City Council Regular Meeting Transcript – 2/15/2024 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 1 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 2/15/2024 6:00:00 AM Original Air Date: 2/15/2024 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. [10:00:27 AM] good morning everybody. It's 10:00 am. We are going to start the council meeting. So I will call to order the Austin city council for a regular meeting of the Austin city council as I indicated, it's 10:00 in the morning. It's February 15th, 2024. We are meeting at the city council chambers, which are located in Austin city hall at 301 west second street in Austin, Texas, and we have a quorum of the Austin city council present. Before we start the day with me walking through, what we're going to be doing today and the order that will take up business, I think it is important for me to recognize, on behalf of the council, that today is, council member zo qadri 18th birthday and, and so on behalf of the entire council, I've got a voter registration card for him. And we'll make that available to him at a different point. But we do want to say happy birthday to you. >> Happy birthday. [10:01:27 AM] >> Happy birthday. >> Thank you. I I appreciate it. I don't know how. I guess I'm very lucky person to have two years in a row having a birthday on a council meeting. Yeah. And being embarrassed. Two years in a row. Yeah. But thank you. >> Well, when we set the schedule, I purposely ask that we do that on your birthday. So, that I would have that opportunity. Happy birthday. So here's the order of business for the day. We're going to hear from on the consent agenda. The, the consent agenda will, have speakers, both virtual and in person. We will then go to the non consent speakers, both virtual and in person. And we will then take up the non consent items, for those, that are looking at that, the non consent items will be items that are referred from council committees. So those will be items 33 and 34. And it will involve the item that is a public hearing item where we'll have a public hearing and be voting on that. And that is item number 35. I want to clarify why again at this time that anyone [10:02:29 AM] again at this time that anyone registered to speak on a public hearing item, will be heard during the non consent speakers part of our agenda. And not with the consent speakers unless yes, you specifically. It works out better for your schedule and you want to be heard during the non during the consent time. But you will not be called twice. So once you speak on the consent, if you speak during the consent time, you won't be called on the non consent item. And we would appreciate if you would let the city clerk's office know what it is you're doing in that regard. At noon we have a time certain and that is when we will hear the noon public comment that will be followed by live music. We will close out the agenda for the day with a 2:00 time, certain and that is with regard to our zoning items. At this time, I will read the changes and correction for Thursday, February 15th, 2024 into the record item number five should read for an estimated revenue [10:03:31 AM] read for an estimated revenue increase in the amount of. Delete the $200,000 and put $100,000. So it should read revenue increase in the amount of $100,000. And to extend the time for delete it up to one year. So it reads for one year for a revised total estimated contract revenue amount of delete the 1.1 million and replace it. With $1,003,874. Item number nine. The name of the engineering company is burns , and Mcdonnell and Mcdonnell is misspelled. We should add an L to the name Mcdonnell. Item number 16 is postponed to February 29th, 2024. Item number 22 is withdrawn and replaced by addendum item number 45 is item number 25 should include include council member Jose chito vela [10:04:31 AM] council member Jose chito vela as a sponsor, item number 25. The suggested date and location delete. May 16th, 2024 and replace it with may 30th, 2024. Item number. 32 is withdrawn, Ann and replaced by addendum item number 46. Boards and commissions. Actions items six, seven and nine should read February 12th, 2024. Recommended by the electric utility commission on an 8 to 0 vote with three vacancies. Council members and public. The items that have been pulled from the consent agenda is item number 14. So we will take that up as a non consent item. Yes. Councilmember Fuentes, thank you. >> Mayor. I, laid out the amendments during work session. So if there's no objection from the dais, I'd like to keep that on consent if possible. >> Without objection, item [10:05:32 AM] >> Without objection, item number 14 was pulled by council member Fuentes, and she's indicating she wants to put it back on. The consent agenda is without objection. It will go back on the consent agenda. Council member Kelly, I just want to object to it. >> Just on the record, you're going to vote no, right? >> Yes. Okay. Do you object with it? That was me, I hit this, I thought it was me. Yeah. No, no, I, I have a when I have paper in my hand, I sometimes hit the microphone and the staff has done such a good job of now of making sure these microphones work out that I'm being punished. Thank you. So, so we will at the appropriate time, show you voting? No, but you. But you don't object to being on the consent agenda. Okay. Very good. Thank you. Item number 24 is an item that that you have. It was part of your backup. I believe. But even if it was not part of your backup, you have a yellow sheet in front of you on item number 24. That is labeled item 24, February 15th, 2024, version two. And that's [10:06:33 AM] version two. And that's councilman Fuentes. With that, you're okay with that? Staying on consent as well? >> Yes. No objection. This is just colleagues. This is the I guidelines for city of Austin. There is a version two. It was provided in the backup, and I believe you can also view the red line version online as well. >> That's right. Okay. I just want to make sure everybody's clear about what it is we're voting on. When we take that up as part of the consent agenda. So members, that's the order of business for the day with that being said, we will now hear from speakers that are signed up on the consent agenda and I will turn to our city clerk to help us navigate that process. Yes. At this time, we don't have remote speakers in our queue, so I'll move to in-person, starting with Zenobia Joseph, an item 710 an, the merits of the postponement of 16, 1820, 21, 22, 23, 32, 44, 45 and 46. >> If your name has been called, she's going to call names in [10:07:35 AM] she's going to call names in threes. >> If your name has been called, please make your way down. Even if you're not the first one to speak. Grab one of these seats and if there's an open microphone, go ahead and move up to the microphone. Address us by stating your name. For the record and then taking your time . Miss Joseph, are you here? All right. Please go O the next speaker. >> Next we have Cathy Mitchell on items 11, 12, 13 and 43 with Chris Harris and bed Zenobia. On deck or I apologize, Ben sotheby's stamped on 14. Wallace Lungren. So I believe somebody was supposed to donate time to me. >> Roy Whaley I was able. To. >> But I echo everything. >> Well, fair enough. Please, please not be be out of work. Miss Mitchell, you have the microphone. >> I'm not going to be able to get through this comment. Okay, [10:08:36 AM] get through this comment. Okay, so on the, first three items, I just want to say that the city should not be hiring two law firms to fight the Alex Gonzalez family. I would really ask that you reconsider and take a close look at that case. On the question of the law firm that is being hired for the police contract negotiation, I would only remind you that the last two rounds of contract negotiation, led by this particular group, did not result in an acceptable contract for the community or for y'all. So so again, I would ask you to take a breath and not necessarily move forward with the exact same thing. Again, in these cases, I'm going to have to really shorten my comments. I would like to say on the item 20, item 43 that I am here to support it. Travis county has to a remarkable degree, been picking up the tab in the most expensive possible way for the failures of our state, our local health jurisdictions. And, yes, [10:09:37 AM] health jurisdictions. And, yes, our city to identify appropriate ways to help people with mental illness, many of them unhoused because of mental illness leads to that. I'm going to skip a lot of what I had to say about the current situation. I think that y'all can look at the Dell study that was done, and, I would add that I also. Support item 43 today because I believe that both that item and the investment in central booking are necessary to bring someone services outside of forensic beds in the jail. And I would remind you all that as we slowly move this ship in a new direction, the county, of course, has to continue to maintain the jail and those forensic beds. And so this is new money for everybody across the board. It is necessary for all the reasons. I would finally like to say that the city. Thank you. I'm going to hand out a [10:10:38 AM] you. I'm going to hand out a letter from the community related to the Mckinsey study. And why we need this and not that. Thank you. >> Next speaker is Chris Harris. Items 1112 1343 with Wallace, London. And Larry Amaral. >> Mr. London, if you'd come forward, I don't see Mr. Harris making his way. Has your name been called, sir? Go ahead. >> I'm here to speak against item 18 on the agenda today. Echo is one of the more bloated bureaucracies here. They started with a budget of. $121,000. >> Could I ask the gentleman to introduce himself, please? >> My name is Wallace Lundgren. I'm here today to speak against item 18 on the budget until a [10:11:39 AM] item 18 on the budget until a thorough review of the money that they have been received is accounted for. I don't think they need another million dollars. They got a little over 9 million last year. Their expenses are out of control. There'd be no reason to give them any more money until you know where the money you've already given them has been spent. And this bureaucracy here is works under the. They have an income last year of 7,000,003 85 and with no result what they've done or what they're going to do, I think it's excessive and should be looked at. Thank you. >> Harris. Your name was called so if you want to approach the microphone. Oh goodness. >> Thank you. Mayor hi everyone. My name is Chris Harris. I'm the policy director at the Austin justice coalition. I live in [10:12:40 AM] justice coalition. I live in district nine. I am here to speak firstly in favor of item 43. It's very essential that the city contribute its promised portion to the mental health diversion center. This center promises to divert folks from the jail that, other guys just simply need, health care. And these are the, the exact type of programs that we need. One to help us. Decarcerate our jail, in and limit the number of people that we keep in bondage and to provide the care that that people sorely need in this community. And three, to actually address, part of our, our, homelessness crisis. Right. This is very much connected, to, you know what? What's really at the underneath all of these conversations that we're having right now. And so these are critical initiatives and it's, again, critical that the city contributed a portion. I hope that you'll review the materials that were presented at the county commissioner's court just a few weeks ago that explained all of the questions that were [10:13:41 AM] all of the questions that were raised during the work session on Tuesday, talked about the budget, talked about how this is all going to work. So this information is out there. It's unfortunate that the city has refused to look at it thus far. On items, 11, 12 and 13, I'm I'm here to simply, mark my opposition to spending more money on lawyers to defend the city against, the brutality case , the killing, unjust killing of Alex Gonzalez Jr. The city. There was a report last year, spent $73 million over the last decade, much of it on attorneys fees. Defending these cases is, what really needs to happen is to implement things like prop a so that we limit and actually deter this behavior, prevent it from happening in the first place. Not to try to deny families what they're owed, the compensation they deserve on the back end. Once that does happen, deter up front and then we won't have to be spending all these city dollars on attorneys and compensation for families. Thank you. Thank you. >> If your name has been called, please approach the microphone. [10:14:42 AM] please approach the microphone. >> Larry Amaro on item 23 with Patrick bukta and Sarah hall on deck. Mayor Watson, I couldn't sleep last night after seeing new images from inside Nassar hospital. >> I will never be able to have your body has your name been called? >> Up into the air, Mr. Mayor. >> The gentleman on the front, I think. Did you? That's why I keep saying if I keep asking, he was asking if you signed up. How cheap is the blood to you? >> Please. So, folks, hang on. Okay, so. So, I didn't think I needed to do this right now, but let me go ahead and make sure that everyone is clear on what the rules of the city council meeting are. Please lower your signs. I want to read the rules so that, folks know. Although I think some do know about at least some of what we're seeing. [10:15:43 AM] least some of what we're seeing. During during this public comment period. Frankly, during any point in time, during the council meeting, crying out or screaming out or yelling out is not an appropriate and not an appropriate action and doesn't comply with our rules. But there are other rules, other actions that violate the decorum and the rules of the council meeting, and they won't be permitted and people will be asked to leave. Speaking out of turn is one of those you can criticize a public official, but you may not use personally derogatory or disparaging remarks. You can't defame another person. You can't use obscene language or use abusive language that is likely to incite a breach of the peace. You can't make threats of violence against any other person or otherwise disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting, such as screaming out comments [10:16:43 AM] such as screaming out comments or yelling out comments. Also in order to assure that all members of the public have safe and efficient access to witness the council's deliberations and for that matter, the comments of members of the public who are here to speak in an orderly fashion. You can't sit or stand around in the aisles or otherwise obstruct the exits or the emergency exits. And if you wish to display a sign, flag or other object, you have to do that in the designated area at the back of the council chambers . Because what we're trying to avoid is you obstructing the view of other members of the public who are seated in the sitting area by holding something up that might obstruct their view. There may not be demonstrations at the podium, so the speaker cannot be accompanied by other people unless there's a special need in that regard. And we'll, take [10:17:44 AM] that regard. And we'll, take that up on a case by case basis and try to accommodate that again, if you violate these rules, your time speaking will be cut short. Or if you're not called upon to speak, and you're disrupting the meeting, you will be asked to leave and escorted, if that's what it takes to do that. So I don't anticipate we'll have any more of that, but I appreciate everyone. And I know the entire council appreciates, the members of the public that take the time to come and let us know your point of view, even if you disagree with us on something, we appreciate that you take the time to do that. So with me having said that now, sir, I apologize that I interrupted you if you'd state your name for the record. The floor is yours. >> Good morning. