up. So if I was looking specifically for that, I wouldn't be able to find any resource to help me so yeah, but thank you. This was really, really great. Yeah, of course. I want to add that we do have a report as well. The community needs and trends report that aggregates some of this information. Available as well. Thank you for that. And thank you for that question, commissioner Alan ah, our online commissioners and other questions before proceed here. You know, there are two of us [12:27:29 AM] here. Yes, commission. Dasgupta, please go right ahead. Good so other several questions I thought I saw in one of your slides. It says weekdays only. Is that true. I mean, it's weakness only er yeah. Good question. So that's where helpline for the connected tx help blind specifically, that's only Monday through Friday. Nine A.M. To six A.M. I'm sorry to six P.M. Be able to search that can be done at any time given day. It's just more so to be connected specifically to our navigators. So do you have any plans to extend it to seven days service? 24 7, because particularly, I'm thinking up the demographics of people moving into this town, right? A lot of young people, very tech savvy people moving in. But guess what? Following them. There's a large number of retirees moving in following their children. MM hmm. Three couples who won't be here because their kids moved here. Okay and they are not necessarily that takes seven. So it really is 22 questions [12:28:30 AM] actually to spare statements. One is shepherd's asked about 311. The more you unify this into a complete, you know, template complete. You know that they're they're canvas of services. Where one connects to the other where they don't have to die. Three different numbers to get to this source. That would be of immense value because I know elderly people who are lost in the tech world. And if they're moving into town, they need help immediately. Sometimes. Like they lost their their medications, etcetera. So the more you know you go to 24 7 service the better off and also connections to other similar services. Yeah I will also say anytime, like, can I pay taxes? Definitely not for immediate needs anything for immediate need. We always refer to 211 connected because we will be on the phone with connected tax for really part of a lengthy amount of time. I always recommend, but, yeah, you're right. I think [12:29:31 AM] that, I totally hear you. We as we think we become more tech savvy, making sure that we have other other features in utilization is still available. The next question is assumed the service is free, right? Yes okay. Good I noticed in in in. I'm looking at the fresh food for families example, for instance, and doesn't matter. Ah that shows the locations of the different you know, suppliers are outlets that you can get food. Is it possible that you could possibly draw the map for them there? You know, you know, utilizing this with their smartphones. Immediately get a map and follow the map and get to their destination of their two car trying to get to this destination. You're gonna provide Google maps connection. So this is currently like if I can see it, but it is. This is currently power through Google itself. And so I don't remember. There is a way to sure if you [12:30:36 AM] can do it on your phone, but this itself is already parked through Google. On was hoping my question was specifically like can I get directions to your plates? Oh good. Can I directly to get directions from here? No yeah, you would have to, like, copy and piece it over. Okay, can I can confirm something real quick just to interject there because I'm on online right now on the platform. And when I click on the map it gives me the option to view on Google maps. And from my knowledge of how Google maps works, you can get directions. Google maps if something can be viewed on Google maps. Am I missing something? We're now missing something. I think I'm missing something. I don't have that function. I don't see that function on my end. Okay yeah, I think just briefly diagnosing what you said earlier. Maybe there are some additional problems with your system. I don't know. But commission that scoop to if you follow along on [12:31:37 AM] the website, are you able to do what I'm able to do on my tablet? No I wasn't actually for following it. I'm not connected to that point. No. Okay I'm just looking at her slides and from the slides as if I can see the map. Can I see the directions also? Well my question I'm not logged in. Okay, fair and fair enough. Fair enough. I just wanted to show how from my part here on my tablet when I clicked on an organization. It brought up Google maps and gives me the option to he on Google maps. And then you see Google maps is loading up. So maybe that that answers my question that it's possible. Yeah later if I could interject if you actually click on the, the address there like I see you have it up 6601 manor road. That'll open up a Google maps tab. There you go. Yeah question and that will give you directions but again is of use for people who need help, who are not attack seven would be greatly appreciated. And lastly , the question is you using this [12:32:37 AM] food printing and for example, so he is in your system, such that you're making really a connection so that if they need food delivered with food pantry, be contacting them and say, okay, we just got this notification. You know, we know where you live. We are ready to deliver food. When is a good time? Is that a service that you're providing, or is that something? If you're not, then I plan to do that. Yeah so it depends for organization. If the organization has this what we call a referral tool turned on. Then, yes, the organism we will send over the basic information so I can send over Francisco's information to fresh food for families. Then fresh food for families will contact Francisco to set up everything for him. And my last question is you said that you're you know you're making this facility. This this this this. This feature just capability available through organizations. I you also connecting with with companies [12:33:37 AM] like Dell, like, Samsung, etcetera. The big giants were hiring like crazy. So that they can in turn, make it available to the employees. You're moving into town. For their relatives, elderly relatives yeah, that's currently not part of our outreach plan. It was just mainly for organizations, but I think that's a good idea. Something to think about for implementation. Okay, I'm out of questions. Thank you. Thank you for those questions, Mr Dasgupta , we are running really low on time. I would like to extend that same opportunity, though. To our vice chair and anyone else standing by, I guess commissioner island you be the last one. Thanks. Chair Pitts. And, Annabella. Thank you so much for running through this. This is you know, from from my perspective, this looks to be an amazing tool, so at the very least consolidate all of the organizations advocacy as well as advocacy organizations that provide services almost in a one [12:34:39 AM] stop shop, so I think to my knowledge, I don't think there's been anything this comprehensive? With with this broad access, so you know, I think this is this is great. Couple of high level questions, wondering if you could talk a little bit about the marketing or engagement strategy with community with perhaps caseworkers throughout Austin, other nonprofits, you know how how are what sort of the strategy to get the word out on this? Yeah so in the beginning when we first launched it was kind of a because united because it's currently posted within United Way. The first strategy was currently utilize all the networks right, so everything, all of our coalitions that we have in place that's really focused on early childhood. And then from there, it just kind of spread like wildfire. We started going to organizations, to those large organizations that have a [12:35:40 AM] larger capacity reaching out to them, letting them know the platform itself offering training offering opportunities. I think that was definitely in the beginning of the lunch. As of a couple of months ago now that with everything opening back up, and we've been doing a lot more in person, tabling events. That wasn't the opportunity before. And then, the third thing is just, broader network outreach to the different coalitions within the Austin region that we know there is an abundance of so all of those have been the main outreach. Usually I'm the one that needs with that organization. There's also, sometimes organizations just take the training themselves and that are listed on the website. But I, as of right now it was in the beginning. It was definitely like a wider network, and now we're it's kind of in the opposite, where more organizations are reaching out to us to be able to get connected to the platform. That's that's exciting to hear. [12:36:41 AM] Another question or the last question I had is, you mentioned the reporting functionality, and I'm just curious what types of reports analytics data? Is United Way. Currently focusing in on I'm just curious. Yeah good question. So one is, the navigation components. So the number of, people calling in the services that are highly being requested. The searching trends as well that are on their how they interact with the platform on what is like the most highly referred to organizations really trying to get more like a need. Like what? Trying to get a landscape of the needs currently within Austin. Thank you so much, Annabella. Oh thank you. For that. Question those questions vice chair Apodaca. Ah commissioner island will be the last one. Give you a brief chance if you'd like to ask any questions. No nothing further [12:37:41 AM] than the ones that I have asked already, okay, thank you for that. So with that, then I'd like to hand it back over to you all again. We won't have much time for additional questions, but like, feed it give me the chance to present on the referral tools piece. Yeah and I will try to go as quickly as possible on here as well. So what I did just want to highlight is, so that what I went through the first half was just a little bit about the searching itself. And this is really now being able to search I'm sorry, accept and received referrals to connect the T X. So there's three functionalities are available. So one is what we call the one step, and it allows an organization to capture a seekers information and then contact that individual. That was a demonstration that I mentioned it. Just basic information there, name and their preferred method of contact. The second one is what we call a screener. A two step tool. Also kind of it's basically like a Google form, so organizations want to ask any further questions. They can do that through the platform itself [12:38:43 AM] . They can ask eligibility questions. They can ask anything to be really able to determine if they're eligible for services. And then the third option that we have is a scandal er so people can book appointments directly through the connecting tx platform. And the schedule is integrated with Google calendar and outlook. I will say this is our least most are at least used feature is the schedule er, but it is an option of organizations used to use it. So then what happens? Let's say an organization has chosen to turn on one of those three options and those referral tools than what happens. You can see on here that they are. Then everything is taken to the inbound referrals. They're able to view the, information of that individual being the details of the person reaching out and also in really, really importantly, being able to update the status of this referral. There's also translates to program analytics . Each organization has complete [12:39:44 AM] control over their program analyst legs and we as a connected, tx art have an opportunity to view the larger landscape. We just because of pepper and quite can confidentiality. We're not able to see this specific program analytics for each individual organizations. On here is just an example of what happens to the referrals. So on the left is the demonstration that I went through and here on the demonstration of Priscilla sent over a, a referral. I believed, yeah, it was Priscilla. And so, you can see on the right is the referral that was received. It is in the preferred language of that individual. You can see on here there in the information and the programs card. And the fertile languages lesson on here as well. And then this is what happens when from the organization's perspective, so this is the email that they will receive. They can see that Priscilla referred, connected [12:40:45 AM] text demo to Annabella. I can see the name the email and the phone number on here. As a way to contact and I can see that Priscilla left fallen comments. That is one way that organizations receive that information is via email, and the second way is via the online platform. Jen. Organizations also have the opportunity to edit programs see all the analytics and, being able to access. My team. Essentially what that means is that they have the opportunity to invite different team members instead of going through the entire cleaning process. And they can just directly invite individuals. So with that, I'm just gonna go directly into, what that looks like from there and from an organization so again, my organization has chosen to turn on a referral to receive that information. So then I would go to like program tools on here. I can see the [12:41:47 AM] four different options being able to do inbound referrals. I can also edit my program listings. I can view my team. And also view my program analytics for my specific program card. For today. I'm just gonna go into the inbound referrals. So you all have the opportunity from a organizational perspective to see that option. And then one that I clicked on for today. This is our housing demonstrations, and none of these people are real, so we can see on the very left hand side is a status and this is whenever we're talking about closing the loop. This is what we're referencing. But like on here, I can change the status of that individual, so I know the person that is enquiring as test a meal and I can as an organization as United Way I can say a meal. God help! They were eligible. They couldn't contact. I have all these different options that I can communicate. With the person that they referred or the referral, which is Marcela Ramirez in this particular case , so really again, being able to [12:42:47 AM] update the status and follow the trajectory of that individual I'm here. I can also quickly view their profile. I can view a comment. And when I talked about the case management features, it's through the view the profile so I can see in the people that I'm helping the information I can see the goals that are lifted on here. I can also see their navigation history and any notes that I want to make about