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and the city council of Austin, Texas. I'm Larry Amato. I'm the vice chair at the mexican-american cultural center. And I'm here in support, first of all, of item number 23, which has to do with support for [10:18:45 AM] which has to do with support for the cultural arts, and music Mok. There's several parts to it, and I won't go into them right now, but, I do want to say , in general, I support the, the measure. But also connected to this, I do have a concern. And that is at the mexican-american cultural center that, just the last week, we found out that they're going to the city was going to cut $303,000 from the budget, which means, in the middle of the year, we're being told that we're not going to be able to have the major events that were being planned for this spring and for this summer. And, and this is something that the community expects that, the hillside council, that we had at pan am last year that was being planned for this year. The, the sec says septiembre celebration, which is part of hispanic heritage month and some other [10:19:47 AM] heritage month and some other activities that that are at the Mac that are important to the community, to see that, those items will be cut is a general concern for, for all of Austin, I would think, not just the mexican-american community, because those are events that are important to the culture. And, and, when Mexican Americans make up 33 and a third, percent of the city's population, that is something that should not come to be. And so I'm asking for your support to replace these funds somehow from, and I don't know how this happened, by the way. That's something else. We're told that this money was, put in last year, and this year was taken out. So. Mayor. Thank you. Investigate thank you, councilman Fuentes. >> Hang on, everybody. All right, everybody use your little thing here. I you did, you did. I apologize. Council member Fuentes. I called you first, and [10:20:47 AM] Fuentes. I called you first, and I'll council. Council member Velasquez. >> Thank you. And certainly thank you, Mr. Amparo, for being here. And sharing the concerns with funding for the Mexican American cultural center. I also share your concerns and would ask director Mcneely, and, acm Stephanie hayden- howard and our city manager, to follow up with my team so we can better understand what is happening with the funding for the Mac. And would like to learn more about the situation. Thank you, thank you. >> Council member. Council member. Velasquez yeah. >> Mr. Mayor, Mr. Amado, we started looking into that, and I'll include we I touch base with council member Fuentes and council member vela, so we'll be looking into that. We've already reached out to the city manager about those funds and talk to our our commissioners that serve on on the, on the Mac board and I'll reach out to you personally. >> Thank you sir. Thank you. Council members. Okay. If your name has been called, grab a microphone on. Alright. Tell us your name. >> My name is Ben suddaby. I'm [10:21:47 AM] >> My name is Ben suddaby. I'm the president of the American federation of state, county and municipal employees, afscme 1624 here in Austin. I work for Travis county, but many of our members are here at the city, some of them on the dais right now. I'm here to speak strongly in favor of items 14. The amendments with it, and item 35, the amendments with it. I live in district four. When the chito . I am a resident of Austin. I take the bus. I take the 300 to the 800, one to get downtown, and then took a bicycle or a metro bike from the county building down here to speak with you all this morning, and our equity when it comes to our climate and the equity in our mobility, is something that's extremely important. Thank you so much for being leaders in this space. Continue to do so. These are not fringe ideas. Just on the sixth, the Austin business journal had a great article about how rigid back to office policies [10:22:50 AM] office policies disproportionately impact, workers that were trying to retain Ann women. It mentioned specifically, the, the society that we live in is not equal in how it divides or distributes labor in our communities, in our households. You all know this. So I encourage you to continue finding ways to save money by having people not make unnecessary trips. It is good for the climate. It is good as an employer, a large employer. When these big businesses are setting their policies for the city to tell them these are our goals as a community, but also to show them showing leadership in applying those same metrics, those same standards, making it measurable, something that we can track. These are all good things for our community, our city, our leadership amongst employers and good for your workers. It will help retention. We are seeing the benefits of that at the county with our policies and our retention. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. [10:23:51 AM] >> Thank you so much. Thank you. Appreciate your being here. Appreciate your patience. Patrick bukta on item 23 with Sarah hall and ray price on deck . >> That first name I call was Patrick bukta. >> Good morning, council members and friends. Pat bukta here, chief executive officer of Austin, Texas musicians advocacy nonprofit, and our staff and board stand here today in support of item 23. When we polled the 6000, central Texas musicians within our membership base, they did express, an overwhelming disappointment that, to Luz Luz on the green, which had become, a vehicle for some very, diverse, artist S and performances within our community. I do want to specifically highlight a few portions of the resolution language. We do support the fee waivers, not financial bailouts, and certainly not from the live [10:24:52 AM] and certainly not from the live music fund. And in any case, where these performances, are to be city funded, let's adhere to the $200 per musician pay rate that we worked with. Councilman. Ryan alter on last summer. So good job on including that language, guys. And all the blues on the green is one of the big highlights we've seen in the music community. This year is by far not the most crucial matter facing our music community at the moment. Let's follow through on funding for the red river cultural district, who also puts on free public events while employing hundreds of local, diverse musicians every year. Let's work together to fortify existing creative spaces like the Doris Miller auditorium and a redeveloped spaces like the old city hall at eighth and Colorado zo as a creative hub, let's fortify parking and safety and initiatives so that it's more amenable for us to work downtown on once again, just a few months ago, we had a black [10:25:53 AM] few months ago, we had a black trans artist who was assaulted when she was leaving her venue downtown Ann. We can solve these issues by bolstering existing programs with the downtown Austin alliance and block by block. Let's also lean into education and professional development opportunities that you mentioned. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Sarah hall on item 23 with rey price and Leonard Davila on deck. >> If your name has been called, please make your way to the front of the chamber so that you'll. Be prepared to testify. >> Good morning council. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on item 23 today. My name is Sarah hall. I'm the advocacy and education director with Austin, Texas musicians as well as a full time gigging harpist and a d9 resident. Blues on the green is a great opportunity for the public to have free access to our beautiful live music scene and has become a love tradition. The stage is also, of course, a good opportunity for local musicians to perform in front of a larger enthusiast audience. Because of this, we support [10:26:55 AM] Because of this, we support keeping blues on the green alive. However, there are some things we'd like to bring to your attention to ensure that blues on the green exists and operates for the benefit of not only the music audience, but also the musicians who make it possible. We believe that no city funding that may go towards blues on the green or similar events at any point in the future, should come out of the live music fund. The live music fund was created with the intent to pay working musicians as they play their everyday gigs, not assist corporations in putting on a festival once a year. We also strongly believe that any city co-sponsored or partnered event should be required to pay the city standard pay rate of $200 per musician, per performance. As any event, the city participates in should be held to the highest standard and should pay the performance. What performers what this council has already deemed to be equitable and fair pay. We'd also like to acknowledge the zilker park tends to serve a very specific and limited portion of the Austin population, and we hope attention can be paid to other communities and parts of Austin [10:27:56 AM] communities and parts of Austin as well, with the city co-sponsoring more free music events other than just blues on the green, so that everyone in the city has an equal opportunity to enjoy our vibrant live music scene. Thank you so much. You. >> Rey price item 23 with Leonard Davila and Courtney santana on deck. >> Good morning council. My name is ray price. I am on the board of directors for Austin, Texas musicians and also the area director for a musical nonprofit called notes for notes, based out of east Austin. First I'd like to say that I moved to Austin 12, 13 years ago in blues on the green was one of those events that really made Austin feel authentic to me, made me feel inspired to be a musician in Austin, made me be inspired, honored to be a contributor to the musical ecosystem here in Austin. It's part of the culture. It's what you look at from another state and you're like, wow, I want to go there. It's acl condensed down for [10:28:56 AM] It's acl condensed down for those artists that don't get the opportunity to play at acl. It's been here for 30 plus years. I feel like we can't take that away. So many people in my organization, I work with youth to get them to that next level. That's an opportunity I would love to see my kids grace the stage and be able to play preservation of Austin, preservation of the history and the culture which we once called ourselves the live music capital of the world. How do we take something away that the only comparable thing, I believe is trail of lights, and that's a wonderful holiday event that happens at night. You're not bringing your blankets out, you're not bringing your lawn chairs out and sitting there enjoying it in the beautiful Austin sun. Speaking of preservation, Doris Miller auditorium is where my notes for no studio is located in east Austin, right when 11th street turned into rosewood, it is one of the only venues other than victory grill that allowed black artists to perform in the chitlin circuit in the 40s, and 50. Artists like Ike and Tina turner, Jackie Wilson, chuck berry, little Richard, they all graced that stage. Very little people know about it, probably taking the census in the room and people like, I have no idea [10:29:56 AM] and people like, I have no idea what that is. It's because it's not being amplified. There's not sustainable funding to really amplify the space. I believe that the city funding should also go to helping preserve historic spaces like the Doris Miller auditorium, victory grill, the millennium and other endeavors. As far as the red river cultural district. Of course, again, blues on the green, while also honoring the city's pay rate of 200 per hour and thank you very much for your opportunity to speak on behalf of item 23. Thank you. >> Leonard Davila, thank you, Mr. Mayor, to the last speaker. >> Council member harper-madison. >> Thank you, Mr. Price. >> I think, Mr. Price, I just wanted to acknowledge, that, we I share your sentiment and I'd like for a member of the district one staff to grab Mr. Price's contact information so we can talk to him about the phenomenal work we're doing with the preservation of seven, eight, 702 assets like the millennium and Doris Miller and rosewood Ed and, you know, all the other assets that run up and [10:30:57 AM] the other assets that run up and down east 11th and 12th street, the, the epicenter of the historic African American cultural heritage district. >> So we are definitely paying close attention to that concern. And we'll be bringing an item forward later on this year. So I'd love for you to get with my staff and just, give us your information and we'll share some information with you. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. Thank you for your patience. >> Thank you, mayor, and city council members, my name is Leonard Davila, and I'm also on the Austin music commission, an appointee of, councilman Jose Velasquez. >> I speaking for the proposition several things that I'd like to. Although I'd like to say there are many Mexican American events that have been cut out. The Mexican American experience at the at the Mexican American culture center, 4000 people nightly. We do it during south by no funding. The pan am, hillside. Another thing. I moved to Austin in 1959 and Ed hillside was there. And, now [10:31:59 AM] hillside was there. And, now it's being cut. We'd like to see funding for some of these smaller, events that are put on, in our community. But, specifically specific to the Mexican American culture center to have get funding for these programs. We did an event, well, we call it the Mexican American experience. $40,000 to operate. I put in 20,000 from my retirement fund. I knew I was going to get the money back. Didn't know how I had to persuade my wife, but we did that two years in a row because we couldn't get funding. We get $10,000 from the city. But, all the requirements that, that were that were set was, out of our reach as far as, funding, not getting contracts until the week of the event when we needed the year before, so we can solicit funds, corporate funding. So [10:33:02 AM] funds, corporate funding. So we're not getting any, any, support from the city on these type of items. It's just cut. And that's all that happened. No funding. And I'd like for you all to consider. Please please, please look at the smaller events that are happening here in town. Blues on the green. Great. I'd like to see more diversity in there, but, thank you, sir. >> Appreciate you being here. Appreciate your service. >> Courtney santana on item 23 with Jeff Miller and Nicole cabato on deck. >> If your name has been called, please make your way to the front so that you'll be able to testify. >> We have one remote speaker, and I will call her. Right now. We have Zenobia Joseph on items 710 for 18, 16, 18, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 32, 44, 45 and 46. Is Joseph. [10:34:04 AM] Joseph. >> Thank you, mayor. Council. Yes, mayor. Can did you say item 16 is postponed? I'm sorry I missed what you said about it. >> Item 16 has been postponed. So you can speak on the merits of the postponement. >> Okay. Thank you. Clerk this is Zenobia Joseph. I'm speaking specifically to item 44. That's the item that specifically related to the project connect lawsuit. And it also talks about amending the articles of incorporation for Austin transit partnership. I just want to call to your attention to article 13 tax matters. The solution, specifically section 500 and 1c3 of the internal revenue code of 1986, says regardless of any other provisions of these articles of incorporation or the laws of the state of Texas, the