this individual. The only people because this is again hipaa compliant. The only people that have passed have access to this , is people with that were added within the organization as united weight cannot see any of this information on behalf of another organization is completely confidential to them. Okay, I'm going to try to go really quickly. And then I can also see any documentations on here. I can see all the different changes and statuses and who changes status? The organization that receive, [12:43:49 AM] Francisco's information has the ability to update it. And so, so the two organizations but also Francisco himself if he wanted to update his own status, he could have that option on there as well. That is accessed through the very top, right so you can see my referrals on here and I can see referrals from me as well. So this is again it's completely optional for the clients or the person seeking services. To create a login profile. They do not have to if they don't want to. This is just an opportunity for them to find that information. Okay. It's growing quickly. And then the last thing I wanted to point out , and the simple search box, so the simple search box is, what we call a front door. So any organization can have and the search box that I showed in the beginning displayed on their websites, and it will directly take them to the united we've portal. So if I had a simple search box it went directly [12:44:51 AM] linked me to this landing page on here. And that's just another way for organizations to be able to, league organizations to. MM sorry individuals to this page. As always, gtx is completely free. You can start searching and my contact information is listed on the trying to go as quickly as possible. I know it wasn't as comprehensive but and if you all have questions, I want to make sure and give time for that, if possible. Thank you so much again, Annabelle. We would really appreciate that, presentation and for answering the questions you answered earlier. I know that there will be great advantage. I think, too. Having you both visit with us at a working group meeting, perhaps to discuss the things we discussed earlier. Around 311. [12:45:52 AM] In addition to other questions we might have. So rather than to take any more time now, if I can, I'd like to just give us all an opportunity to just say our thanks and appreciation for the presentation today. If there's any hot burning questions that we have to address before we break and then we'll do that now, but ah and I have had one in the room at least. So let me give a commission Yeatts a chance to ask one quick question here. Your outreach plan with that include in person. A availability for a demonstration say in Spanish at a neighborhood resource fair is would that be a possibility? Yes that is definitely a possibility. Currently we have the Spanish demonstrations on the website, but, and we have those like we've had those live as well, but we've noticed that we get [12:46:52 AM] better. Visibility and better usage out of them. Whenever we go into the communities specifically and get those Spanish right. Okay so we may have, availability and opportunity for that at some point in the future, so I'd like to contact you at some point about that. And I guess I can seize this opportunity. Our commission definitely has an opportunity for you O join us at future engage engagements. We're actively scheduling town hall, listening sessions and coordination with our library commission and the Austin public library. Where ah as Francisco knows he's been involved in part of the planning committee. And so it would be great if you were able to table at future events. Notwithstanding whatever commission Yeatts has in mind as well. Yeah we're always open to more kind of any opportunities to plug in and with the community in present any of this information. Awesome. Great. I [12:47:54 AM] definitely want to focus on that in the working group, but couldn't let the moment pass to lock you in now. Okay great. Well thank you again for everything that we have to let you go. But thank you so much for the great presentation and for all the quality information and really the quality of work that you guys have done in the space. Ah, you know the pandemic. Obviously put up you know, as I refer to it as a blip, too many plans. And so thanks for getting back at it, and to bring in this great refresh. To us all course. Thank you all so much for the opportunity to present and just talk about the platform itself. Thank you. Awesome. Thank you again. Okay, so with that we'll go ahead, proceed in our agenda. Now to agenda item three new business commission discussion on the FCC broadband standards and possible action. I'd like to begin by calling attention. To some documentation and set a little context verbally. Ah! As [12:48:57 AM] we discussed in the last meeting . Ah we agreed as a body that, we would take on the issue of broadband standards. And there was consensus as well in our discussion that we could put forward. A recommendation for broadband standards, at least in a resolution format that we have one so far, discussion included. Involving our local carriers in that discussion, so we would give them a chance to have direct input on what is truly achievable. For elevating. A broadband standard that Austin would offer to the community. And we've begun that process already. Stating the effort and the plan to our contacts at Google and at T Mobile. And so we need to finish that process by announcing that to the rest of the carriers, but in the [12:49:57 AM] meantime, because we know that we want to be thorough about this process and factor in mind from a consumer protection standpoint, which is one of our responsibilities as a commission. Ah the current FCC god. And so what I've shared with you all are three different documents. Pertaining. To broadband from the FCC. The first here as displayed is the broadband consumer guide. I'll give you all a chance to pull it up as I pull it up as well. [12:50:59 AM] So there's three different documents. There's the FCC broadband speed guide. Which we're looking at now. There is the FCC household broadband guide. And then there's sec getting broadband Q and a. Trip is city hall may not be sharing, the correct file or or screen. Thank you for that vice chair. Ah. The one that's on the screen right now. Yeah, this is fine, but can you see it now? Vice chair Apodaca and the other commissioners online. I can see it on the item three a screen. I'm just seeing the folder with [12:52:02 AM] 30 files and not seeing any actual. PDF so what's wrong? Vice chair? Apodaca what I did was I looked at the email that Jesse had said, and there's something wrong. You cannot really open it right online, so I just downloaded all three documents. I opened the opened them up in a separate window. So that's how I managed to get all of those documents. Yeah I can see it on my end, but for the public, I think it would just be. Well, just to clarify something as well as chair. Our discussion. Ah, we will have to review the document as a group. If we want to look at it all together without reaction. And then when it comes to our discussion, we actually have to always visible. So the document won't be displayed at that time. [12:53:02 AM] However I'd like to give a solid chance to review this initial part. And as it is purely stating. And indeed reading the document. For those that might have visual challenges. I'm going to read this initial part. And then we can react to it. So as it's listed here, this is the. FCC consumer guide the broadband speed guide. And what this purports to do it. States compare typical online activities with the minimum download speed megabits per second, or M B P S needed for adequate performance. For each application. Additional speedman hats, performance speeds, additional speed may enhance performance speeds are based on running one activity at a time. For household broadband needs. [12:54:03 AM] Use our household broadband guide to compare minimum megabit per second. Needs for light, moderate and how high household use with 123 or four devices at a time. Such as a laptop tablet or game console. For more information on broadband speeds, cr measuring broadband. America report. These numbers are rough guidelines and not based on surveys or experiments conducted at the FCC. By the FCC. Excuse me, you should use your best judgment. When choosing your broadband service. I if I could like to scroll down so we can display the bottom portion right there. Starting there. And I'm going to read this again for the sake of our audience. It [12:55:04 AM] describes activities. And minimum download speeds in megabits per second, which is mbps. For general usage it states general browsing and email one. Megabit per second minimum. For streaming online radio. Less than 0.5 megabits per second. For voice over I P calls less than 0.5 megabits per second. For students. 5 to 25 megabits per second. For telecommuting. Five. 2 25 megabits per second. These are download speeds again. For file downloading two megabits per second. For social media, one megabit per second. Finally, can you scroll down a little bit there? Watching video. It lists streaming standard definition video. 3 to 4 megabits per second. Streaming, high [12:56:06 AM] definition HD video. 5 to 8 megabits per second. And then, lastly, streaming ultra HD four K video. 25 megabits per second. Now scrolling down further for videoconferencing. It lists standard personal video, call E G. Skype. One megabit per second. For HD personal video, call E G. Skype. 1.5 megabits per second. For HD video teleconferencing six megabits per second. And then finally, gaming. Game council council connecting to the internet, three megabits per second. For online multiplayer for megabits per second. And then it continues to list the help center line and alternate for mats. This information is available in. Now. I would like to. Pause and give us all a [12:57:09 AM] chance to show up our happy, smiling faces. Ah, although they may or may not be smiling right now. Ah! As we get a chance to discuss this information. I'd like to just begin by stating what is established based on the consensus of the commission that there has been broad agreement that these standards are woefully inadequate. And as we get into the different areas. Particularly with the statement that additional speeds excuse me. Speeds are based on running one activity at a time. But we all know as technology advisors how ah, extraordinary. That scenario is what this means. Ah! I've got very strong feelings on this, but I'd like to just open it up, frankly, to the group to share your thoughts and I see commission Dasgupta has raised sand. I don't know. He has [12:58:13 AM] strong feelings on this topic as well. So please go right ahead. Commissioner scoop to acknowledge all but but you don't want to back up to the text before that. It says for household broadband needs use our household broadband died. I tried to. I tried to open that I couldn't ultra ultra later to compare minimum megabits per second needs for light, moderate and high high school household news with 123 and four devices at a time. One. Which one is the right answer. Okay let's say we have our typical household of husband wife. Two kids. Two kids are doing homework. I go down the list and look at students. Where it says 123 or four devices connected and my interest respect that what they're saying is that yeah, the two students could plug in their laptops up to the same time at 25 megabits and can get real work done. I don't think so. I don't think so. 25 megabits is day before yesterday's technology. Okay? Today's [12:59:16 AM] students are doing amazing things. I look at my grandkids. The things they're doing on their laptops and their iPads are amazing. 25 megabits one. Got it. Or even one of them. I'm looking at least 25 per student. So minimum 50 megabits. Not 5 to 25. Enough to chairman thank you for that commission Dasgupta. Ah any other brief comments now because of that, maybe suggests that we should go ahead and pivot to that household. Document. I'm seeing nods in the room. I'm sorry, commissioner island. I was just going to say I can't open the household one and you compare the two and it's not even close to being adequate. Right well with that, then I think we do have broad consensus. Let's go ahead and pivot then so let's go ahead and [1:00:18 AM] show we can that FCC household broadband guide. Now. It's briefer. It's a shorter documents, so I'll briefly speak to it and then we'll go ahead and talk about it as a group. So. Again for the sake of our community and just to get this out there, I'm going to read. Household broadband guide, use the chart below to compare minimum download speed. Megabits per second needs for light, moderate and high household use with 123 or four devices at a time, such as laptop tablet or game console. You can also compare typical online activities with the minimum. Negative per second needed for adequate performance for each application by using our broadband speed guide. For more information on broadband speeds . Cr measuring broadband America report these numbers are rough guidelines that are not based on surveys or experiments conducted [1:01:18 AM] by the sec. You should use your best judgment when choosing a broadband service. Then he goes to the chart, and it describes one user on one device. Light use. It describes as basic functions. Email browsing, basic video of voice of ripe and internet radio. It merely lists basic as what is required. For moderate use it states basic functions plus one high demand applications streaming HD video. Multiparty video conferencing, online gaming telecommuting. It also looks basic. For high use. It lists basic functions, plus more than one high demand application running at the same time, it lists medium for two users or devices at one time it lists for light use, as I described earlier, basic for moderate use, as I described earlier this medium for high use. It lists medium and advanced. And increases this [1:02:22 AM] trend with expanded users for three users or devices at one time. It suggests medium. For moderate for light use for medium use. Excuse me for moderate use. It suggests medium for high use, it suggests advanced. And then for four users. It therefore light uses suggest medium from moderate use , advanced for high use advanced and then it's describes what in the footnote basic service equals to 3 to 8 megabits per second. And medium service equals to 12 to 25 megabits per second. And advanced service equals more than 25 megabits per second. And of course it describes as I did what mbps stands for megabits per second. Being the standard measure of broadband speed. It refers to the speed with which information packets are downloaded from and uploaded to the internet. And then it includes the information to reach them again, as well as [1:03:22 AM] alternate formats that this information can be communicated to the public. So ah! To reiterate what was already stated, and just to clarify now then, we're clearly advocating for, a standard that would be qualified as advanced service. As a commission. A standard that exceeds 25 megabits per second was what they list for advanced service in this current broadband guy. With that any other reactions? Ah, or immediate discussion. I'd like to give everyone a chance to share their thoughts and feedback. Appreciates. Well we had a recent experience during our conference call on Monday. I just noticed that your video was a whole lot better after you'd upgraded something and I don't [1:04:24 AM] know if you've got any metrics on that. That would give us a good baseline as to what we what is really adequate for household use for a single person at that time. That's a very ah specific and personal question, and I'm happy to answer it. Ah as Christian. Yes. Just mentioned we had a working group call, earlier this week. And. Using the same tablet that I have in front of me. I was able without telling you, the manufacturer. I was able to get a higher, better performance and I know that my ah service provider at the time. Ah! Was without again naming the service provider also sent out some, hardware to upgrade. My usage, and it seemed to make a difference. I haven't done a [1:05:25 AM] speed test. Ah, although that is something I plan on doing? And I look forward to sharing additional information on that. It's certainly. Was encouraging that I was personally able to get, you know and improvement. Ah, and I can only hope the same for others out there. I know that oftentimes hardware is the challenge to expanded broadband usage and access. But. Having hardware at all is a persistent challenge for many in the community. Right, so ah, I'm just thankful that we're we're focused on access to the devices , as well as to improving access to broadband. Affordably. Any other questions, perhaps less personal, yes. Go, Tom are I'm sorry I'll get yes. Our ah, senior consultant for the telephone stations ready to affairs office content. Harmon has a question. Thank you, Jeff. [1:06:25 AM] It's I just wanted to share that there's some emerging information from some of the requirements on funding, that are being released by nt I a the national telecommunications and information administration. They are the folks that released the notice of funding and the rules for funding. And for the bead funding broadband equity access deployment. The $42.5 million 100 of 100 million of which is coming to us to Texas. To support universal access by funding partnerships between states and communities where needed to increase adoption. They have cascading priorities and they are listing the following. They're saying unserved areas are those areas that lack 25 3 megabits per second. Underserved are now 100 over 20 and community anchor institutions must have won over one gigabytes gigabits, and these are libraries and schools. [1:07:28 AM] And so they're also saying that locations that are served exclusively by satellite or entirely unlicensed spectrum will now be considered unserved. So maybe that helps because I think that they're creating the new baseline. That is very helpful. Thank you for that. Ah, I think that we. It's coming upon us to integrate that those data points into our plan here. And I'd like for us to discuss that further, although I do want to give a chance for commissioner scoop to ask a question or react to the information we just received. Yeah I think that is a wonderful in a sort of segue to what I've been saying. For the last couple of months, and that is, you know if you assume that by the way. I have very high service somewhere in the morning when very few people are connected, and later on after eight o'clock, I get [1:08:29 AM] superior service because everybody's not retiring. Because there are lot of retired folks who go to sleep already. And so when they log off, I get fantastic service multi point multi point drop network, so I keep bleeding megabits as the wire comes towards me. But in any case, I think we should have minimum requirement. Say if you assume that 25 megabits per student is what is essential for them to do their homework and do website search and do multiple uploads and downloads. Assuming that there are 23223 students and one adult logged in, you're looking at at least three customers for household 3 to 4. If you multiply that by 25. It's a minimum 75 where I think 100 is the sweet spot that preaching be targeting as a city gold. And if you look at areas like, Lamar [1:09:29 AM] and rutberg, those are the areas where we had immense difficulty during our senses in reaching out to social media. Those are the areas that are classically be described as underserved. And so those are the areas we should re targeting with the minimum requirement for 100 mega weeks 100 100 down at least 10 to 20 up up. Enough, said. Thank you for that. Any other feedback? Yes communicates, right? I have an additional question for miss kotani. About all of this money that's coming to Texas. Was it ever resolved about whether urban areas would get some of this money, or was it all going to rural areas. In other words, this underserved is that only mean rural pause for one brief moment, this is a topic that's [1:10:31 AM] going to come up and later agenda item right where we're now currently focused on the FCC broadband standards specifically so if we could let's go ahead and table that piece. I know that Putin will definitely have feedback on that when we get to the next agenda item. Any other specific feedback pertaining to broadband standards or the discussion here on this. I would like comments from the other. Yes, of course, commissioner that scooter, please allow me to continue. Yes commissioner Garza . Thank you, as commissioner does scoop dimension as a person from Lundberg. I would say I joined this commission for this specific reason only just so I can come and complain about internet speed. So I appreciate you being aware, and I'm here to make sure that we do provide better quality service to my area. Awesome. Thank you for that. Commissioner guards. I really appreciate that. I really [1:11:33 AM] would like to get feedback from everybody on this commissioner. Ah Ford. Yeah, with 100. Big news feed I had when covid started. That's the speed I had in my all those advertised at speed at my house. Check doing a speed test. Throughout the day, I realized it was less depending on the usage of my neighbors. I assume but anything less than full capacity made it pretty hard to run. You know, we were having to run all of our business out of the house during covid, and, that was like three computers. Plus, using one additional commuter resume and everything and if we got loaded up with ah, like if the two of us were on conference calls for or I mean zoom calls. For instance, things begin to buffer, things begin to not work properly. I mean, 100 megabits like when it's when it's fully functional when you're getting what's advertised works. Anything less can be pretty tough, and that's you know, as we have people that are working at home and telecommuting. Now, [1:12:33 AM] I think keeping those standards up is vital. You know, that's for a lot of reasons. I mean, where people were working out of their houses, and also that's one of our one of our plans for reducing traffic and you know, pollution in the city is to keep this hybrid work. Style going. I live in zilker. So I was fortunate to be able to upgrade to a gigabit service. Which for now has solved these problems. But I know not everybody can thank you for that. Ah, our online commissioners. Yeah, I'll quickly chime in. Thank you for sure. Yeah. You know, certainly. Wanted to go with what others have said, 100. Megabytes per second. It's certainly the you know the maximum theoretical speed. For a plan. I myself have have one giga, but speeds on teleconferences all day, [1:13:33 AM] multiple family members in the household. I've done. Many speed tests. Never once have I ever hit that speed. Okay, maximum theoretical speeds. So, you know, I think for us what that means is, you know if we if we do agree as a commission on a certain speed, whether that be 100 or something else, I think in the back of our minds, we just need to know it's gonna end up being being a worse because of a variety of factors. So but you know, with all that said, I'm certainly an advocate for continuing to maximize the speed. For the community. Thank you, vice chair Apodaca and commissioner island before we return to the room. Did you have any thoughts on this? Yeah I mean, I completely agree with whatever everybody has, commenting already on? I think this is just continues to be a challenge that we need to as a commission continued to see how we can make it better for the [1:14:35 AM] community. Thank you for that. Ah, yes, Mr Gates. So this discussion has highlighted the need for a better definition of broadband speed. In other words , you just can't say alright, we're going to give we're going to say we're giving you 100 megabits. There's got to be something better in terms of how many people around there and how much time during the day do you actually have that speed? I know that there are all kinds of metrics for this kind of service. When self when the bell system was still around, and I believe that there has to be some kind of better definition of metrics. Other than what is in in this consumer guide because it's really fuzzy. Yes ah, you know, I take your point. [1:15:37 AM] In fact, proactively. Ah the last document. Maybe this is a good segue. The getting broadband Q and a the consumer guide document. Ah, the last one that I shared. If I can speak to that, and then we can talk about that and then close this item out with our action and or next steps. Ah! If you could be so kind as to share that. FCC consumer guide getting broadband Q and a. I want to speak to this because I think, we will need to either be in receipt of and an updated document like this from the FCC that reflects ah, forthcoming standards as cotton suggested. Or. To create one of our own for our community. [1:16:37 AM] Because to your point there are a lot of questions that are fuzzy. And this. Q and a. I think it's too that I think as we work to, ah, to create the document. We can clarify this confusion for the community or two communicate in the updates from the sec, so to read this again. Okay I don't want to read the whole document. But I do want to, read portion of it. So from the top getting broadband Q and a what is broadband? Broadband or high speed internet access allows users to access the internet and internet related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through dialect services. Broadband speeds vary significantly, depending upon the technology and level of service ordered broadband services for residents, consumers typically provide faster downstream speeds from the internet to your computer, then upstream speeds from your computer to the internet. How [1:17:39 AM] does it work? Broadband allows users to access information on the internet using one of several high speed transmission technologies transmissions, digital meaning that text images and sound are all transmitted as bits. Of data. The transmission technologies that make broadband possible move these bits more quickly than traditional telephone and wireless connections. Including traditional dial up internet access connections. What are the advantages? What are its advantages? Broadband is an important tool for expanding educational economic opportunities for consumers in remote locations. Broadband allows you to take advantage of service is not available or not convenient to use. The dollar connection. Such as voice of ripe or voice over internet protocol, which is what sorority or alternative to traditional voice to telephone service. Probably makes telemedicine possible. Patients in rural areas can confer online with medical specialists in more than more urban areas. And share information and test results [1:18:39 AM] very quickly. Broadband helps you efficiently access and use many reference and cultural resources to be on the internet. You also need broadband to best take advantage of many distance learning opportunities like online college university courses and continuing or senior education programs. Robin allows you to shop online more quickly and efficiently. What types are available. Broadband can provided over different platforms. Digital. Subscriber line. Also on his dsl cable modem, fiber, wireless and satellite. The broadband technology you choose will depend on a number of factors. These include how broadband internet access is packaged with other services like voice, telephone and home and entertainment. Price and service availability. They then go into a description of different services. I'm not going to describe each service, but I'm going to list them. And then we'll speak to them. Digital [1:19:42 AM] subscriber line dsl as I mentioned earlier cable modem. Fiber. Wireless. Satellite. Then it goes to getting broadband in your area. Contact your local library and see if it has applied for the federal E rate program, which subsidizes broadband to libraries and schools. Contact local government officials and ask what they can do to attract broadband service providers to area is typically expensive to extend broadband network to a new area. Your country municipal municipality. May be able to offer a broadband provider video franchise rights. Making building out broadband network more attractive to provincial providers. Talk with your state government or state public service commission. To see what is being done or can be done to get broadband to your area. For more information. For your state public service commission. Check then the N a. R U. C S regulatory commission's web page and as before they provide [1:20:43 AM] information on how to reach them and alternate formats. Ah! With that I'd like to open it up for reflection to this certainly for feedback, which will likely include a feedback from our senior consultant. Ah and from our commissioners, I'd like to begin. Bye. Speaking to the types available. Ah! I think that. One of the things that's important for us to offer in this document is ah. A. Understanding of what. Services are available in our geographic area. We obviously as a community and a city. Ah serve more than just the city of Austin. We served Austin metro if you will, and or expanded areas that include people commuting from rural and [1:21:44 AM] suburban areas around town. And that's a very important distinction because our community includes people that are included with then. Plainly. Underserved and unserved areas based upon the FCC, existing standards and those less plainly, affected by ah! These challenges. Within. Currently served areas. But yet with challenges because the service they receive is not reflective. Of the broad community. So because of challenges we have within our ah, our geography. Ah, very comprehensive focus is needed. So that would naturally reflect ah, you know, the providers in surrounding counties. And. Those affecting [1:22:44 AM] our commuters to and in and out of the city of Boston. For work and life. I think that ah. It's clear that what broadband is or should be. Ah has changed. So I would anticipate that. Future guidelines would be amended significantly to reflect. Outmoded technologies. And speeds that are required to truly. Function and to make the advantages now, that are spoken to of broadband. But with that I'd like to open it up. Especially since we've already received insights from our senior consultant. I'd like to begin. By giving our. Expert a chance to share her insights and [1:23:45 AM] insights that you may learn from from FCC as well as, I see now our program officer. Excuse me, our department officer. Rinella Hawkins has joined us. So hello, ladies. Would you like to share anything or any insights on this particular piece? I think Mandela, our telecommunications and regulatory affairs officer has some wonderful insights. Hello good evening. It's brondello Hawkins. It's really good to see you all and I've been listening to this conversation. And I just wanted to echo that. We have been advocating the city of Boston and many Mr calvez said that advocating that the 25 the FCC broadband definition of 25. Up and three down his way inadequate and we want at least 100 up and down. And that's because we are building this. Highway. I'm going to say information highway. For the future. We do not want to have [1:24:46 AM] like the basic like what? Well, 25 3 is good for one household and one application. It's because we need to build for the future and as telehealth applications, and there's much more video applications that are coming our way. We don't want to let you know. Settle for less. We need to look for the future. And that's why I am so strongly , is support of at least 101 100 down. As far as the speeds and it is, it is just it's just like the essential service and I just wanted to share my thoughts. And supporting the commission's view that we have to. We have to settle for more, not less or not. What the you know the standard is or what? The status quo. It's and these companies, you know that build out the infrastructure. In our community that if you have more people using the band, you know, using [1:25:48 AM] internet service at one time of the day than the other well, then it's inadequate that's underserved. We need to be able to accommodate, and everyone has the you know the service that regardless of you are a one person household or a four person household with three devices or five devices. It just it just should be. Ah it's the minimum. It's at least 100 up at 100 down, so I just wanted to support the commission and just share my views and we have been advocating at the you know. The cities across the country to the FCC that this whole broadband definition of 25 3 is way under you know it. It's great. I mean, if you're in a community that doesn't have any internet. It's okay. But why? Why why should we settle for that? That is like to me is more of a look to the future. So I just wanted to put in my comments and thank you all very much. Thank you so much for [1:26:50 AM] that Mandela really appreciate that. And your leadership. In the space. Anything to add to that cotton yes, I do. I think that it's actually, it's very strategic and very visionary to future proof the city in terms of having going for what would be hundreds over 100 ubiquitous because it's great that now that they're actually putting in the rules that underserved is 100 over 20 so that gives us somewhere to start. We can say great, yes, that is underserved , but we're looking for ubiquitous 100 100. So I think that's really important. Also, at some point, we have to decide . You know, the whole, of Texas needs to be connected. Texas is connected open for business. Everyone should be connected. The challenge with looking at needs of individuals and households over the whole city in ubiquitously connected 100 100. Is that we're going to run [1:27:51 AM] into a little bit of challenge because there's people and affordability becomes a problem for Austin. We may think we're solving digital equity, but we may not be because folks can't afford to live in Austin. So if we could say that we're offering 100 100, then leave the state by saying we are one of the municipalities that is not only advocating with the FCC but also the Texas broadband development office and the service providers that we know we can collaborate with them in the right way to ensure that this would be offered in Austin. I think that we can definitely do that. Thank you for that. Gautam really appreciate it. Ah and I said commission, Dasgupta has his hand up. Yeah. Vespers fantastic . Both Randall and this is you know, this is this is like music . However, I want to take a step back. I looked at the Q and a. There is one term. Missing and we need to add that and while all this conversation was going [1:28:52 AM] on, I ran a speed test. My provider is very proud to remind me that they upgraded me from 200 to 3 15 without increasing my rate. Sumit. I get 3 50 or two A.M. In the morning. I just ran a test and I can tell people are signing off because I'm at 3 45. 10 o'clock it dropped to less than 150. If most people are allowed in okay, so there has to be a new term in the vocabulary in and the Q and a. It's called the guaranteed minimum speed. And that is what 100 should be. If I get guaranteed at two o'clock in the morning, those students who are doing their homework are asleep at two o'clock in the morning. Having 100 at that time doesn't mean anything. It's guaranteed minimum speed in the evening at six o'clock in the evening when they're doing their homework. [1:29:52 AM] Here here needs to go into that. Q and a thank you for that commission. Dasgupta can agree with you more. I think. In fact, that was the very spirit of this right with our our commission was that we need to have a minimum that's actually adequate. Write a minimum standard that's actually adequate. So thank you so much for that because you're absolutely right. You're absolutely right. Anybody else have any other feedback or questions? Okay, well, I'm sorry. Commissioner island, please. One. When was the 25 3 established? As the baseline. That's a good question. This is Ron Della. It was established, probably. Oh, like whenever the there was a national broadband at. Creative I'm gonna say maybe about six years ago. I'm sorry. I just yeah, the years kind of. [1:30:53 AM] Yeah, go fast, so yes, it was. It's very dated. This was a step . Yeah that speed was dated way back when so that's why we're all advocating. Like you know, this is to you know 2022 2021 22 22. The applications, the video, the bandwidth and all that is much we need much more. And so that is way. Inadequate. 25 3. No I also wonder if there's a way to, you know, emphasized the need to reassess this right? Is it an annual basis? Or is it every couple of years where we look at the state and the future of technology and how it's been progressing? And make sure that we are always, you know? Running running the tests and making sure that everything is properly done for the community as the growth of the technology, you know as well goes you know, and I think that's where there is a lag between what the federal the [1:31:54 AM] abscesses definition is of a of a category of the service with broadband speed. What have you and then? Where where things are going in the industry where the market is where the applications are. There's a lag between what is actually you know, adequate and what's in reality, so yeah, but we are happy to see that in the in this federal funding that the broadband speeds while the bayberry ah, they are encouraging higher speeds for qualifying for the funding. But there's not been an official FCC actions, saying that broadband speed is higher than 25 3. So there's conflicting. Information but we can always advocate for a lot higher speeds. I great. Thank you. Thank you for that commission island. And thanks for the response of vanilla. Jesse has a statement to me just a quick answer to the question did a quick search in the 25 3 [1:32:55 AM] standard was passed in 2000 and 15. At the time. The standard was four megabytes per second down and one up. So we got. Yeah some relative improvement, so if we can get the same kind of scale then that might be okay. Right. But we need to like now. Any other questions about this one. Okay well, we have a lot of good insight. I think now to, take back to the working group. I know that. Ah! If I advocated for an action now, it would be that we do that that we ah! Basically round out. Our initial research by, getting this specific details from that gotten [1:33:56 AM] shared about the existing funding plans and what they requiring to help guide us. That we. Continue and go ahead and, extend the invitation to all the other regional providers to provide their feedback. On what the new standards should be. Ah, and then that we essentially work on that. Research and what it could yield from a resolution in the working group. Ah prior to our next meeting with the goal of having a draft to consider of our resolution at the next meeting. So that includes at least I know and ask , of our staff liaison to reach out. We've already engaged Google. We've already engaged T Mobile. Ah so the ask is to [1:34:57 AM] engage all the other providers. Ah and give them an opportunity to share. We want, of course to set a standard so the idea of involving the providers is to begin with feasibility. And give them a chance to lead. Ah and perhaps in gender, a little healthy competition. For establishing what the standard should be. So. To keep that moving. We just need to get more information from the providers. Ah, so I guess then. With that, unless there's any other questions or. Discussion on this item. I think we've got a prayer pretty clear next step. Based on what I'm seeing in the room from a consistent Stample and head nods and online and feedback about this issue. Yes, commission Dasgupta. I completely agree with what you said. But with the caveat the [1:35:58 AM] reality is that in most neighborhoods here, there's maybe one or two provide them. One of them in my neighborhood there to one of them provides 3 50, which is what I have. The other one offers 50. So there is a lack of competition. So if you get all of these providers in the same room will we really be able to push? Them together, saying, okay, you all need to deliver more. What is it? What what is the challenge for them to listen to us to respond to and they really got almost a monopolistic. Distribution of the city. Yeah I'd like to answer that. And I'd like to give everyone a chance to frank. Frankly opine on that, minus your thoughts are of this. Ah! I think that defining what broadband is a big part of it. Because what we're seeing is carriers. Work in the mobile space to redefine what that is [1:37:00 AM] without having ah, the blessing of the FCC. And. And so doing, they're trying to elevate. Ah at least to claim the capability advanced capabilities that would elevate the standard. Well I think that we need to establish an agreement about what broadband is, and that includes what technologies and that's the reason why I didn't want to go into. Ah, just take the time of listing out. Outmoded technologies has broadband even though they are currently considered broadband. Ah right. I think that we could be looking at, you know, the addition naturally of fixed wireless of five G of you know other things that would be included. And be considered broadband. And so, like you said, getting all the providers in the room will give them a chance to then. Establish who's actually competing with who, you know. Right now, there's only so much competition for wired providers, obviously, [1:38:00 AM] but people are experiencing broadband services, or at least the current standard of broadband services and a variety of ways. So that's my that's my initial reaction to your your question that your statement anybody else have any other thoughts on that? Maybe Joe Pitts, just a couple of things so under, the infrastructure investment and jobs act as well as the broadband equity access to deployment act. It was two of them together. They are saying that criteria for reliable broadband services fiber optic cable modem hybrid fiber co ax technology, digital subscriber line and fixed wireless entirely licensed spectrum and hybrid of licensed and unlicensed spectrum so that there is an effort to begin to identify speeds begin to identify service criteria. And so I think this is quite timely, because, we could [1:39:01 AM] definitely give feedback. You all could give feedback. To the broadband development office, and we're just set for yourselves. What is the standard for Austin in terms of more competition? These are the standards. These are the speeds. And building out the federal communications commission is looking for a lot of public private partnerships, and we've been working on public private philanthropy partnership, so that's something that providers are very keen on plugging into. Because there are these federal dollars coming in, and if you like share Pitts, I can give a very quick overview on the timelines just to see where the incentives might be. Is that all the providers rightfully so are very much Keenan getting connected to the broadband development office and the local communities to be able to draw down these funds through offering the services that they need to in order to qualify, so [1:40:03 AM] that is an incentive that is being said by the federal government. Great thank you for that, Colton. I think there will be an opportunity to talk about some of those dates in our next agenda item. So ah, I think we're almost there. Thank you for that. Response, though, in additional feedback about the standards. So I guess then unless there's any other thoughts on this one, I think we got a good next step on this and again. It's to, take this on and the working group with, the assistance of Colton. And then to work towards having something in draft mode. By our next commission meeting. So. Okay so with that, then we can go ahead and proceed in our agenda. Turned on the item. Three. B. The commission discussion on the digital inclusion strategic plan. And we're going to have to [1:41:05 AM] make these conversations little brief, but I think there will be, robust enough considering we've got. Additional things to dive into for each ah and are working groups later. Ah, so. As. Many of you know, and for the benefit of our bar new commissioner, we have, a digital inclusion strategic plan. That the city drafted ah! Some