corporation quote, shall not direct any of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise unquote. And so, [10:35:05 AM] otherwise unquote. And so, mayor, I respectfully want to remind you that you lobbied against house bill 3899, which violates this provision in the articles of incorporation. So I do have some concerns about the dissolution language and about you removing that provision, specifically as it relates to item seven. That's the Kramer lane substation, $13.5 million. My opposition is that you continue to pour money into the lightrillionail and all. We've gotten north of us 183 and council member Poole's district at metric, you'll see a new silver bench and a trash can. I would like to ask mayor pool, you mayor, and also council member pool if she has ever sat in the rain with her groceries waiting for the bus. And if not, then please put shelters on this side of town. I want you to recognize that I went to montopolis, to the Austin transit partnership meeting on Saturday, and there is a project that is being built and there's a shelter there in place, and we [10:36:06 AM] a shelter there in place, and we deserve the same as well as it relates to item ten, that's the 7905 roalson road project. I just want to speak to my opposition. That's on route 228 to the va clinic. And that bus only runs 6 to 630. The individuals that will live there won't be able to go to day labor and Burleson village, the 640 units from the county will be in. >> Thank you, thank you. Your time has expired. There's a whole lot that I could say. We will move back to in-person. We have Monica Guzman on items 21, 25, 32, 43 and 46 with George coffer on deck . >> Good morning, mayor council. I'm Monica Guzman, policy director at Garza lugo Austin vamos. Austin Garza supports [10:37:07 AM] vamos. Austin Garza supports items 14, 21, 25 and 43. Thank you to the council members leading and supporting each of them regarding item 43, we want to remind you about the needs for unanimous support include, but are not limited to. Excuse me. The city committed to 2 million over a year ago and recently gave its commitment at the Travis county commissioners court, the mental health diversion center aims to address the underserved population who currently have no place or wraparound services when they have contact with the criminal legal system intersecting with mental health. The city, county integral care and central health agreed to cohesively work together to begin solving a pervasive issue within marginalized communities. It will take all moving parts to effectively deflect, deflect, and divert people from jails and give them access to supportive mental health services. The city failing to follow through on their commitment would keep entities working in silos and prevent any real, meaningful success in the diversion center, which has been in planning and development for two years. There are few things that decarcerate folks and support with systems, [10:38:07 AM] folks and support with systems, navigation to get a place of sustainability statewide and zero in Austin. This diversion center is an opportunity to move in the direction of caring for individuals and supporting them to upward mobility while relieving the system of caging people who should not be incarcerated because we have nowhere else for them to go. This is a direct recommendation from damage doctor stokowski's report that the city participated in and is hiring again to do another study. If we aren't following the recommendations, why are we spending such large sums of money and hours to bring folks in and tell us what the problems are and how to fix it when we already know? As for item 46, we urge, I urge you, to make draft home part two available for the community to review more than a week or two ahead of the initial joint hearing. As a district four resident with no reflection on Garza, I urge you to support a humanitarian cease fire resolution. Thank you to the council members who support it. Thank you ma'am, to meet with organizations as good as mine. It's not enough. [10:39:08 AM] It's not enough. >> Miss Guzman. Miss Guzman. Miss Guzman, you are violating the rules. Thank you. >> Next, we have Nicole klepalo on 23 with George coffer and Charles mossberger on deck. >> Ken. One second. Was your name called sir? Okay, why don't you. You step up next if. No, please go ahead. And then I just want to make sure that if somebody name has been called, feel free to step up. Thank you. >> Good morning. My name is Nicole klepalo. I'm the interim executive director for the red river cultural district. I'm here to speak on item 23. The consider action of this item in interest among our elected officials in examining safeguards for citywide traditions deeply rooted in culture and live music is extremely encouraging. But more importantly, presents a further opportunity for action and understanding to the actual critical issues impacting our Austin Austin's music economy. [10:40:09 AM] Austin Austin's music economy. For over a decade, the music community has relentlessly advocated educated and encouraged and worked to be very clear about the needs and current state of the industry and less resolution and plans have been adopted and endorsed to the support. The idea of a live music economy. But today, here we are, and they've obviously fallen very short. These pressures impacting our key cultural assets only become more complex. The city cannot be in a position to pick and choose winners and losers of this already very vulnerable industry. They all truly matter for the industry to thrive, all aspects of it must be healthy and treated with the immediate action and resources that we are seeing today. Today's action, frankly, is not enough. Music venues and local musicians need additional safeguards and elected official champions to be responsible and responsive. Investment displacement, commercial affordability, business development, insurance [10:41:09 AM] business development, insurance costs and many more. And the growth of this city stand between a thriving music economy and no music economy in January, the red river cultural district received unanimous approval for the music commission to support immediate aid package. Addressing the lack of an equivalent funding to the cultural district. Like other cultural districts, receive our location is an economic generator for the city, supporting small businesses employing thousands of workers, artists and creatives. We remain very eager for leadership and elected officials to also address this part of the puzzle. Thank you. Thank you. >> If your name has been called, please come to the microphones free. Please feel free to step up. >> Hello and thank you, mayor Watson and city council for allowing me the opportunity today to speak on item support on item 23. My name is Jeff Miller. I'm the owner of event production services. My company, eps has produced blues on the green since 2013 for our client Waterloo media. As long time [10:42:10 AM] Waterloo media. As long time producer, I will speak today about how important it is for the city to support and maintain free, community based quality of life events. I ask you today to please support the resolution to help keep the event alive and free in zilker park. As well as help support other free and low cost events in Austin. Blues on the green features both established artists and up and coming bands. Many of them might not otherwise have the opportunity for this level of exposure. This experience prepares them for the next steps in their career. Many bands featured on our stage have gone on to tour and play more prominent festivals and concerts locally and nationwide. The economic impact during the event is not only with local businesses, but with also the local events ecosystem of crew, vendors, vendors, sponsors and bands that take part in the production. The bands and the production crews are the lifeblood of our events. Community blues on the green creates many local revenue streams and jobs like the artists and bands that play their hearts out to the third party vendor companies that supply goods and services to the men and women on the various crews and staff that work tirelessly year round to bring all of these productions to life. It is important to note that blues on the green occurs [10:43:12 AM] that blues on the green occurs during a slow time of year in Austin, and during the spring and fall season, provides a vital revenue stream for many during this time of year. Blues on the green and zilker park is an extraordinary event. Magic happens every night. Joy and happiness are abundant, laughter and smiles are everywhere you look. Having a place for the community to gather that doesn't require buying an expensive ticket is invaluable. It provides access to all and brings people from all walks of life together to enjoy free live music in the park and enjoy the company of their neighbors, make new friends, listen to great music and discover genres and artists they might not have exposure to previously. The wide ranging diversity of the bands and the crews representing the ever growing diversity of Austin and the future of our city. Losing free events like blues on the green would be a considerable loss to the community. We also support this resolution because it has the potential to benefit many other events outside of blues. So please support the future of live music in Austin by supporting free or low cost community based quality events. >> Thank you and thanks for your patience. >> Thank you. >> Good morning. Mayor. Mayor pro tem, miss Taylor. Mr. Good [10:44:13 AM] pro tem, miss Taylor. Mr. Good city council members, I'm George coffer, lifelong resident of Travis county here to urge you to vote unanimously on item 25. I extend grateful thanks to the sponsors of item 25. I was looking on the internet this morning or, as I prefer to say, the world wide web, and I just want to read one sentence by former mayor will wind in his paper. His white paper on Austin's climate leadership ten years ago to today day, February 15th, 2007. Now the mayor was then talking about February 15th, 2007. So whoever figured the magic out of doing this on February 15th, I think that's very good. I urge the council to vote unanimously. Yes, as you did in in that time of 2007, we've got some good plans. We've got opportunities that we've [10:45:14 AM] got opportunities that we've never had before. I know I'm telling you what you already know. The in investment, inflation, jobs act, the inflation reduction act, I always have to look at those. I stumble on those words, just as we have I've received recently a large grant for the airport expansion. Ann. I think we can do that on climate action. In closing, if you have not looked at the blue man group, Murray message to Earth recently or Earth to humanity, the blue man group was here in 2006, 2007 promoting climate action. It's worth going back and watching. It's really good. So thank you. And let's take action today. Let's vote yes. Move forward. >> Thank you, Mr. Kaufman. >> I have Charles mossberger on item 25 with Luis str lugo and Scott Johnson on deck. Hello mayor and council members. [10:46:18 AM] mayor and council members. >> My name is Charlie mossberger, and I'm here with my classmates from the saint Edward's university civics lab to speak in support of item 25 and tell you about our project, which tackles some of the sustainability issues that item 25 seeks to address. When Austin homeowners use non native water intensive plants and turfgrasses in their yards, they have to use excessive amounts of fertilizer and water to keep those plants thriving. This excessive mineralized fertilizer use contributes to a variety of environmental issues, including water quality, degradation on Lakes and rivers, and nutrient rich stormwater runoff in local water systems, which causes ecological damage and buildup of toxic algae. These issues affect both Austin homeowners. And local businesses, especially those that operate on the river. There is a solution native plants and grasses don't require fertilizer and can minimize water use. That's why we should encourage Austin homeowners to get fertilizer wiser, which is our pilot program that the city could fund to provide homeowners [10:47:19 AM] could fund to provide homeowners with a voucher that they can spend at local nurseries to replace non- native plants and grasses with native ones to reduce water and fertilizer use. Homeowners will be provided with educational materials that will teach homeowners how their landscaping practices can be more sustainable and inform them about Austin's already existing voucher programs. Get fertilizer wiser is aligned with Austin's long terme sustainability goals and provides another tool that the city can use to support sustainable landscaping practice and foster an engaged, environmentally conscious community. We would love to visit with you, and we've already been in conversation with several of your offices. If you have any questions, we would love to talk to you and the joint sustainability committee in the future to discuss how Austin homeowners can get fertilizer wiser. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Luis Asta lugo with Scott Johnson and Robert Thornton on deck. >> All right. Good morning, mayor and council. I'm here to [10:48:19 AM] mayor and council. I'm here to testify in support of item 25. I am Luis Sosa lugo, or board member in district eight. Resident. I'll be super brief. I love that we're taking this proactive step to support our fight against climate change. I think it's very clear that it's really going to cost us a lot more in the long run. I think the only two things I'll say that concern me more broadly is that I really hope whatever we do doesn't put more pressure to Austin waters and Austin energy, which are already under a lot of scrutiny from the legislature. And I hope that whatever we do, we care about a lot of issues and a lot of a lot of issues do intersect. But I hope that we don't let wanting to have everything addressed, everything slow us down in our fight to address climate change, which is a crisis, and we should address it as such in sort of seeking to do whatever will get us the most , impact for our dollars, as soon as humanly possible. So that's all. Have a wonderful day, y'all. >> Scott Johnson item 25 with Robert chap Thornton and Craig Naser on deck. [10:49:20 AM] Naser on deck. >> Good morning, mayor and council members. My name is Scott Johnson. I'm firmly in support of item 25. I've collaborated already with Ryan Walters office and will continue to do that with all the sponsors if possible. For me, it's always best to reflect on what has happened or the attempt to know what's happened. Going back to the climate emergency, I had enthusiasm in that moment for some progress on climate, and it's worthwhile to consider what we can do differently this time. Obviously, we know more. The science is solid, more solid. Now but what was it? Or was it a group of things that held us back? Is it the challenge that city departments continue to not work as well or efficiently as they could? And believe me, it's challenging, but I'm not trying to disparage anyone. Or the departments did it have to do with the department director of the office of sustain ability not taking opportunities and not getting empowered better by [10:50:21 AM] getting empowered better by former city manager Swint. What was it the multiple acms and city management. There's been. Three since 2019 acms over sustainability, resiliency, etc. So please keep in mind, I'm well aware that you all don't get involved with person issues, but we need to focus more on the creativity, the resolve, and the roots. The deep roots that some candidates have for these positions, such as the resilience officer that person I talked to them offered my services. That person didn't have roots in the community and that could be a reason why they moved on. Or maybe it was working conditions. I don't want to speculate. First slide, scroll to the bottom, please. So we need also to try to develop as best we can a culture of conversation, conservation, a culture of conservation with the [10:51:21 AM] culture of conservation with the city employees, front line and others. This is very important and I've mentioned it the other slide, please with with the text on it and scroll to the bottom. So what were the gaps in the climate equity plan? They're listed on that page. >> Mr. Johnson, I'm sorry your time is up. Thank you. >> Hello, mayor and council. >> My name is chap Thornton. I'm the business manager for the plumbers and pipefitters local union here in Austin, as well as the chair of the city of Austin mechanical and plumbing board. I'm here to speak in favor of item 25. I have over 30 years experience in the plumbing and mechanical industry, nine of which was a city employee. I'm a resident of district five and where I work in our training centers in district three. My expertise and passion is in the plumbing industry in Austin has always been Progressive in its rules and regulations for water conservation. This agenda item includes moving forward with the [10:52:22 AM] includes moving forward with the city's water forward plan. Ann. As you well know, water is our most precious resource and essential to life in our daily needs. When it is in abundance, it is something we rarely think of, but during times of drought, it always becomes a common topic of discussion. The adoption of this agenda item will ensure that we as a city, will keep this precious resource at the forefront of consideration and that we have adequate water supplies for our future. Thank you. >> Hello Austin city council, my name is Craig Naser. I am the conservation chair of the state chapter of the Sierra club and I just want to tell you that the Sierra club, all the way from the very top to the very bottom, wants you to vote for item 25. I also think this important to point out item 14, why item 14 is also really a climate change issue. Item 14 allows people to, to travel to and from, work when [10:53:24 AM] to travel to and from, work when they can work at home, which reduces traffic. But another interesting thing that happened during the pandemic when more people worked at home, you know what happened? The shelter emptied, more people working from home will allow people to buy more pets and having their in their homes. That's a good thing, too. Also, when it comes to the, the, the item about how we figure out the stuff we're accepting from the trash, we do that per person, that what that item says. If we do that per person rather than the way they're doing it now, I'm now on the zero waste commission. And what that makes it much easier for us to compare ourselves to other cities. That's a very important thing for us to be able to do. When it comes to climate change, I first moved to Austin as a student at UT and music Ann, and I did not have much money. And in order to live here, I lived in my soon to be [10:54:25 AM] here, I lived in my soon to be ex's family house with no air conditioning. I lived in Austin for no air conditioner with for six years, and it. Was not easy. And that's why I ended up in the 1990 all night city council meeting about Barton springs, because that was my air conditioning. Now that that was me, I don't think I could do that now. We're now at a temperature level. That's 1.5 C and that's three and a half, degrees in fahrenheit. So this affects musicians. This affects everybody who's struggling in the city of Austin. So please. Thank you. >> Next we have kayba white on item 25 with Camille cook and Mike Siegel on deck. If your name has been called, please move forward to the podium. >> Good morning. My name is kayba white. I'm speaking on behalf of public citizen's Texas office. Thank you all for, your your time and attention here, [10:55:28 AM] your time and attention here, including on item number 25. That is the climate funding or environmental sustainability funding resolution. And I really appreciate council member alter's leadership as well as the co sponsor support of this. And I'm glad to see that it is on consent. I just want to share that public citizen is very supportive of this and I have seen firsthand how a lack of funding does keep the city from meeting its many ambitious and laudable sustainability, including climate goals, the Austin climate equity plan sets goals that are very necessary for maintaining our quality of life here in Austin, as well as being good stewards of our environment and good global citizens. And we really cannot do that if we don't put money behind it. So this this is essential. And I want to also share that. I think the people of Austin are very supportive, even in the recent survey from Austin energy. And that was [10:56:30 AM] Austin energy. And that was specific to rates. Austin energy rates, it showed that there was a large majority, 66% of residential response rates, said that they were willing to pay more on their electric bill, some of them quite a lot more, in order to have carbon free energy. So there there is a lot of support in the public for taking on our sustainability challenges and provide Singh fixes to our problems, instead of just constantly having to pay for recovery. Of course, we're going to have to keep doing some of that to, you know, because of our past mistakes, societally and globally. But we can start to kind of turn that tide here and make smart investments upfront to address our challenges. And lastly, I'll just share that when it comes to getting people engaged in future city planning process is, I think, showing that there's money behind. Thank you. Thank you, miss. Implementation is critical. Thank you very much. >> Camille cook on item 25 with Mike Siegel and Luke Metzger on [10:57:32 AM] Mike Siegel and Luke Metzger on deck. >> Hi. Good morning council. My name is Camille cook. I work with public citizen and I'm here to show my support for item 25, the sustainability and climate funding resolution. I could talk about many of the scientific reasons that we need for why we need fast action on climate change, but I'm sure you all have already heard that from a lot of people. I'd like to focus on. Instead, the politics of climate change. In short, climate policy is good policy. Most people in America and absolutely around the world support climate action. Climate focused policies are some of the most popular policies that politicians can craft today. It's even more true for bold, carefully planned and fair climate policies. People are tired of the piecemeal and gradual approach we understand that the climate crisis is happening now, and that we no longer have 20 years to deal with it. Biden's Biden's inflation reduction act has been incredibly popular among Americans because it has made batteries, rooftop solar and evs more affordable for people. And people see that here in Austin. The options are limitless. We could establish a climate bond, we could increase funding for community solar and we could [10:58:32 AM] community solar and we could invest in batteries, to name a few things. People continue to stand by the climate equity plan as well. I'm excited to see how y'all lead. On addressing climate change locally. The bigger the better. Thank you. Thank you. >> Good morning. Mayor and council Mike Segal, political director for ground game Texas, speaking in support of Ivan 25. I want to thank councilman alter and the co-sponsors for leading on this issue. I think this is a tremendous opportunity in particular because of the matching funds available through the inflation reduction act, where essentially every $100 million invested by Austin taxpayers could be doubled or tripled with investments over time. Also the Ira allows for labor to get, you know, prevailing wage protections and supports apprenticeship programs. So I hope that as you do the consultations with the community, you make sure labor is front and center with developing this bond. And also just the last piece to make sure that environmental justice is a part of what we're thinking of, the idea that the folks who have [10:59:33 AM] the idea that the folks who have been most impacted by climate change and fossil fuel production and pollution would be at the forefront of receiving the benefits of new city investments on these issues. So thanks to you all so much and hope you support this item. Thank you sir. >> Luke Metzger on item 25 with Kayla Reese and Lucia Athens on deck. >> Good morning, mayor and council members. My name is Luke Metzger. I'm the executive director of environment Texas for our nonprofit advocate for clean air and water parks and wildlife, and livable climate. We're in strong support of item 25. Austin has, significant environmental challenges. You know, a third of our creeks aren't safe for swimming because of high levels of fecal bacteria . The highland Lakes are 60% empty now because of ongoing drought. Last year was the hottest year on record in Texas. Hundreds of people died due to extreme heat. Austin has long been a leader on tackling the climate crisis, and our environmental challenges, and we've got lots of great plans in place. But even as a professional environmental [11:00:33 AM] professional environmental advocate, I don't actually know, you know, whether we're on pace to meet our goals or not. And that's why I think this process is so important, to make sure we take stock of all the plans we see where we're at, and we solicit the community input to come up with, you know, exciting new ideas to help us reach those goals. As has been said, we have , you know, both the historic inflation reduction act, which includes, lots of tax credits that will only be put to use if people use them. And many austinites, I think, right now have no idea of all the, tax credits available for solar panels or energy efficiency. Other things. And so I think one thing I'd like to see is a renewed public outreach program. San. Antonio is going door to door letting people know about those tax incentives. That could be something we'd look at. I think, you know, Austin energy has great rebates for everything from e-bikes to electric lawn equipment. We could put those on steroids, more programs to put solar on city buildings like Dallas and San Antonio are doing [11:01:33 AM] Dallas and San Antonio are doing so. Lots of great options with this. So thank you council member for this issue. Really excited to be part of the effort in the next few months. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. Good morning mayor and council I'm Kayla Reese I'm the advocacy manager with Austin parks foundation Ann. >> And I won't spend too much time repeating what other well-spoken speakers have said this morning, so I will just share that Austin parks foundation also fully supports item number 25, and we appreciate council member alter bringing it up. Thank you. >> Thank you Lucia Athens on item 25 with Roy Whaley on deck. >> Good morning. Mayor council and acm goods. Good to be here with you guys here in city hall. It's been a while. My name is Lucia. Athens I'm the former chief sustainability officer for the city of Austin, where I served for 12 years starting in 2010, when the position was first created. I'm excited to be here speaking in favor of item 25 to create an environmental investment plan. And I'm also a district one resident. [11:02:35 AM] district one resident. Incidentally we think of ourselves as a very environmental city, but from my perspective, we have been woefully underfunded, related to a variety of environmental initiatives for many, many years. And it's really important that many of the plans that are named in the resolution be fully funded. These plans are critical for us to maintain the quality of life that we currently enjoy and want to maintain here in Austin, to keep pace with the breakneck pace of development that's gobbling up land, trees, water, power and impacting transportation traffic and emissions. The net zero goal of the climate equity plan is very worthy, and one of the most ambitious plans in the nation, but it's also perhaps one of the least ambitious in terms of the funding to back it up. So I think this is a really critical step. Erp I do want to recommend to council to add the urban forest master plan to the list of plans named in the resolution. The urban forest master plan is very important for us. We've lost 30% of our tree canopy as a result of the [11:03:36 AM] tree canopy as a result of the winter storm uri, and as I recall from my days in the previous position as chief sustainability officer, we had done a staff, had done an analysis of the shortfall, millions of dollars of shortfall in the ability to fulfill that plan and maintenance is an important part of it. As well. The best practice is somewhere in terms of seven. Every seven years you need to look at a tree for maintenance and I think we're somewhere in terms of like every 75 years is where we have funding to actually do that kind of maintenance for cities, for trees, on city owned property. Finally, I just wanted to say in terms of what, thank you for being here out of time. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. And thank you for your service, Mr. Whaley. >> Howdy, y'all. My name is Roy Whaley. I am the conservation chair for the Austin regional group of the Sierra club and the Sierra club. Like Craig said supports this top to bottom. There was a little bit of [11:04:37 AM] There was a little bit of surprise at the top when they found out that it didn't go through the bottom first, but we do support this and you should have received all of you a letter from from our executive committee. And they are supporting this, as is conservation committee. The issue to me is this this is at an emergency. You bet an emergency vehicle can only go so fast. So yes. Let's get to work on this. But let's not run some red lights along the way and cause more trouble. Let's make sure that this gets a thorough vetting for the public that it goes through the process as it should. And before we get to that bond process that we're looking at through this for next fall, that we completely look at all of this and ain't it a shame that we can only do this? Ain't it a shame we didn't do it sooner? But isn't it a shame [11:05:38 AM] sooner? But isn't it a shame that we don't have affordable housing bonds on this? Also so that is also an environmental issue. Just as much as the work from home is an environmental issue, the affordable housing bonds that make it real income level affordability is very much of an environmental issue. Otherwise we squeeze more people out of Austin. We have people driving further to get to work and Austin. We need to look at that too. And since we can't do both of these bonds together, that's still an emergency too. So please take action where you can to impact afford housing for our people and our citizens that we don't want to lose. Thank you, I gotta go. Someone's at the door. Yeah, I'll talk to you later. Thank you. >> Sir. Mayor and council, I apologize. >> I thought 14 was still pulled, so I have been skipping [11:06:40 AM] pulled, so I have been skipping over those folks. I'm going to start calling them now. We have got Whitney holt and Andrew Rivera and Christy o'brien on deck. >> If your name has been called, please make your way to the front. >> Hi, y'all. >> My name is Whitney holt. I am a resident of district five, treasurer for acm 1624. I, I currently work for Travis county health and human services, and up until five months ago I worked for Austin public health. When we talk about how this, telework returned to office, policy is going to impact recruitment and retention. I am one of the examples