time ago. And we are now. In the process of providing our our. Feedback frankly, and, request if you will for ah, an update on the plan that's now occurring formally, although we've been in direct communication with Colton and with Mandela. And Jesse as [1:42:08 AM] interim program manager about the status of the of the strategic plan. There is a timeline that's already been established that I'll give, coltan a chance to speak to for that plan. The purpose of this agenda item, frankly, is. To reflect a sense of urgency that this commission has about the strategic plan. Particularly in light of. Ah conversations. I've been privileged to be in that included, an introduction to our. Digital equity officer, newly appointed Angela Bennett for the national telecommunications. Information administration and information administration on. What it will be required to compete for many of the funds, that were alluded to earlier. Although I know as I mentioned anticipate coltan will speak to these. I do want to briefly. Speak to them myself because of [1:43:09 AM] ah! How much funding is represented, and the opportunity that it represents for our community. So as referred, that's what's referred to earlier ah, the. The infrastructure bill or the I. J a is a large focus. Ah, but in particular. The B program. Which stands for broadband equity and access deployment. Will allocate 42 billion in funding and this was mentioned, that is competitive. Ah rather excuse me the beat program. It's not competitive, but it's a state program, the enabling middle mile broadband infrastructure program. Ah! And then also the digital equity. Act programs, which is deep. That is 2.75 billion and funding. Ah and that [1:44:11 AM] will be competitive for communities here regionally and the reason why I wanted to make mission of that is because we have an opportunity to demonstrate the. Leadership that we have demonstrated historically in this space ah, with technology. And. Two ah, ah , frankly, to show the type of consistency and leadership. Strategy collaboration with other communities. Ah that will be required, frankly, to seize the moment for these funds. I think that our commission has reflected ah! Support for this and a variety of key ways. Ah and in no small part and advocating for having our ah! Measure Austin fellow that was Colton become a full time consultant. Ah and so. What I'm [1:45:14 AM] suggesting. Is that now our commission needs. To help as best we can. Bye. Formalizing a resolution. Ah, that shows. Our sense of urgency and our need, to have direct input. And to be involved in the formulation of the strategic plan. And to be clear that has already been outlined as an opportunity that we will have, and so this is really a formality to reflect the moment and timing. With particular reference to a deadline that we were told that was shared by Angela Bennett. During our meeting. We were told that by early July. And that's the date that I look for our senior consultant to level set and confirm that she's aware of that will need to have a strategic plan to be able to provide. To participate in some [1:46:18 AM] of these competitive funding rounds. Even though it won't necessarily need to be the final strategic plan. It will need to be a strategic plan. And so as is reflected in communications to most commissioners, and so maybe not to commissioner Garza. There was a response. Ah by our officer, Mandela, Hawkins that spoke to our efforts within, as a city. Generally being marshaled by the telecommunications and regulatory affairs office. And our senior consultant as well as our our officer. Two. Manage digital, the digital divide. In direct response to a request for information that was made by councilor Fuentes. Ah believe the specific question was will we be able to. Close the digital [1:47:21 AM] divide in Austin or or how we will be able to, and I would like to maybe get some some validation of what specific question was because it was a general question, but, you know, in fairness to councilor Fuentes, it was phrased specifically, and then our response was one that reflected comprehensively all the different things we're doing to address it. So with that I'd like to pass it off to, cotton to react and then give us a chance to have more discussion. Absolutely I, if I may take the ladder first, the former first and then we'll talk about the latter, which is about the deadlines and the funding. Ah so I sat through the broadband development office board of advisors meeting on June 1st, and it was very interesting. The controller was present, as was the director of the broadband development office, and they were reporting back to the advisory board. And what became very clear is that they have a [1:48:23 AM] statute Torrey deadline for the Texas plan. It has to be released to the public on June 15th. But the understanding is that this is a living document. It is not a final document by any standards and that anyone can offer feedback. By the end of the year. They're going to look at it again and they're going to try to update it. The reason for that is the Texas legislature gave them that deadline before realizing that they were going to be other plans that the federal government was going to require. Namely that there is a letter of intent for the broadband equity access deployment, which is $42.5 million 100 of which will come to Texas. There needs to be a letter of intent from the governor. That's due on July 18 , and they need to have a five year strategic plan ready by then, or begin the process of planning the strategic plan. To begin the negotiation process [1:49:24 AM] with the federal government. That initial proposal by the state of Texas on that strategic plan will be submitted by the end of 2023. They have one year at the broadband development office to develop their strategic plan to begin the negotiation with the federal government on drawing down more funds, and they will have four years of implementation. From 2024 to 2028 2nd is that in the infrastructure investment, the planning application deadline is July. 12 and Texas will have one year of planning around digital equity in 2023, the first capacity grants. There will be awarded by the Texas broadband development office will not even begin until mid 2024. So we're going to have about a year and a half to do whatever we need to do to ensure that we're able to be part of that planning, and that's the four year competitive implementation project. And then [1:50:26 AM] there are very specific rules about what they're looking for. As I was saying they do have cascading priorities. Unserved first. Then underserved, which we would perhaps qualify at least some parts because it's now 100 over 20 community anchor institutions, so library school districts and we want to make sure that they're also so they they be in the federal government is intertwining equity and infrastructure. So if state of Texas is going to talk about infrastructure, they have to talk about equity. If they're going to talk about equity, they have to talk about infrastructure. So these two plans are going to inform and talk to each other. And then they're gonna take these two plans and update the Texas plan that they have statutory deadline of June to provide which Ernst and young is helping them right and then they're going to get a lot of feedback around it. The challenge is that they still don't know the details of the call for the [1:51:26 AM] notice of funding. They have no way of truly measuring anything . There's no measurable plan. All of that is in development. The other thing that they're trying to figure out is the rule of the I guess. Ps under. I believe it's the beat funding. There's a cost sharing match that sub guarantees which are the sps need to match 25% of the project cost and any money that they received from the federal government will be taxed at 21% as taxable income. So there is a concern from the controller and his office that this is going to be a barrier for entry for I S P S at the same time they are being required to offer the affordable connectivity program . They have made a commitment to the $30 a month and $50. For one time for a device to be able to offer a low cost, and now we learned that there is also a, so [1:52:29 AM] the midlevel costs so a low and then low income and then midlevel income. So $30. And then what? So they have isps have a lot that they're trying to manage and figure out, as does the broadband development office, as does FCC. So, what Angie Bennett was telling us. I believe chair Pitts is that the state plan needs to be ready by July so that they can begin the discussions with the federal government. They want to see that the state of Texas as well as every other state. Has a strategic plan of how they're going to intertwine and Mary both equity as well as infrastructure with the cascading priorities of unserved. Underserved then community anchor institutions. So Randall and I are attending a convening, that we were invited to by miss Bennett and pew charitable trust. In Cleveland at the end of the month, where [1:53:29 AM] the directors of the broadband offices will be there as well as en ti ia and we're going to learn a little bit more so we can certainly report back. In July as well. Great. Thank you for that. I really appreciate that. That's. I have a question here. First of all, that was an incredible amount of information . Would you please put that into an email and so that it can be distributed to the commission? That's really important information. Second question is. What is your opinion on the ability of the city to actually snag some of this money? Compared to like the rural areas. Yes absolutely. And to your earlier question, commissioner. There is so we are part of the cities and counties [1:54:32 AM] broadband collaborative. So this is together we represent over 73% of the total population of Texas. So it is Austin and Travis county, San Antonio and bear county, Houston. And Harris county, El Paso, Dallas and fort Worth and we meet once a month, and we're all the urban centers . It is not a coalition. It is a collaborative where we're sharing resources talking about challenges on the ground level and talking about what each city is doing. We also this is the programmatic, broadband group that are meeting and we've also invited our intergovernmental relations to also attend that meeting, so they're also part of these discussions and we meet with the director of the broadband development office. Greg conte is wonderful. He's very responsive. He's very collaborative. And he's even asking for the, the policy priorities of the city. So we're [1:55:33 AM] trying to collaborate on that. It's all very, very collaborative. Everyone is working together to ensure that all of Texas is going to be connected rural as well as urban . We're trying to ensure that we're focused on served and underserved rather than rural and urban. We don't want to create false dichotomies. It's all of Texas, and we'll do whatever we can to ensure everyone in Austin and beyond is connected. Right thank you. For that. I'd read somewhere where? In Texas like 75% of the population inhabits like 23% of the land. And I think you just confirm that with your statistic. Thank you for that commission. Yeatts. Yes, Mr dot scoop to ah, let me play back for heard from Colton. And you can correct me if I'm wrong. The dime liner heard was that between now and the end of 2024 [1:56:35 AM] . We are mostly going to be putting our documents together negotiating with the federal government getting the money, etcetera. And then finally, from the beginning of 25 through 28. He's been on implementation is going to happen. So let's take a midpoint 26. 25 26 26. That's man. You know we were talking earlier discussion about minimum speed of 100 megabits up and down. In 26. That may be too little. I think that's a sorry chair. Pitts if I made it respond, please please go ahead. I think that that's a very interesting point. So this is part of our great segue way to talk about the strategic plan. One of the things that we're thinking about, and we're very excited to be talking to national partners is Austin. You all have done such an incredible job with Rondell a. And John spears and Jesse and the commission and all the partners. [1:57:37 AM] In ensuring that Austin is at the forefront of digital inclusion. So when we look at other communities were a few steps ahead. So what we're trying to figure out to begin to we're thinking about it. We're planning towards it is not what's next? It's what's after what's next. And in order for us to plan for that we have to be fully present with that means is in terms of all technology and capabilities. We have to be at the cutting edge of it with our thinking and planning. And what is truly possible in Austin. And what where are we going next? And we are beginning to talk to, the economic development office . We've been talking to the equity office. We're talking to other partners internally externally just to understand. Where is everyone else's strategic plan headed and how do we then? Position Austin to not only be future ready, but it's almost I don't know if this term [1:58:39 AM] even means anything to us, but digital citizenship of a different level and ensuring no one gets left behind. What is that look like because we are sort of a semi hybrid. Not quite hybrid. We're going to go to hybrid and then we're going to go online or it seems like that's the trend. If that's true , how do we ensure that no one gets left behind and that everyone is connected? So it's an essential service so I can speak a lot more to that. But we are. We should have a public information officer coming on board. Hopefully in the next month or so, and they're going to have a lot of the reason we are waiting for that team member to come in to begin to work on the strategic plan is that it's going to have both digital and non digital outreach portion, and we need to have an expert to also be able to help us think through that part. So we're starting that process, but it's really almost future forecasting and trying to figure out and as you know, with future scenario planning, you can have 3 to 5 different scenarios. But we need [1:59:40 AM] to figure out five maybe way too much for us, but at least have a couple if we go around a what do we see? And we can't. Unfortunately we're not like the Rand corporation of the 19 sixties where they could forecast for 20 years. Nobody can do that. When it comes to technology anymore. It's going to be at the maximum. 3 to 5 years, but we're trying to build a system for 25 years that we can only see five year increments of it. But I am absolutely open to guidance. If you have anything. Please data board me with any information of this kind of future casting so we can begin to think through that. Champions. Mayor comment on that. Yes, please go right in. So if you you know, this was I mean, I'm just having a little boiling this discussion. This is this is this is this is really nerdy, nerdy stuff. I love this so when I listen to, you gotta think need to divide the problem [2:00:40 AM] into two pieces. One is what's inside the house. Gave ability that we have to deliver, deliver at the fingertips. And the technology that has to be outside the house to deliver that to the fingertips, and they may be entirely different. Because if you want to be future ready, you can't say well, I need 100 at the fingertips, so therefore the wires have to be no better than 230 50 megabits. The future, maybe all wireless, which means we may be focal. We may be forced to focus on five G wireless to be able to give us the open. System that will allow us to grow as we move. Yes if I may respond to your Pitts. Sure I am doing a lot of research on the migration from three G to five G right now. There actually was a convening in Austin a few weeks ago that I did not. [2:01:40 AM] Unfortunately here about Intel had sponsored it on five G. There's a lot of theory, but I've been talking to some practitioners about what five G means and what they can actually develop, so commissioner Dasgupta, I'm happy to chat with your anyone else whom you know who's actually focused on five G a lot of his theoretical right now, but we have to build the capabilities for it. But this is such a premature discussion. But just to let you know that research is being done. Thank you. Thank you for the question and for the response. It's clear that, we are moving in the right direction with this. And at the same time that you know we're waiting. You know, for certain things, right? Necessarily. Ah and we're still pressed for time. I'd like to give ah, anyone who hasn't had a chance to win yet ask questions about the this should include strategic plan to do so now. [2:02:46 AM] Okay well, the main purpose again, this discussion was for us to prioritize. Ah as a commission. Ah! Again. Consideration around a resolution. For this and. Very much like ah, the last item. This necessarily needs to go to the working group. And ah I know that. We. Amended the ah invitation for working group discussions on a kind of as needed basis. But it could be so kind as to have you, Colton join us during our next working group discussion. So we can discuss then candidly, what would go into a resolution supporting this with your support and then prepare for a draft by the next meeting. That'd be great. Awesome she's a she's nodding. Yes, an agreement y'all and two thumbs up. Okay well with that, [2:03:49 AM] then let's go and move on to our next agenda item here. Three C. The commission discussion on intelligent infrastructure resolution. For context again for our new commissioner Garza and and for everyone else who hasn't everyone is listening or not online. He wasn't aware. We have agreed by consensus, to draft a resolution showing support for. Infrastructure for advanced services and intelligent infrastructure. And it's one which. May or may not show formal support for a named thought. Leader who has presented to us the autonomy institute in the space, however. It will remain supportive of the concepts. We know that for sure . I have been, in communication with variety of. People on this [2:04:54 AM] topic, so I wanted to kind of get that all out there now as it pertains to the resolution, really with certain data points in mind. First off. Jeff take, the executive director of the autonomy institute, shared with me that he has have he has ongoing outreach to ah, Jason John Michael within Austin transportation. Ah and is working towards getting an mou. Memo of understanding of understanding. From. Jason John Michael in Austin transportation. Ah I have confirmed with Jason John Michael and also transportation that he has requested a template for the mou based upon one that was blessed by legal and we have invited him to join our next working group discussion about that. And to then advanced. Our discussion of the resolution with his input in mind in [2:05:54 AM] particular. In the meantime, I was also shared. Excuse me some information we share with me from Jeff take about support from Travis county. Ah, that he is working on confirming and. A draft of a resolution. Which was written for and or. Written for, it's an it's an aspirational document this point based upon the data that I've been able to confirm written by the autonomy institute written for Travis county. And it's the kind of document that our resolution could also mirror ah, so. I just want to speak to a couple of the points because I cannot share it directly. But without actually been reading it well, since I can't share directly now what I [2:06:56 AM] want to speak to is how it it's aligned with our strategic outcomes. In fact, I feel obliged to, to read portion of it even though I can't display it. I do want to read it because it's a draft mode that we might share language from or use language from. Okay? [2:08:02 AM] It speaks to first and where I statements recitals. About. The role of Travis county being recognized as one of the most innovative, innovative counties. Clearly Austin, similarly is one of the most innovative cities. And it's growing at an accelerated pace. It then speaks to Travis county being the owner of the greater Austin area telecommunications network, otherwise known as gotten and the combined transportation energy and communications center , known as the C T. E. C. C. It then speaks to the advantage of having a partner. Like. Being excuse me. It speaks to the role of intelligent infrastructure. Providing a foundation for Travis county to provide ah, solutions for social issues. More responsive services. And to [2:09:03 AM] develop a future a better future for the community. As is directly pertinent to us as we discussed. It speaks to how intelligent infrastructure could eliminate the digital divide supporting worst workforce development, enabling new science technology engineering mathematics. And to help vision zero mobility goals. It speaks to how. A national public. Information network node. Public private partnership program. Could enable communities to accelerate the deployment of the technologies that we mentioned earlier. In collaboration with industry, academia government including municipal governments, like Travis county and the city of Boston. It continues to talk [2:10:04 AM] about. Intelligent infrastructure. Integrated intelligent infrastructure for advanced services being foundational for resilient states, cities, counties and communities. In industry four point oh, it continues to talk about how the goal. Would be two. Support the adoption of intelligent infrastructure for more robust community services mobility. Agriculture delivery. Emergency response. Public safety, environmental monitoring national security. Infrastructure inspection, automated services industrial repair. Autonomous systems, including cars, trucks, shuttles , industrial robotics drones and urban air. And speaks to the desire to determine this suitability. Of a national pen. [2:11:06 AM] Which stands for public information network node P three initiative for deployment in the city. Now when they say P three. They're referring to public private partnership. Ah, but we don't necessarily have to only. They then go into being the resolution itself. Resolving that. There'll be a recognition of the mutual interests and benefits. In a collaborative agreement. That would advance intelligent infrastructure to express ah! Rather excuse me. To explore the feasibility of engaging in one or more cooperative projects, programs, deployments, policy pursuits and or research activities. And this is by. An entity they're encouraging, like the autonomy institute or specifically, the autonomy institute. Further states that. Travis county would [2:12:07 AM] support the deployment. By example, the city of Boston would support the deployment of intelligent infrastructure road . I mean, intelligent Patricia roadmap with relevant departments of commissions. Immunity department partners stakeholders, including local technology, local technology community. To inform policy decision making identify intelligent infrastructure initiatives to tackle local challenges and improve our city services and identify potential public and private funding opportunities for these initiatives. It continues to describe how the aspiration is that. The county would cooperate and collaborate to identify solutions and support project deliveries relating to intelligence infrastructure, including but not limited to. Probably agreements public private partnerships and other alternative other alternate project delivery models. Additional ancillary projects seeking to provide communication network upgrades. Energy grid upgrades related services for [2:13:07 AM] the purpose of expanding opportunities to improve operations and availability. Of county services that include the following departments and the resources it lists community vision, communications, public safety transportation. City state leadership, public works or planning. Energy department real estate public policy community engagement, equity financing and operations legal it lists the following of government objectives. Digital inclusion, intelligent infrastructure, urban design, public policy and regulation. Zones, corridors and regions electrical grid. Solution providers. Digital infrastructure operational partners. Transportation systems. Financing operations, design engineering and then fit physical easements. As I mentioned. This is an aspirational resolution that [2:14:08 AM] this potential model for us to consider as a commission. As well to show support for intelligent infrastructure. I think that. We are doing the right thing by being deliberate. And including. And again for the record for the sake of our commissioner. Ah! There's already been a delegation of infrastructure advanced services to Austin transportation and to specifically Jason John Michael. So we think we're doing the right thing by inviting him to come to our working group and to discuss this with us, and that is forthcoming. So with that steps already been taken ah! I would like, actually, especially with, cortana available now. To invite you to join that working group discussion as well. [2:15:09 AM] Particularly because increasingly, we can tell how. Resolution showing support for this could impact a digital inclusion strategic plan as well. We're talking about delivering impact of digital inclusion in such a robust way. So what I would like to get conformation of today is that there is agreement. That we? We should include photon Harmon in this discussion, even though her focus is needed on inclusion. We know that because her focus on the digital inclusion plan includes broader focus that would include intelligent infrastructure from an innovation standpoint. Which, as we just got to discussing is going to be key to future proofing or to any kind of forward thinking planning. I would like to get support for her to be involved in and ah. This evaluation bar commission [2:16:10 AM] of the autonomy institute. And ah! Consideration for what this resolution should state to make it more feasible. And with that , I'd like to open up the discussion and I'm seeing already nod here. Black commissioner Yeatts. I concur with that. It seems to dovetail with our our plans. For the. The infrastructure working group. You need that infrastructure in order to create the, the broadband capability, which will then create the digital equity. So they're all combined. They're all connected. Any thoughts from the room and then we'll switch to online. I don't have a lot to add other than thank you for the context, but I agree, I guess technically, definitions include digital inclusion is very broad band heavy, but I don't think of it like you cannot have one without the other. If you're [2:17:11 AM] going to have smart services, how do you not think about the word? Are those services included, too? Ah and so as it was mentioned by commissioner Yeatts. Yeah you cannot have one without the other and as we were talking about this project, planning that if we're already thinking state level that equity has to be combined with infrastructure, and then it's just mix like the perfect not excused, but the perfect reason for those individuals to be invited into the working group. Okay. Thank you. Yes anybody online? Wanna share any feedback? Her thoughts on that? I didn't quickly. Amen. Yes, please grant. Yeah, always. Always excited to have co thons thoughts, her subject matter, expertise and any conversation. So, just want to just want to make sure that that she, is [2:18:11 AM] comfortable and has a desire to provide that that expertise that's all. Thank you. Thank you. That's a very good point. Ah ah, question asking, just wasn't one moment. Let's go ahead and give. Katana chance to confirm before we I'm like, you know the answer to give a chance to confirm you're so thoughtful . Thank you. I am at the service of the commission. However. You like me to serve, honored. Privileged to serve you so whatever I can do to help and as Randhawa allows me, so Mandela and my on loan to the commission to serve, let's see if she comes on. She's my boss, as you know. I'm so joyful. I think she's off . We'll give her a chance to chat back in later. But thank you for that course. Chair Pitts. I am at your disposal. Okay? Yes, commissioner Dasgupta, go right ahead, please. You're meted out right [2:19:11 AM] now. Unfortunately. No, I just want to completely agree with all the discussions that have happened. Just one question. There are two working groups now have played in this specific area. One, of course, is the infrastructure innovation. The other one is the digital inclusion. So which working group did you have in mind? One or both? Yeah that's a great question. And. I appreciate the advancement of our agenda with that question, but before we get to that, let me just make sure there are no other. Unless it's ah, related to this point, other feedback about of this just validation. It seems like we got broad consensus that we want to cotton to join us, right? I'm seeing nods from Krishna island and emission floor in the room. Okay great. Great okay, so then with that, then it is a good segue because one of the things that that is behind the question, by commissioner Dasgupta. We had a discussion in [2:20:12 AM] our infrastructure working group. About how this issue is broad in scope. And. Although it would be nice if we could address it from the uniquely working group focused ways in each working group. We can't do that without having challenges. Potentially with the walking quorum, because. What it means is, although it might be helpful for, each working group to weigh in on this and then to discuss it and then for stalking back that presents challenges for us. So what it means is we might be well served to create a dedicated