of a person who thought it was a deal breaker and left. The reason why I thought it was a deal breaker isn't just because of all the climate issues those have been documented and addressed tonight . They were also addressed when the joint sustainability commission and the environmental committee both wrote recommendations last summer that [11:07:40 AM] recommendations last summer that we expand our telework. It's not just about inclusion and how more women and more people with disabilities and people of all types are able to better sustain their mental health and their work life balance when they have telework as documents made by the joint inclusion committee recommendation that we expand telework. And it is not just about traffic and safety and all of the ways that a commute will kill your soul over time. As documented by the urban transportation recommendation last summer to expand telework for me, I'm addressing the elephant in the room that seems to be completely ignored, and it's the hundreds of millions of dollars we spend every year propping up buildings that are completely redundant. They are functionally redundant when we are able to work from home. All of the programs addressed tonight, whether it's music parks, the needs of the animal shelter that I sit on, the animal advisory commission for are that they could all be [11:08:40 AM] are that they could all be addressed by just getting rid of, like two of these leases. This, this is just not a good use of our taxpayer dollars. It's honestly regressive and insulting that right now we're being expected to double down on returning to office rather than looking to the future. And these new ways that we have seen have worked out. Thank you. >> Good morning, mayor and council. I'm Andrew Rivera. Thank you for the opportunity to address you on the telework matters 14 and 35. I also want to take this opportunity to thank someone else, the late jack Goodman, who established the Austin youth river watch, that a it's a environmental youth program that takes a long haired metallica T shirt wearing teen from montopolis and instilled in him a sense of responsibility for his community and his environment. It fast forward to today. Here I am, shorter, gray hair. I might still wear. Those metallica T shirts are a few sizes larger [11:09:40 AM] shirts are a few sizes larger these days, but coming down to the last years of my retirement from the city of Austin and still, comments home, I, want to say when the planning commission took up these items, they heard from the honorable Bridget Shea, who said their telework program is increasing the productivity and collaboration of employees. It's cost effective. It's, it's, of course, helping the environment. She also said if we're going to have a significant impact on fighting climate change, we need everyone involved. We need all hands on deck. Murray council to borrow from that nautical metaphor, along with my brothers and sisters behind me, we are here to answer that call for action. I ask that we reverse course, reset the cells on our vessel, our beloved city of Austin and allow the winds to change to navigate us through these challenging times. By adopting the asap, the equity plan with the 85% amendment to its fullest [11:10:42 AM] the 85% amendment to its fullest extent that will be the navigation for anyone who finds themselves at the helm, for that would be the beacon of sustainability and resiliency and get us to that Shaw prosperity. It said. The youth are the messages sent through the threads of time and era. You and I will never see today. Let's weave our solemn oath to spare no effort to fight climate change. And that's why I propose 85% of eligible teleworkers, 85% at the at their homes by 2025. And you're lucky the bell rang because I was going to start singing happy birthday. That's that's actually not a metallica song. >> But, why will you not listen to council Lee, please? The tide is going on here on day 131 of the Janet site in palestine. Please excuse yourself, sir. >> Your constituents demanding a ceasefire. >> Here. You have no other [11:11:54 AM] >> Here. You have no other choice. You are. All of you, council members, would you please excuse the speaker so that we can. >> You are complicit, sir. >> Please excuse yourself. Innocent people are being slaughtered. >> You need to listen to your constituents. You're. Tired is not asking too much for an empty , tired, tired out. >> He he's tired out. >> He's been lying down. He's tired now. He's tired now. He's tired now. Tired now. I'll call for an order in the chambers. >> Will staff the other day. I'll call for order in the chambers. It's. It's you have the microphone. >> Thank you. Good morning, [11:12:54 AM] >> Thank you. Good morning, mayor council. My name is Christy o'brien. And with the American federation of state, county municipal employees, I'm a constituent of district five. I'm glad the climate is a big topic of discussion today. Now, I can focus on the telework policy. So we are excited to support items 14 and 35. In the amendments, that are being added today. We're excited to support these items because they do align our telework policy with the goals that we've laid out in our smp and our equity, our climate equity plans. And we also feel this will bring more accountability and transparency to our telework policy. Despite the city manager and corporate hr's efforts to implement and administer centrally policy with specific guidelines, we know telework eligible employees are being denied their requests before the exemption process plays out, which is not how this policy was intended to go. So, [11:13:54 AM] policy was intended to go. So, so we do hope to set a standard with this effort, and hold the city to those standards, by documenting this language in asmp and the climate equity plans for years to come. So, you know, we are asking our community to take these goals seriously. We must do the same. And we can do that today. By by voting for these amendments, and making sure our own house is, is complying with these goals and not just setting an expectation, but actually coming through for them. So thank you all. So much for your time and your service. >> Thank you. >> Todd killock on item 14 and brydan Summers on deck. That first name was Todd killock. Brydan Summers. >> Good morning, mayor and [11:14:59 AM] >> Good morning, mayor and council. My name is Todd killock . I'm with afscme local 1624. I'm actually on the staff. I've been working, on the telework policy with the city manager's office. His people since the beginning, when this started off as two days, maybe, maybe telework. We've come a long, long way. We're at a 5050 kind of schedule right now for eligible employees. But we got a lot, a lot further to go. We still have roughly 2000 employees out there that are eligible to work, 80 to 100% telework from home. They just been sitting in limbo for months. A lot of them have left, gone to other employers. That that offered them telework 100. So, so this resolution, it sets goals that we need not just for the city, but for our employees, for our retention, for the city, [11:15:59 AM] for our retention, for the city, for a better work life balance, for all of the employees. And it sets a standard for the city, for all the employers that kind of follow what we do here. We're getting there. But we can do better. We can do better for the city. We can do better for the employee. Luz. We're on the right track and I really think this resolution gets us closer. Setting goals and hopefully setting and asking for some accountability. If they're not met in the future. Because we really need to look at these things as they proceed and be sure there's accountability, health. If they're not met. We need to get these people at home working to the benefit for us all. Thank you. Council >> Thank you. >> Hi mayor and council, my name is brydan Summers. I'm the vice president of the mean green acm [11:17:00 AM] president of the mean green acm 1624. I'm also a neighbor of councilmember Vella in district four. We spent a lot of time as city employees trying to create predictable in our processes so that our customers know what to expect when they work with the city and they know how to access city services. And it's a matter of good governance. So I'm left scratching my head over the last year's telework policies, the way that they've been determined, the way that they've been implemented by hcd, and how they're disregarding the goals of the Austin climate equity plan. And this Austrian strategic mobility plan. The constantly changing nature of this is antithetical, again, to that good governance. And so we're not providing it not only to city staff, but we're not providing it to the community to demonstrate how we're going to actually implement those plans. So you have an opportunity to better define these policies and what they should look like. And I particularly want to thank councilmember Fuentes for her amendments to make this even more clear and set reporting standards that are essential to understanding how this impacts our workforce and how it impacts our community. You know, to take it back to the bigger issue, myself and my peers are often [11:18:00 AM] myself and my peers are often wondering when we see these climate impacts growing year after year, are we doing enough? Are we doing everything within our capacity to tackle them? And this is your opportunity to look at that today. You know, as far as Austin is concerned and climate, we talk about our values a lot. But let's live our values. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Next we have Larry Franklin on item 43 with Daniela silva and Sarah Campbell on deck. >> Your name has been called. Please make your way forward. Please continue with calling names. >> Larry Franklin, Daniela silva, Sarah Campbell, Cynthia Simmons, Chris Harris. >> Please make your way to the microphone. >> Okay, I guess I'll go. >> Hey, I'm Sarah Campbell. District one. I am speaking. Hello. I'm nervous. I'm speaking [11:19:02 AM] Hello. I'm nervous. I'm speaking today in support of item 43 and against the Mackenzie contract. We already have studies and assessments providing guidance on steps to support our houseless community members. We also have a great amount of knowledge and experience here in our city. Our houseless community members, especially, but our nonprofit partners, our city and county employees. So I don't know why we need to pay for another study. A $2 million study already. Instead, I think that we should wait to see the results of pilot programs that have already been recommended, like item 43, which will help to support people rather than punish them. Lastly Mckinsey has questionable morals. To put it lightly. And I don't believe they are deserving of $2 million of our city's money. Mckinsey is a case of wrong vendor, wrong time. And lastly, I wanted to ask that you all follow in the footsteps of multiple city of Austin commissions and listen to [11:20:03 AM] Austin commissions and listen to the will of the majority of austinites and pass a cease fire resolution. Now, your collective voice does matter. Thank you. >> Good morning council, my name is Daniela silva. I'm a resident of district three and I'm here in support of item 43. The city has already committed to the $2 million for over a year now, and recently gave their commitment at commissioners court. So I think it's the duty of council to follow through on that commitment. The county jail has seen a consistent increase and is overwhelmed with folks needing mental health care, and jail has become the holding space by default, further exacerbating mental health issues. With zero cultural competency or rehabilitation. Police and the community can agree that there needs to be an alternative to incarceration for folks experiencing mental health issues who have committed low [11:21:03 AM] issues who have committed low level offenses, and this is an opportunity to explore a viable solution that creates healthier and thriving communities. The city has a duty to care for and place preventative and holistic approaches in place for public safety. We know that data shows us keeping folks in their community with supportive services, prevents recidivism, and lowers crime rates unless the city has an alternative plan to address our overwhelming population of marginalized community members, the city would be contributing to the unaddressed mental health crisis and increasing incarceration rates in the city of Austin. And I work a lot with our unhoused community. There are many people who are needing a lot of assistance and sending them into jails. In the prison system, just further worsens their situation and does nothing to actually help them get back on their feet. So I really hope that you support this item. And I also you hope you support a cease fire. Thank you. >> My name is I am princess [11:22:09 AM] >> My name is I am princess farrow Womack and my, previous known address is in district five. According to the university of Texas and business comm, 270,000 cases were filed in the in the Texas department of family and protective services. There was a corresponding 270,000 households evicted from their homes in 2022, while Nydia Velazquez is advocating for section eight tenants to be treated as a class of their own without discrimination. In New York, section eight families in Texas with similar backgrounds are being told to move, many becoming traumatized from unlawful entries into their households and unlawful harassment from local police agencies. This Texas population with similar backgrounds are getting their cars wrongfully towed and being prescribed brain altering drugs that are inducing mental episodes. These hardships are being directed at a certain population in Texas that includes myself, with no justification or cause, with reasoning other than [11:23:09 AM] reasoning other than discrimination and intended forced migration. Currently, Texas is receiving funding for every human necessity from food, housing to utilities and transportation. Yet some Texas residents, such as myself, have been denied these benefits. Let's see here I am a woman who has attended college. I am a business owner that is hub certified for procurement with the city of Austin. I am a registered voter, born and raised right here in Austin, Texas. I am a published author and advocate of women's rights. I have served this nation as a union member of the executive branch of the American government. I have as well served Texas during the crisis of hurricane Ike. As a transporter with the metropolitan transit authority. Yet every day, as the head of household, as a section eight house, yet every day as the head of household, excuse me. Yet every day as the head of a section eight household here in Travis county, I have justified, I have to justify by being a full time mom. Will this be the accepted norm in the ten years to come for our children and our [11:24:10 AM] to come for our children and our grandchildren? >> Thank you very much in support of, thank you. >> I'm just gonna call a few of the names one more time. Larry Franklin and Cynthia Simmons on item 43. That concludes all. All consent. Only remaining are item 35. Thank you. >> Members that concludes all of the speakers on the item, that were on consent with only 35 remaining. However there, because of the for clarity purposes, what I'm going to go ahead and do is, is, have item number 23, pulled at the request of council member vela and then on, for clarity purposes, go [11:25:12 AM] on, for clarity purposes, go ahead and have 14 and 35 so that we can make sure that 14 the amendments that council member Fuentes is offering, that we make sure that they go on in a way that has clarity. And so I'll recognize councilmember Fuentes. Are there any other items that anyone would like to pull from