working groups. Focused on one of two things. One. The strategic plan. Or to the strategic plan and [2:21:13 AM] intelligent infrastructure. But. Because of the way that the subject matter the quality of the subject matter. I think that would be well served to do that. We would have to in order to do that we would have to come to terms about a meeting time and a meeting schedule. Ah in addition to that, we also have to come to terms about who could participate. Ah, and it would be no more than five commissioners. Ah, so. Although right now this topic has been, really kind of marshaled by two working groups as we're about to find, the addition of another working group, it forced the issue of resolving yeah, resolving this potential walking quorum challenge. So. As I think it [2:22:16 AM] through. Personally, I feel the need to offer my thoughts on it. It is definitely tied intimately tied to the digital inclusion strategic plan. And yet at the same time. I feel as though it would be a disservice. Ah to restricted to just the digital inclusion working group. So. What we need, frankly, is a way to create a new working group. And to easily let down those who won't be able to participate. So. I guess to begin with. I'd like to make sure to extend the opportunity for a new commissioner. Ah! Ah to. Get some insight into all the different working groups. Ah [2:23:17 AM] that way, you can make a choice on what you would have liked to participate in topically. And. To read from our document. You know, we in accordance with the work plan. We rely upon three different functioning. Working groups with five commissioners are less to meet monthly. And advance the outline objectives of the commission. Ah with a structured focus to use used to divide the work of the commission. The meetings allow us to receive private briefings from city staff and partners unimportant, but sensitive matters will also long for discussion deliberation on possible actions, which could advance commission objectives. During our regular meetings like today. Ah the current working group membership. Is as follows the digital inclusion, civic engagement and strategic policy impact working group. Consists of myself. Ah vice chair, [2:24:19 AM] Apodaca. Commissioner island. And commissioner gairo. And commissioner Thompson beaver, so we actually have five members on that working right now. The knowledge information and data stewardship working group. It is currently chaired by vice chair Apodaca. It also includes commissioner Floyd commissioner island. Myself. And has a vacancy. We have. Another working group called the technology infrastructure innovation working group. Which is currently chaired by commissioner Floyd. It includes commission Dasgupta, commissioner gairo. Myself. And commissioner Gates. So. Beginning with our vacancy. I certainly would be remiss if I didn't ask if you were interested in potentially enjoying that working group. Ah! [2:25:19 AM] Very much like it sounds knowledge, information data stewardship. Ah, to give you some examples of topical areas covered by that working group. They include the evaluation of. Data mapping and analysis. Including equitable broadband geographic analysis within those important to you. Includes. Assessing and analyzing, speed up America broadband data. Includes monitoring. The city of Boston. Web design re pro, project, although that is pretty much come to a close. Ah it includes, evaluating and providing direct insights on the residential technology study. Which is going to play an increasing part. With [2:26:20 AM] collaboration from Travis county. It includes. Citywide technology pilot. Audit and assessment. So. As a commission we have agreed to take on an evaluation of our existing software applications and whether or not there's a need for streamlining of that inventory ways that that can be better managed. It includes. Autonomous vehicles and. Smart city technology pertaining to data. So and. Other things, which have yet to frankly be agreed upon by the working group that are focused on the areas of up knowledge, information data stewardship and based upon, intelligent infrastructure, relying upon ah! Robust data throughput. We know it's going [2:27:21 AM] to directly have you know a key role in whatever she planned. We have and whatever. We're looking to promote from a intelligent infrastructure. Resolution. So. Maybe typically, I don't expect you to decide now means but I just want to give you that information. That was a good sell. Yeah I'll be happy to serve. However, you need me. So if that's ah, vacancy that needs , for someone to take on and I'm happy to serve wonderful. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. Okay so, that completes that working group membership. It does. It does leave us and an ideation still for how to create a new working group. Jesse, I'd like to give you a chance to win on your thoughts on the process, we might be able to leverage to do this quickly. No pressure. I don't know about how to do it [2:28:22 AM] quickly, so to create a new working group is simple. We would just have to ah as a commission deliberate on what the commission or with the working group would be handling and then take a vote to ah, assign certain, you know, commission members to that working group, and then it's up. You know that group can meet. Separately to set the details. You know they have at that moment commission to go and figure out the details of the working group, or we can do it in the large group setting depending on you know what what ? Which direction the commission would like to go. I when a one thing that I want to note is that, recent history of the commission has had these three working groups kind of set as broad categories, but it's also fine for the commission to have very specific. Targeted working [2:29:22 AM] groups where they deal with, you know, ah, a topic or a set of, you know, topics that are defined. And so one of the things is we get new commissioners, and I'm always interested on what they're independent interests are, and you know, I'm wondering if there needs to be a commission discussion, either. Ah perhaps at the next meeting. You know, I know that commissioner Garza expressed interest in digital inclusion topics and that was that working group is maxed out. But it's also a working group that we have gotten a lot of commissioners that are interested in. So maybe that one working group can, you know, split out responsibilities in some way to allow for more, you know commissioners to be involved on various facets of that topic, so I don't know that helped. Or ah is gonna complicate things more. But those are my thoughts and happy to facilitate as needed. No, thank you for that, Jesse. No it [2:30:23 AM] did actually, help. I think it gives me some things to think about, because, I think there is an opportunity for us to get deeper. And to have more robust participation if we can make it more interesting for the individuals. Although. A way to do that quickly, is still a challenge. But still, commissioner scoop. Do you raise your hand? And you have your feedback on this? Yeah you know , just, you know, I'm going back to your statement about creating another working group. I am concerned that people have trouble sort of force fitting it into a monthly calendar as to when is a good time to meet, etcetera. So I'm also sensitive to the statement that Jesse had mentioned about walking for him. So my question is. So technology infrastructure working group meets on the first Monday. Renders it digital inclusion working group made because [2:31:25 AM] ultimately there's this convergence of interest between these two working groups. When did when does when does the digital conclusion working good meat, which which week of the month, the first Tuesday. Oh, that that was my suggestion, okay? Yeah yeah. They used to be stacked 123, and then we created pa space for the third. One. To accommodate former vice chair Alexander schedule. Ah and then now I think it's basically but been resolved, but with a new chair of that working group. That's also you know, subject change, so you know so far, but so the suggestion I was welcome, Eric, is that the first Monday the T I working group meets let them report to the commission. Once it's reported to the commission. It's open knowledge within the commission. It's on [2:32:25 AM] tape, etcetera. Everybody knows mine. If the it that the digital inclusion working group could meet the week after that. Then they could take the knowledge already just shared openly within the commission and shared with everybody else in the city. Good form the basis for that discussion, and they couldn't report back to the commission. Would that work? I mean, I don't know. I want to make sure I'm following correctly because the one thing that we need to avoid is, communicating information over email. That. Was discussed in a working group. To the entire commission before we meet as a whole commission. I don't know. I was suggesting meeting answer questions. Like we're gonna recording today. Right right, well as long as the report from the working group takes place. At the commission [2:33:26 AM] meeting. Then there would be no issues violating the walking quorum. Right? That's how I see it, as is right, like commissioner was saying. We had our meeting Monday. So theoretically, like going down the road, we have our meeting first of the month. Then we do this. And then the digital inclusion group meets later. And they can discuss the things that we have already talked about in public that are on the record in this meeting. I don't know. Incorporate that into the Darren X, reported the meeting. Whatever whatever's deliberated on, but I would agree. I think 1/4 group could be a little unwieldy. But you know again, I appreciate that feedback. I think it's also ah, we've got everyone here at least for everyone here, excluding our new commissioner who's is eagerly jumped into joining a new working group. What's the feedback from? Our vice chair or for commissioner island on adding a different another working group and potentially having another meeting scheduled in the month. Think from my [2:34:28 AM] perspective. It might be a little bit difficult to have 1/4 1, but I wonder if we should reevaluate the current topics, I guess for each of the three working groups and see if there's any room. To maybe streamline them in a different way. Or think about them in a different way. Since these have been the same commissions for a while, I know personally, I wouldn't be able to help out if there is 1/4 Wyndham. I'm already on too. And I know where should we already have that vacancy and which potentially, we have filled down, but I know it's not necessarily. We don't always have five commissioners every meeting so I think it might be difficult. To get five commissioners on 1/4 1. Yeah our chime in quickly. Theoretically , I feel like having perhaps it's temporary working group to [2:35:29 AM] focus on any number of topics that that means for a defined period of time, accomplished their task and then is dissolved, as is good in theory, but you know, just work and just thinking through, sort of how that that would work and adding an additional meeting. I I'm leaning more towards commissioner islands statement. Maybe it might be just logistically easier. To have one of the existing working groups at least absorb this task for the time being. Well, thank you for that. Yeah, I ah. Even though like you said, in theory, it would be great. I concur. Ah! I think that what I would like to suggest then. Is a mapping exercise and I'm going to undertake as the next step. To map because. Some of these items [2:36:36 AM] on the work plan have matriculated. And are no longer a point of focus. Others still clearly are and so. It really is a matter of and to your point also, I think something like the digital inclusion strategic plan refresh. Or a intelligent infrastructure. You know, resolution working group. Those are definitely, you know? Finite. Ah, you know, temporary. The working group plans. But it would still be a challenge to get those meetings scheduled. As it has been a challenge to get. Every commissioner participate in in every working group discussions so with that. I think we've got, our next best [2:37:37 AM] move when it comes to, Jenna. Item. Three C. Is. To leverage the very next working group meeting. Frankly, so. What I'm moving forward. Now, is that. For the purposes of. The intelligent infrastructure resolution. That we utilize the. Working group meeting scheduled for Monday with the knowledge information and data stewardship working group. To idea eight with direct insight from Jason Dunn, Michael with Austin transportation. And ah, with Colton. Who has agreed to participate. And ah, with Jeff [2:38:41 AM] taku, who has agreed to participate as well, in that discussion. Ah! So I'm suggesting that we for the time being a sign this matter to the knowledge, information and data stewardship working group because it has the meeting forthcoming. And. Then effectually. Ah! That we be willing to reassign this at the next commission meeting. Potentially back. To the infrastructure working group. So they could take the next step. Ah! So, barring any prohibition from process standpoint, maybe that's a new way to handle it that we handle it. Meeting to meeting by agreement. As a commission. That would certainly work chair, Pitts. But like you, say, only one set of [2:39:42 AM] commissioners would be allowed to work on. That topic in between the larger group meetings, but if it were to be reassigned, that's totally fine during the full commission meeting. Okay so just to be clear what this is advocating, because, this is a serious topic . We've all agreed that we're too busy to have another working group. But because of the season of the topic, we need to expand the audience beyond just existing, the existing infrastructure working group. I think. So what I'm suggesting we do. Is that because we have a need to address this matter. Sooner than the technology infrastructure working group can accommodate. That we re assign it. To the knowledge information and data stewardship working group. For the Monday meeting. [2:40:44 AM] So we can continue to discuss the resolution so we can receive the ah, insights from, Jason John Michael pertaining to this ah as it relates to data, certainly, but other things as well. And that we then. Reconvene at the next commission meeting. To discuss the potential resolution. Chip it. Ah yes, yes, even as I think about that I see challenges. But let's go ahead and see your thoughts. Commissioner scoop. Messages a special called meeting. Of the commission. So that we can meet with Jason John Michael Colton and Jeb to cool so that we are all we'd all be involved in it. So why not call a special call meeting and all of us? Listen to the key players. Because otherwise there's gonna be, he said. She