the consent agenda? So what? That's going to leave us is 1418, 23, and 35. And I'll try to take those up in that order with that being said, what I'll do is I'll entertain a motion on the consent agenda. It's may council member Ryan alter moves adoption of the consent agenda. The motion is seconded by council member harper-madison. Now, before we, I ask for abstentions and no votes and that kind of thing, I want to recognize, council member. Well, I pulled it, so we'll deal with that. Later. So then let me go. First of all, is there anyone wishing to be shown abstaining and I'll recognize [11:26:13 AM] abstaining and I'll recognize council member Alison alter? >> Thank you. I'd like to be. Shown abstaining on item 45 on the PC appointment of Danielle Skidmore, and I'd like to speak to that out. We have a total of 13 planning commission appointees, and according to our city charter, a minimum of two thirds of the members shall be lay members, not directly or indirectly connected with real estate and land development. But the charter does not differentiate whether the connection to real estate and land development is in the public sector or the private sector, or whether the connection to development is for something we believe to be desirable, like affordable housing or something less altruistic. The voter approved charter language instead establishes that, at a minimum, two thirds of the members of the planning commission must be lay members, not directly or indirectly connected with real estate and land development. I'm concerned, colleagues, that we may not have a shared definition of lay member because I would consider licensed engineers or professionals employed by code studios to not meet that criteria. And I say that as someone who's nominee is among [11:27:14 AM] someone who's nominee is among those who are professional engineers with this appointment, we will have four members who have defined themselves in the questionnaire process as being either a professional engineer, a certified planner, or a registered landscape architect. But that alone would put us at our maximum number of appointees who I would not define as being lay members, not directly or indirectly connected with real estate and land development. But in addition to those four, we also have someone employed as an urban planner for a code studio, and another who is a consultant, whose website lists clients that are exclusively real estate projects together. This potentially exceeds the maximum. I want to be very clear. I think every appointed member and nominated member is professional , operating with integrity, and has a heart for service, and they have done and will do excellent work on the commission . However, my obligations and our obligations under the charter are more specific than whether I think the person would do a good job. My obligations include adhering to the voter approved eligibility requirements, so I will be abstaining on today's planning [11:28:15 AM] abstaining on today's planning commission appointment. >> Thank you, council member. Anyone else wishing to be shown abstaining on any item on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on the consent agenda. Anyone wishing to be shown voting no on a specific item on the consent agenda. Council member Kelly I would like to be shown as voting no on 25. >> And just to, ask 23 was pulled correct. >> 23 will be taken up separately. Yes. Okay. Thank you . Anyone else wishing to be shown voting no on any of the items on the consent agenda is there any further discussion? Without objection, the consent agenda is adopted with councilmember Allison alter being shown abstaining from item number 45 and council member Kelly being shown voting no on item number 25. That will now take us to item number 14. Council I will, entertain a motion on. I'm sorry, councilmember Allison alter. >> Yes, mayor, I want to. When [11:29:15 AM] >> Yes, mayor, I want to. When are we going to make comments on consent? >> We can do that now, if you all would like to speak on the consent agenda and then we can go to the individual items. I was going to take those up, but I'm happy to do that. As you then council member Ryan alter and then council member Kelly, thank you. >> I wanted to speak to two items. First, I want to speak to item 17, and I want us to all celebrate this item, which facilitates our utilization of victims of crime act grant funding. This grant to the city will fund two counselor positions and for victim services navigators, and it is currently funded by the state through September 30th, 2024. Using federal funds. The grant, funded counselors will focus on hate crimes, elder abuse, identity theft, fraud, and financial crimes, and the grant funded victim navigators will focus on domestic violence and sexual assault, youth violence and teen dating, victimization and hate crimes. These positions will be providing crisis counseling and stabilization, justice support, personal [11:30:16 AM] justice support, personal advocacy and emergency placement and shelter safety planning and referrals to other providers. I want to particularly highlight that improving our response to survivors of hate bias incidents is a top priority. One full position will be dedicated to working with individuals and families who've been the target of a crime motivated by hate or an incident suspected to be motivated by hate or bias. Colleagues I also want to call your attention that this is a grant and it is only for funded for a single year. The renewal has been applied for, but that renewal will not happen until after we go through our budget process. So similar to last year, we're going to have to be mindful, in the budget process for the timing of that award decision. And how we deal with employees that we've hired who may not have security from that award being awarded on time. This is just the way the cycle works for this particular grant. But we're going to need to be mindful of that during the [11:31:18 AM] mindful of that during the budget process. The second item I wanted to speak to is the climate investment plan, and I want to thank council member Ryan alter for bringing this forward. And thank you for incorporating my amendments related to prior direction that I offered when we sponsored the climate emergency declaration and when we sponsored the implementation of the climate equity plan resolution. You also included work that we're doing on the forthcoming food plan and the, the, the community wildfire protection plan, and I really look forward to the results of this process. And I want to thank you and your staff for your hard work on this. We absolutely need to accelerate our investments related to climate change. My hope is that the process will reveal the most effective ways to do that, and the best timing for deploying each financial tool, and allow us to have a thorough public process. Until that process is started, I don't know that we know exactly what that route is. We do need to accelerate these investments, and we do need to [11:32:19 AM] investments, and we do need to take very important and big steps. But exactly how we do that, I think, is not going to be clear until we see, how that conversation evolves. Thank you. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember Ryan alter, then councilmember Kelly, then councilmember harper- madison, thank you much. >> Two weeks ago, zo residents from Santa Rita courts came and told us about walls in their home that get so hot during the summer that they literally feel like they are baking in their home, and they told us about how they're so cold during the winter that they are just chilled to their bones. This is not just a housing story, it's a climate story. See, this is what more and more austinites are facing, because our Summers are getting hotter, our winter storms are so bad that we're naming them like hurricanes. We [11:33:21 AM] naming them like hurricanes. We cannot accept this as the new normal. It's not normal to pray that our electricity will work when we need it most. It's not normal for my four year old daughter to tell me she doesn't want to go to the playground because of the slide burns her legs. It's not normal to face wildfires from all directions and hope the next one isn't next door. To the environment. >> Escort her out. Please sit down, sir. Sir, please sit down. I'll ask that there be order in. I'll ask that there be order in the chamber. Thank you. Council member alter, you have the floor [11:34:24 AM] member alter, you have the floor . Thank you ma'am. Sir, sir. >> Thank you, councilmember Ryan alter, you have the floor. >> Thank you. >> You know this. It's a it's a grim picture, but the good news is we have the tools and the technology Jackie to do something we can't solve climate change on our own, but. But what we can do is invest in solutions that make our city our home more resilient, more sustainable, pool, and just downright more livable. The days of setting goals and falling woefully short have to end. We can and must prioritize action over talk results, over hopes, investment, Swint over complacency. And that's what we've done here today. So I want to thank my co-sponsors, my colleagues, who are all choosing to write a new climate story for Austin, one [11:35:27 AM] climate story for Austin, one that says the status quo is unacceptable and recognizes the time to act, is now. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Council member. Council member Kelly, followed by harper- madison and then council member qadri. >> Thank you, mayor. I want to discuss my no vote on item 25 and concerns. I've heard from constituents. It's that this item may further burden them as taxpayers. Many questions still loom. What is the city's current bonding capacity? Can the taxpayer handle another increase? And what are the opinions of our constituencies regarding another city bond? I hope these questions are answered honestly and transparently over the coming months, and that a lot of our constituencies are currently struggling, financially. I just heard from people yesterday who are concerned about the possibility of more taxes in the form of a bond. It's my job. And our job as elected officials to not increase the financial burden on those who live in our city. I hope that we can institute a process that takes the possible burden of finance raising from a future bond front and center. During this [11:36:30 AM] and center. During this discussion and analysis that will occur. Secondly, I'd like to thank my colleague, council member Fuentes, for bringing forward her I resolution today. The technology is here now and we must create and discuss safeguards and have increased vigilance that allow us to work with ai safely as that technology evolves. Thirdly, and finally, I'm thrilled to see item 43, which is a multi-partner mental health diversion pilot program. We have to continue to do more for those struggling with mental health and providing resources, especially this type of resource. Thank you. Thank you. >> Council member. Council member harper-madison. Council member qadri and council member Fuentes. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate the recognition colleagues, if I may, I would like to first reiterate how valuable our collaboration. Between the city and, excuse me, how valuable our collaboration between the city and the county is. And today is reflected, just like so many of the other items [11:37:30 AM] like so many of the other items that we're going to be taking a look at later on today about that relationship between us and the county. I know a lot of our residents, don'trillionecognize that the city is the city, and the county is the county, because for y'all, it's one and the same. It's frequently ignored that we operate as separate entities. So those collaborate are critical. I think it's reflected in our agenda on item number 18, the sobriety center. Similarly, we want to deeply look forward to our next council meeting on the 29th regarding the northeast planning district. I am excited to share with my colleagues that our county and city staff will be reviewing all the final considerations for this long awaited interlocal agreement next week. Additionally I'm excited to co-sponsor item number 24 with council member Fuentes. I share her excitement for the city's exploration of the potential of emerging technologies. For the tech folks in the room, you'll have to forgive our ignorance, but I was blown away. I was going to bring a resolution of my own that I was calling emerging tech around web three. And, blockchain and I [11:38:31 AM] web three. And, blockchain and I and Eid coinbase currencies. But it turns out those are not at all emerging technologies. I just didn't know about them. And I was behind Ed. And so we had the opportunity to talk to some folks in our office of innovation and our ctm folks, and they were also gracious as to not laugh at me when I brought an item that was called emerging tech over for, considerations that they've had for a decade or more. So thank you for your patience and your grace, but I really do think these are items that we really need to take a look at. I'm seeing some of the, the opportunities for us to get around traditional barriers, especially around funding and housing. So I look forward to seeing what what those technologies that are not in fact, emerging. What the effects that they may have on our city. And, I think it's also important to evaluate all the implications that the future of technology means for our city's operations. Burns most significantly, what this means for our workforce and workforce development. But, I would like to, well, I was going to speak to item number 23, but [11:39:32 AM] to speak to item number 23, but since it's been pulled out, I'll reserve those remarks until then. >> Thank you, councilman. >> Mr. Mayor, if I may, just a moment of personal privilege. There were two resolutions or two. Proclamation ones that happened today. One around parent support specialist. I wanted to just say thank you to my colleagues for bringing that item forward to, council member Velasquez. I know that that was one of the ways that you and I met was talking about the importance of parent support specialist and what it is that they bring to our communities. And then the other one was, engineering, science and engineering. Faraday's, I my daughter is an engineering student at the university of Texas. And I think she was very much inspired to do so because we attended some engineering fair days at the university of Texas. So thank you for bringing that forward. Also thank you, councilmember. >> Councilmember qadri. Councilmember Fuentes, then councilmember Ellis. >> Yeah. I just wanted to thank councilmember Fuentes for bringing forward item 24, and allowing us to be a part of that. And then for item 25, I just want to thank councilmember Ryan again and his and his team and all the co-sponsors for [11:40:33 AM] and all the co-sponsors for working on that. And, obviously I voted for it, but I'd love to be a co-sponsor and council council member qadri will be shown as a as a co-sponsor. >> Councilmember Fuentes and councilmember Ellis. >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you, colleagues, for your support on the artificial intelligence resolution. And I want to thank my co-sponsors, councilmember Allison alter, councilmember ray alter, councilmember harper-madison, and councilmember qadri for your support. We know that the university of Texas has declared this the year of ai, and with south by happening next month, there's going to be lots of panel conversations around artificial intelligence. So I'm very pleased to see that we, as one of the top data science hubs in in the country, that our city will also be leading on ai and exploring ways of what that looks like for the city of Austin as an employer and how we can integrate this type of technology into our workflows and processes, but also establish guidelines to ensure that there's not any racial biases that we are ensuring data privacy rights and many more. [11:41:34 AM] privacy rights and many more. And so this is a hot topic of conversation, but we know that ai is here to stay. So we got to talk about what that looks like for our workforce. So I just want to appreciate your support. And also want to thank Amelia Casas with my team for her work on this resolution. >> All right. Thank you, councilmember. >> Councilmember Ellis, thank you, mayor, for the recognition. >> I'd like to speak briefly on item 20 about the Bergstrom spur . Our city staff is going to be applying for the raise grant application for this project. Trails to transit. If funded, the Bergstrom spur trail will provide a game changing east west urban trail through south Austin, connecting historically underserved neighborhoods including homes, schools, and jobs to local bus and future project connect light rail and metro rapid lines. I'd like to thank our transportation and public works staff for pursuing these federal funds to transform abandoned railroad tracks into a vibrant mobility and recreational corridor. I'm also proud to be a co-sponsor of council member Ryan Walters [11:42:34 AM] council member Ryan Walters initiative to identify the funding needed to accelerate our local climate action. I'm excited to see what priorities we can move forward quickly on this critical issue because we know climate change and extreme weather events are not slowing down, and the last item I wanted to speak on briefly was our board and commission appointments. Our planning commission takes up various land use topics that are very highly technical. We are lucky when people decide to volunteer their time to this important commission. I think Danielle Skidmore is a fantastic, highly regarded, well respected community advocate. She's also a transportation engineer, not a land use engineer, and she brings a unique perspective that is beneficial to our community. So I look forward to seeing her initiatives on the commission and how she can lead us toward a more vibrant Austin. >> Thank you. Council member. Any other council members wish to be heard on the consent agenda? I'll point out item number 46, for the public, continue. It sets a public hearing to continue the work [11:43:37 AM] hearing to continue the work that we're doing with regard to the land development code and our housing proposals. We will start just so that everybody, is aware. What we will do is we will start with a joint hearing with the planning commission that will be held on April 11th. On may 6th, we will use our regularly scheduled council meeting as our hearing date. And the city council staff, has indicated that the council meeting agenda will only have the items listed in item number 46. In today's agenda on the may 16th agenda, so that we will be able to concentrate and focus on that. We will use the Tuesday, may 14th work session to review any proposed amendments that are being considered, from the dais, like we've done in the past in anticipation of that Thursday, may 16th meeting. So I would request that we all kind of use that as a target date. May 14th to be in a situation to have posted on the message board [11:44:38 AM] posted on the message board prior to the work session and then have that and I'll make sure that the message board contains reminders as we get closer to that. But but since we voted on it today, I want to make sure that we have that out. With that, we will now go to item number 14. Council member Fuentes, I'll recognize you for a motion, and then I'll be recognizing, with once we have a second, I'll recognize you for potential amendments. >> Thank you. Colleagues item 14 is just us updating our plans to ensure that it aligns with our goals that we have as a city. So with that, I move moves council member Fuentes moves approval of item number 14. >> It's seconded by council member qadri. I'm going. To recognize council member Fuentes. There are two proposed amendments. We will we will discuss the amendments, pass amendments if they pass and then we'll go back to the main motion. Councilmember Fuentes, I'm recognizing you on what has been labeled Fuentes amendment number one to item 14. Yes [11:45:39 AM] number one to item 14. Yes >> Thank you. And this item is included in your backup. I also linked to it on the message board, but essentially it updates the plan to ensure that, that for new policies moving forward, that we have a strategy to implement a city of Austin telework policy encouraging no less than 85% of eligible employees to participate in telework. >> Councilmember Fuentes moves adoption of Fuentes amendment number one to item 14 is seconded by council member Velazquez. Discussion without objection. I'll get I'll get to. You know, I know you've you've already voted no on this a couple of times. So without objection, we will adopt amendment number one to, Fuentes amendment number one to item 14 is adopted with council member Kelly being shown voting no. That will take us to Fuentes amendment number two to item number 14 on the chair recognizes council member [11:46:39 AM] recognizes council member Fuentes on amendment number two. >> Colleagues, this is a simple amendment. It just lays out a semi reporting requirement from the city manager to let us know how we're doing as how we're progressing on these goals. >> Is there a second second by council member Harper Madison Fuentes, amendment number two to item number 14 has been moved and seconded. >> Is there discussion on quintus amendment number two, without objection, Fuentes amendment number two is adopted and unanimously. So you're you're a no on that one. Okay I'm sorry. With council member Kelly being shown voting no on Fuentes amendment number two, are there any other no votes on number two? Okay Fuentes. Amendment number two is adopted members that will take us back to the main motion. And the main motion is the adoption of item number 14, as amended by the two Fuentes motions. I'll recognize council member vela for discussion on the main motion, [11:47:39 AM] discussion on the main motion, as amended. >> And, thank you, mayor, I had a question for, staff. Really more related to the development services department and the telework policies. And as they're approaching the microphone, I just wanted to say that, I strongly support the item as we learn more and more about telework. There are phenomenal benefits to it, not just from a climate related point of view, but, you know, from my own life, from a family point of view, that that's one of the greatest benefits is it allows parents to spend more time with their children, which is just so critical for both the child and the parent and the family. With that said that, we continue, I should say I continue to hear concerns about, the development services and the ability of people pool to receive, solve concerns and issues in a timely manner. And, [11:48:40 AM] issues in a timely manner. And, and just from, for background as a as an immigration attorney, there was always for example, when I was trying to get someone released from ice custody at every detention center, there is what they call a duty officer. It's a different person every day, but there's somebody there when you show up that you say, hey, I need to speak to the duty officer and the duty officer will come out and you can talk to them and say, hey, this is what I need, or I wanted to bring you this or whatever the case may be, somewhat to troubleshoot and resolve any issue similar in, with the attorneys, there's a duty attorney where again, anytime there's an issue and you're showing up without an appointment, there was somebody there to be able to kind of work through and resolve that issue. I just wanted to make sure that in, adopting the telework, policies that we're making sure that there are in-person walk in services available. Again, my concerns are specifically with regard to development services department, but I'd say across the board, we need to make sure that there is a rotation of staff that are present to [11:49:41 AM] staff that are present to troubleshoot any issues that come up. And I was just hoping that that staff could could speak to that a little bit. Absolutely >> Good morning. Mayor and council, Veronica Briseno, assistant city manager responsible for development services, specifically to the development services department. We absolutely believe that people should be able to come in and meet with somebody in person. Our director is working hard to ensure that the schedule working within the parameters of the policy, she ensures that we have people for every step along the process and present to help with with folks coming in. If you are hearing concerns, I would love to hear more about. That because we want to continue to strive to do better in that, in that process. I can also say for the city as a whole, we as an executive team are ensuring that we're doing that within the departments that we serve. We realize and recognize that there is a need for us to be in person for certain response abilities. And so we're trying to ensure that we have staff present where that's needed. >> I appreciate that very much. And just wanted to highlight that, that one, concern that that I've been hearing, I will [11:50:42 AM] that I've been hearing, I will make sure and follow up, just with a handful of the of the folks that have approached me about those types of concerns. But I'm glad to hear that that that is the goal to make sure that we do have in person customer service available as we transition to a more kind of telework work from home. Environment. So thank you very much. Thank you. >> Thank you. Further discussion , councilmember Kelly, thank you. >> Item 14 currently has amendments that propose the implementation of fixed percentages to govern the city's telework policy. I'm deeply concerned about the ramifications of such a policy, particularly in its potential to limit the discretion and flexibility of our interim and future city manager at managing the workforce effectively. Moreover by predetermining telework percentages, I feel we are imposing a one size fits all approach that may not align with different departments. Diverse functions and responsibilities. It's essential, I think, to consider the unique needs and circumstances of each department and their staff, rather than applying a blanket policy that may not serve the best interests of all involved. By no means am I opposed to telework in the [11:51:43 AM] I opposed to telework in the city. However, I am troubled by the thought that we might restrict the operational flexibility of our next city manager before they even assume the role. The ability to adapt and respond to the workforces and the community's needs is crucial for effective city management. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Any further discussion? We the vote is on the main motion, as amended. I have one no vote and that would be councilmember Kelly is there any objection to the adoption of the main motion on item number 14, as amended, in addition to councilmember Kelly? Without objection, the main motion, on item number 14, as amended, is adopted with councilmember Kelly being shown voting no. Thank you all. That will now take us to item number 23. Members what I would like to do on item number 23 is we have a proposed amendment to item number 23 is get a motion to adopt item number 23, get the main motion on the floor and [11:52:44 AM] main motion on the floor and then I'll recognize councilmember vela for a proposed amendment to item number 23. Is there a motion to adopt? Council member Vella moves adoption of item number 23, seconded by council member qadri. Council member Vella, you are recognized with a proposed motion to amend item number 23. Members. It is labeled motion sheet number one one. For item number 23, and it is a motion related to line 76. Council member Vella, you're recognized. Thank you. >> Mayor. My amendment is, relatively straight forward. It would direct staff, to one of the options in trying to figure out how to sustain, a free events that are open to the public would, in, would ask them to consider including permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages for such events where appropriate. I don't know a lot about the music business, but I do know that most of their revenue comes from either ticket sales or alcohol sales. In terms [11:53:46 AM] sales or alcohol sales. In terms of venues. And if we're going to have free events and I'm 100% supportive of having free, vibrant community events, I know when I travel, there's nothing better than walking into a plaza or a park and there's music and there's fellowship, and it's just such a great Wright, you know, cultural opportunities that that arise from those. But I do want to consider that if we were to allow, for example, alcohol sales at, blues on the green would that be able to provide enough venue to sustain the event in a more long term manner? So that's, the, the gist of my amendment. >> Councilmember vela moves adoption of vela amendment number one to item number 23. It's seconded by council member Velazquez. By the way, by way of I don't know much about music industry either, but I sing better when I had a little [11:54:47 AM] better when I had a little alcohol. Is there discussion on the motion to amend? >> Yes, mister Madison. Well, I didn't get a chance to lay out the item. >> We discussed the, amendment first, and so just for reference, the item number 23 is to approve a resolution directing the city manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open to the public events and citywide traditions, and to identify opportunities for the city to support and promote community events, including free annual summer concert series. And so I have a response to council member vela's amendment, but I'd also like to ask some questions of staff. Can you direct me, which in terms of the order, please ask the questions first and then we'll talk about the amendment. >> Okay. Thank you. All the questions out and answered. >> Well, so I'd like to ask, somebody who represents APD and somebody who represents part of few questions. Please. >> Good morning, Bruce mills. Thank you very much. [11:55:48 AM] Thank you very much. >> So, you know, when I think about alcohol sales, it it's one of those things that where I take into consideration what the adjacent implications are. And so I have some questions and concerns around security implications. So as we were, coming to our, our final draft of this particular resolution on some of the considerations that we had by way of thank you, by the way, to the, creative arts folks who were able to, to weigh in on some of the things that we needed to consider here. One of the specific considerations was around safety and security. So, as you know, you know, the park is not fenced in. And one of the other considerations is around safety and security was how many law enforcement professionals we have in relation to how many people are visiting the event. And so I'd just like to ask maybe in general, what are some specific implications around the introduction of alcohol sales to this free, open to the public [11:56:50 AM] this free, open to the public and by open to the public? I mean, quite literally, it's open to the public. Anybody can walk into the park during the course of blues on the green. What are the safety and security implications, both by way of capacity and what additional capacity should we be taking into consideration once we introduce alcohol sales? >> Sure. Thanks for the question. Let me ask chief mason. I saw him here. Assistant police chief, to speak more specifically to alcohol sales or, alcohol being available in a