said. This would be too much confusion. Let's have a special [2:41:45 AM] call meeting where we are all involved. Well, I definitely appreciate the suggestion. As you know, I'm not afraid to call special called meetings. However. I guess the question that we need to ask ourselves is our next conversation meant for the public record. I don't think it is. And I say that only because we have important things to flesh out in our vetting process, and we don't want embarrassing anyone involved. That's a good point. Good point. But it does put us back to then a need to address this at the working group level and limitation of who can participate. So if it's going to be a discussion that but [2:42:45 AM] ultimately will come back to the technology infrastructure and innovation working group. Should we be calling another meeting next Monday of the working group? Would that work? Jessie has thoughts. Yes similar to. I think the direction that commissioner Dasgupta is going there could be special called working group sessions as well. So if scheduling is an issue, but you would still like to keep the topic within the T II working group. I would suggest that you all could have, you know a one off for a special called working group session to accommodate scheduling. I turned the question over to the chair of the working group and see what he has to say. If we did it after the knowledge information group. So I can five maybe six on Monday because I may or may not be able to be at the other at the knowledge information [2:43:45 AM] group based on another meeting I've had on the books for a long time. I'd have to look at my calendar. I can do it. Soon in the next week or two. If we can find the time for it. But I agree. I think it would be easier to move our working group have a special called working group meeting. And try to do the full commission. Well you know you you raise an interesting another possibility, and we're getting pressed for time here, but just briefly, you made me think about whether or not you know if you know you can't participate. Then perhaps that gives an opportunity for another commissioner to participate. On Monday. Yeah, I think I'm I'm I'm 50 50. Depending on the southern meeting ends, I could just say I'm not coming and somebody could have my slot and if that helps well, it could, particularly if one or more of our commissioners, is concerned about confusion or, you know ah! Information being lost somehow in the process. But, you know. I [2:44:50 AM] think that ah are limiting factor. Here is the availability of the other participants. In other words, diggle dick ooh and Jason John Michaels. So and Colton also so ah! We need to decide we need to find out from them when they're available, and probably, our time might be a little bit more flexible. I know mine is so that there is a limiting factor right there. Right right. Okay. So to be fair again to clarify, we did confirm button can join us on Monday. And I've confirmed that Jeff the Ku is available to join us on Monday. Ah there there has been an invitation extended to Jason John Michael. And I anticipate confirmation. But I don't know for certain that Jason John Michael will be joining us on Monday. I'm waiting for that confirmation. And to clarify further. I've also engaged [2:45:52 AM] Daniel colada about confirming colada, our interim chief innovation officer. About confirming the participation of Charles perma. And. Our next meeting as well, particularly with his focus on the open data portal and work there. So they also, pending confirmation would be joining the conversation on Monday, too. Alright I think that we need an agenda that really Paris down what we're going to be talking about. So that the conversations don't wander too much. We so we want to for other focus of these meetings are going to be coming up with a resolution. MM and this is what I believe in. I imagine you all concur on that. So the resolution is not going [2:46:54 AM] to be specific to autonomy institute. Correct. So. We need to be a probably a little bit more generic, and in that respect and I think that all the participants need to understand that also. Well to be fair, you know, a big part of the next discussion is a follow up on our previous discussions. Ah, which were to allow. Jason John, Michael and others a chance to have any questions addressed that they had about about the autonomy institute and about the process so it was certainly inform any decision we made to include or exclude them directly right in the resolution. And to be clear, I want to read something. Like you conveyed. [2:48:00 AM] That you have to cu along the same lines. Ah! Because of a part of the discussion will also be, the status of the current status of the mou, right. That's the memo you which Jason John Michael was actually leveraging the existing template template for. The current status of the mou. And the certification of strategic support in Austin. For a use, case driven evaluation of pins. Chirp it's just a quick note [2:49:00 AM] that we have four minutes before we have to either adjourn or hold a vote on continuance. Okay yeah, let's let's go ahead and keep this moving. So okay, so, all right. So we have agreed. Then I think I think we have an agreement to, well, we've had discussion. I've made a motion to. Because of our time constraints, scheduling wise, but you need to address this resolution before next meeting. Including insights from Jason John Michael has been invited to participate. You have to cu Charles perma and croton Harmon. Two. Transition. This discussion item to the knowledge information and data stewardship working group. Effective immediately, and then it will be taken up during that working group meeting. So I guess I'll [2:50:03 AM] look for a second for that motion just so we can go ahead and hold a vote on that. And proceed. I thought one of the options was to have this. Additional meeting on Monday. His. But now you're saying okay. Maybe I'm confused about the purpose of additional meeting on Monday. Because. Additional meeting on Monday is discussed scheduling. It's not going to be to talk to these parties. Right, so the reassignment has to happen before that. Right. The meeting for the working group is scheduled at four. The other point, if I could chime in, I think, commissioner Yeatts into that earlier is we're not sure if our guests Jason, Jason, John , Michael and Charles will be able to stay past or in addition [2:51:04 AM] to that four P.M. Meeting. I think we already have everyone besides Jason John Michael lockdown for four P.M. Meeting. So trying to get additional. Time with him might be might prove difficult in the next 48 hours. Would it be possible to have the two working groups swap times so that the infrastructure working group handles that meeting during the pre scheduled time. It's just we'll have to reschedule. The other working group. Well ah, that's certainly possible have to certainly defer to the working group chair and the work group members to agree to that. But if that would certainly possible you're talking about Monday at four. That's the that's the time that I don't know if I'll be able to right. Right. So what? What? [2:52:05 AM] What the proposal is that basically, that should be left out. Either way. I mean, that's what's the proposal. Apparently you guys want to go and do without me. That's fine. I don't want to do it without anybody. But that's what's been proposed . And I guess it's just really what the interest of the of time in our crunch. I'm also afraid we've hit 10. So we have to hold a vote on continuance. Okay, all in favor of that. We continue our meeting for a few minutes. Ah! Please. Do so please, let's say I and raise your hand. I okay. All opposed. Okay, we have agreement. Vote ah, believe eight. 7 to 0 in favor of extending, she said. She said I every sitting a few minutes. If I a time, okay? It's and that's it. Yeah yeah. Thank you. 10 [2:53:05 AM] minutes. Okay alright. So, 10 minutes it is okay? So then back to this, solutions. So question are or is he in? Is who which commissioners in the infrastructure working group are available tomorrow at four, if or Monday at four, if at all. Everyone besides everyone besides bishop Floyd yeah, and to be fair, we don't know if commissioner gairo, is available either. But yeah. So commissioner Yates commission that scoop to and myself. And I will not be sad if or offended if you move on and do this without me. Do it. You need to do so well, okay. I'm afraid [2:54:09 AM] what we need to do with that license. I'm gonna get them to say what we need to do is to shift the meeting schedules for this next meeting. So commissioner Dasgupta. Commissioner Yates. You guys okay with, switching our. Technology infrastructure and innovation working group to Monday at four. It will be. This coming Monday at four pm four pm right. Alright, that's fine with me, okay? And then. Commissioner scoop to that you skip for you, too. Yes, that's good, okay? Okay. So then, ah! With that, then I think we have ah! We don't we don't need to actually even vote on that. That's something which the working groups can decide. So alright, it's handled. And then to be clear on on my end, so the kids [2:55:09 AM] working group. As chair, so I'll cancel that one and because commissioner Floyd is not going to be able to attend. That should open up a spot for me to attend. Correct. Right right. So too. I'm glad you brought this back up. So what we did was we swapped meeting times. Right. So the meeting ah, that was the kids working group. For Monday. The 13th is now. The next technology infrastructure working group meeting, which then I think the proposal would be to swap. You're meeting the meeting for the kids working group that you chair to July. Ah okay. Yet another crinkle right because that the next July meeting was slated for a day. That's a federal holiday. Right [2:56:11 AM] so that meeting was gonna have to be rescheduled anyway. Which is good, I guess because it means then the world is your oyster vice chair. At least you can lead by proposing the date that I work best for you. To the working group members, and then we can go from there. I suggest just doing a doodle and taking it from there. And one quick point. Since it's only one working group. Essentially that we would need to be rescheduling , those communications and that scheduling can happen freely over. You know, it doesn't have to happen right now. We can have email exchanges would be less than a quorum. Right? Great. Great yeah, and advisable. So then ah, fair enough. Then we can take that under advisement and work that out. Bye sir. Okay vice chair. Rest was very simple . Could he swap for commissioner Freud and you know, I think he could say yes. Would be not Jesse. That should be fine as [2:57:16 AM] long as commissioner Apodaca to doesn't then speak on what he heard at any other meeting involving commissioners, because then that would beat the walking court well, and moreover, I appreciate the question and the follow up on the question, but moreover, it also, I support first off, as I did suggested earlier us having as many commissioners as possible. In that discussion. Ah! And. I guess the question is then. If there's no other. Interest than it would be your ability to swap right on unencumbered. If anyone else is interested also, then I guess the network created a challenge. Right because every commissioner should have that opportunity if they want. So is everyone okay with that? Or is anyone else interested in doing that as well? I don't hear one [2:58:21 AM] speaking up, so then it sounds like then we're good and in terms of that. Because there's still the matter of ah. Actually scheduling your actual working group. Meeting. Another quick wrinkle. If we did have commissioner Apodaca participate we would have to make sure that. If we circulated minutes, commissioner fled wouldn't be included. In that circulation minutes if it included topics. On the autonomy institute, because then we would have six box. Right, okay. Okay. Ah! Okay oh, wow. Right so it's more than just excluding commissioner Floyd. It's really excluding crystal void, I guess. Ah. [2:59:25 AM] Interesting point. Wait till July meeting to find out whatever. Flying you may want to reconsider that having. Well the problem is, I don't know. By Monday meeting. I don't know how long it's gonna last. It starts at one. It could be done it. 2 30. It could be it could take longer and then I've gotta it's gonna take me 30 minutes to get home. On my computer so that there in lies the problem, right? Right okay. Well, now I'm committed to getting this done and less than three minutes here. So I'm afraid we're going to have to, basically worked this out, outside the meeting, and we can so let's do that. In the meantime, though, we do have agreement, though. That. That four o'clock meeting on Monday will be the technology from infrastructure and, excuse me, an innovation working group meeting. Okay all right, so move [3:00:26 AM] along in our agenda now to commission updates. This is going to be very brief. Ah for the digital inclusion civic engagement working group of the main update, is that the G tops , capacity excuse me, tops mini. Review panel is fully underway, including myself and two other volunteers. And we will be finalizing that process by this Sunday, hopefully. And then moving forward with the program. Of course, the digital include strategic plan is a big part of our update as well as, our conversation earlier, that we were delighted to receive from connect 80 X the presentation and what that can do to expand service delivery to our community. No time for questions here. Discussion. Really? So we're gonna have to keep moving. On 24 B. The knowledge [3:01:26 AM] information and data stewardship working group. Ah I'm going to go ahead and take advantage of this opportunity to speak on behalf of our vice chair. Who's the new chair of that working group, and to say that we have a chair of the working group, and he's going to be sitting up a date for that working group going forward. Ah and then finally, the, technology infrastructure and innovation working group. We basically just had our our update there, so I think we're finalized with that, too. As far as future agenda items were going to be taking up these resolutions as we discussed earlier, so each of them will be addressed in the next meeting, and I'm going to encourage ah! All working group chairs to offer ah, feedback on potential presentation for our next meeting. And with that I'm going to adjournment. Ah and I would look for a motion to adjourn to your five second have [3:02:28 AM] emotional, durable, commissioned skuta and a chorus of seconds. I'll say commissioner Yeatts got it in all in favor of adjournment. Please say aye, aye , anyone to post alright? We're adjourned. Thank you all so much for a great meeting in your patients. Your diligence we made it. Ah!