park or in an event like that. I'll tell generally, yes, there would be there certainly would be increased number of officers required to serve that event for the security and for safety, particularly in a, in a park environment. It'd be a little different because if the park is open to other users, children, underage, etc. So there would be some, some it'd be some changes in security and providing that. But I can't speak specifically to it. But chief mason may be able to. Here he is. [11:57:50 AM] able to. Here he is. >> Thank you. Chief mason. >> Thank you sir. Afternoon, council. Yeah, there definitely would have to look at, staffing for sure. Anytime you bring in alcohol to any type of situation, you of course, disturbances, etc. Will increase the likelihood of law enforcement have to, to, to be involved. But not also just looking at staffing for police. You have to also look at on the medic side because as people get sick and need attention, they may need increased staffing too. And just in general, I would I would hope that we take time to look at this and make sure, because right now, parks, and zilker park, I'll talk about that directly. You can't sell, possess or consume alcohol unless you get a permit. And I would want to make sure that legal is on board to make sure we're not missing any type of ordinances to make sure that they can actually get a permit to be able to obtain pertain to that. And then the lastly is, you know, we're always concerned about wis that increases as people leave. It's been such a fun event. Without the alcohol. I do understand, mayor, your your your prediction. I'm having [11:58:51 AM] your your prediction. I'm having fun. But I also want to make sure it's a safe environment for everybody. That leaves and the rest of the city of Austin, too. So thank you, I appreciate it. >> And for what it's worth, that was unfortunate timing because you were talking about the implications of drunk driving. At the same time as kind of making a joke. But it's not funny. It's not a laughing matter when we take into consideration the numbers. I mean, I was just at a campus meeting this week where we talked about, road deaths and so many of those are about distracted driving, but so many of those are about impaired driving. And so that's certainly a consideration for me. That, and increased liability. I'm not sure who the I think that might be a hard question. Director Mcnealy. Thank you very much. >> Kymberley Mcnealy. Serving as the parks and recreation director. I couldn't speak to the increased liability council member. I would have to probably engage our law department who could help us understand that. But I will say that logistically [11:59:52 AM] But I will say that logistically , just to add what chief mason said, that when we do offer, an opportunity for alcohol sales at any of our events, that it's typically in a fenced in area. And so there is an added security level or safety safety barrier of with a fenced in, depending upon the size of that area. Right that that would dictate the actual costs associated with that. And those costs are typically passed on to the to the entity that organizer of that particular event. With regards to liability, I don't know the exact I guess it depends on the size, the amount that's sold. So I couldn't answer that question specifically. But mostly a chief mason covered almost everything that I would have said. >> I appreciate that. I think basically you're speaking to what I would otherwise say, which is if and when we take the opportunity. Thank you. Council member villa, because I think what you're attempting to do is introduce an opportunity for the festival to be more self-sufficient and sustain itself. Which alcohol sales do offer that opportunity? But I do [12:00:52 PM] offer that opportunity? But I do think it also offers so many more considerations that if and when we do take into consideration whether alcohol sales are appropriate. And I appreciate that you're you know, you articulated it by saying where appropriate, if it's appropriate, I want us to take a look at this in a way that's more comprehensive. If we're going to expand alcohol sales, because if I'm not mistaken, director Mcneely, there are alcohol sales at blues on the green currently, but it's limited to a small sort of beer garden fenced in area. >> I honestly couldn't tell you. Council member. I would have to go look at the event. The event site plan. You're going to have to go to blues on the green with me if we if we are able to. Okay I promise I will commit. Okay. But what I will say is that, I think that, chief mason talked to permitting and there is a permitting process. And so that would be obviously that would be required of anybody who would be selling alcohol. And the director, according to code, the director of the parks and recreation department has a certain level of authority and then beyond that, there's a [12:01:53 PM] then beyond that, there's a different level of authority to allow alcohol. But we would obviously, in all cases follow the code as written and I appreciate that. >> And I think that just, you know, further speaks to my considerations around expanding sales at the park. I think any changes to alcohol sales should be addressed comprehensively. Also equitably to the benefit of the resolution. And some of the changes that our co-sponsors were able to help introduce. When we talk about equity and these types of events, we want to make sure that all the events in the city of Austin that receive the support of the city of Austin are considered on the same scale. So we want to make sure that we're, approaching the consideration around alcohol sales equitably for all events, all sizes, all park spaces. And, you know, similar to previous action on that, I personally co-sponsor Ed. You know, there were some on the books, there were some rules around certain parts of east Austin where you couldn't have open containers. So you know, on one side of west Austin, you could walk down the street and have a beer. But in parts of east Austin it was criminalized. And so we overturned that. And then [12:02:53 PM] overturned that. And then there's an rv park that had, live music and the general store on the property wanted to be able to sell beer, you know, while people are enjoying live music and we had the same considerations around safety and the, you know, the path in and out and encouraging the city and eventproducers to work with our rideshare organizations and other safe ride home opportunities. So, in general, I appreciate the potential introduction, but I really, have some concerns about us addressing that comprehensive. Lee. And definitely, you know, taking every opportunity to sort of think through all the implications, including driving safety, security, fencing, law enforcement, increased liability . I would love to see the comparative data. You know, once you include all of those additional cost concerns, does it you know, the cost benefit analysis, does it shake out to where the benefit wins? By by including alcohol consumption? I, you know, Austin is a special city and a whole lot of ways and a unique city and a whole lot of [12:03:55 PM] a unique city and a whole lot of ways, but, not so unique in our tendency towards over consumption. And that's something that I want to encourage us to be taking a look at moving forward with all of our events. You know, as we're talking about we talked about mental health today, and we continue to talk about mental and behavioral health. One of the things that I hope we'll do as as a leader in so many ways, I hope that for all the opportunities that we have to introduce alcohol to our events, I hope there's also an opportunity for us to, as a city , collectively normal size, sobriety and normalize recovery. And until we look at all of our very alcohol heavy, events that we produce, I think we need to recognize that we don't put as much emphasis and as much time and as much investment and really normalizing sober spaces, safe sober spaces for people who also want to enjoy our events but not be around folks who've been overseas and people who have, you know, unfortunately, over consumed. Those are things [12:04:55 PM] over consumed. Those are things I worry about, especially because events like blues on the green, those are kid friendly spaces and I really, you know, just think about the benefit of being able to stretch out a blanket next to your neighbor and enjoy conversation and community. But not necessarily some of the potentially adult related behavior that comes along with over consumption. So those are things that I think about. And I think until we take the opportunity to comprehensively address that, I'm going to oppose any measure that introduces alcohol sales at this time. I think it's something we should consider in the future. Further discussion, and then I'll call on council member vela to close councilmember Ryan alter and then the mayor pro tem, just very briefly, I'm fortunate enough to represent the neighborhood that is adjacent or a neighborhood I should say that's adjacent to zilker park. >> I think because council member vela's amendment speaks more broadly than just blues on the green, it looks at, you know, other events and where alcohol sales are going to be appropriate. I'm going to abstain today because if it was [12:05:56 PM] abstain today because if it was just blues on the green, that'd be one, one issue. And we don't want people who have been consuming driving through our neighborhoods. But this is broader than that. And ask where appropriate and so I'm just going to be abstaining on this side or this amendment. >> Mayor, I'm supportive of the amendment that my colleague is bringing. I think it's, it's a good idea to weigh all of the implications so that we have additional information and can make some informed decisions with updated information. We really haven't addressed this issue at this level for a number of years. I think we did back when I first joined the council back in 2015, 2016, and I would like to have this as as a conversation. So thanks for bringing that amendment. I'll support it. >> This is we're having further discussion on vela proposed amendment number one to item 23. Council member Ellis, then council member qadri. >> Is it my turn? Yes, I [12:06:56 PM] >> Is it my turn? Yes, I appreciate it. I am very proud to represent the great lawn. I know that council member Ryan alter and I get to work a lot in tandem, as well as with council member qadri, because we all have a portion of this park, and we want to be good neighbors, and we want to understand the implications of folks, no matter which side of the park they live on or how easy it is for people to get to and from zilker park. I know there's been some conversations around, tab permitting, and having bartenders around public park spaces, so I know I want to be mindful that there are previous conversations that are coming back up here. I'm interested to learn more about this because I think that having licensed bartenders and permitting where we know that the alcohol consumption is going to be more closely watched than what is currently happening in our parks . For those who don't know, it is not legal to bring your own alcohol into parks, but I think anyone who's been to a park space on the weekends knows that some people aren't following this rule, so I'll be looking forward to how that conversation [12:07:56 PM] forward to how that conversation progresses and how we can make sure that our park spaces are available and safe for everybody who wants to use them. >> Thank you. Council member. >> Council member. Qadri >> Much like council member Ryan, I also share a little bit just a sliver of the neighborhood. And I appreciate councilor vela for bringing this forward, but I'll probably I'll be upsetting as well any further discussion on the motion to amend by council member vela? >> Councilmember vela, I'll recognize you to close on your motion to amend item number 23. >> Thank you, mayor, and again, I wanted. To spark the discussion. And again, we very consciously included, where appropriate. The question that's out there is how much can alcohol sales go toward making these types of events financially viable? To the extent that they can make them financially viable, then I think that that, you know, that merits [12:08:56 PM] that that, you know, that merits further than in what context you know, where is it appropriate. And those kinds of things like that. But my overriding concern would be, again, I love these events. I want us to have them give in financial limitations of the city. We cannot always be the ones that are, you know, riding the checks to sponsor. We're going to need, support from the community. And we're going to need, you know, potentially those types of additional revenues to make these events happening, and make them happen. And again, I'm just hoping that that we take a look at it, understand it a little bit better, and then decide, you know, where we want to go from there. >> Thank you, councilmember members. The vote is on the motion to amend by councilmember vela to item number 23. All those in favor for, signify by raising your hand. All opposed. I have two abstentions. Okay, well, that's that's what we'll go then. You're abstaining or. I [12:09:59 PM] go then. You're abstaining or. I had you as a no, I apologize, on that. So, council member harper-madison is a abstention, and councilmember Allison alter is an abstention. Councilmember Kelly, I have on file with the clerk's office a recusal on this item, so I will not be voting on it. >> Thank you. >> There being six eyes in favor of the amendment zero nays, four abstentions, and one recusal, the motion to amend is approved. Members that will take us back to the main motion, which is to approve item number 23. Now, as amended, I'll ask for a show of hands on item number 23, as amended. If you're in favor. This is this is voting in favor of item number 23, as amended. All those opposed abstaining. [12:11:00 PM] All those opposed abstaining. And we have one recusal. Councilmember Allison alter I don't know how you voted on the final vote. >> I voted for. >> Huh. >> And the final vote on the item you voted in favor. >> Okay. Then there being ten eyes, zero nays, and one recusal, and that's council member Kelly. Item number 23, as amended, is adopted. Yes councilmember Fuentes, you're recognized for comment. >> Thank you. Thank you, councilmember Madison, for bringing this item forward. We heard several testimony today, earlier regarding the state of our music scene and the need for us to support our cultural arts and Eid music. Our artists. And so as someone who is a strong supporter of it, I do want to acknowledge that one thing that we've been hearing a lot about from the community is ensuring that there is funding for the red river cultural arts district, and for me, that is very important. And I am supportive of the effort for [12:12:01 PM] supportive of the effort for council to provide funding for the red river cultural arts district and wanted to share that publicly. And I believe, one of our colleagues will, is working on an item to bring forward for council consideration and also want to echo my support for it. Thank you. >> Councilmember Fuentes council member. Qadri. And then council member harper-madison to close us out. Great >> I want to thank councilmember harper-madison for bringing forward this resolution. And I just want to echo all that, you know, that's been said, it's important that we continue to support our arts and music culture in the city for everyone to experience and enjoy. And then councilmember Fuentes kind of, gave away the sneak peek, in an effort to keep this momentum going, I want to daylight a resolution. Our office has been working on in collaboration with my colleagues, staff, and stakeholders regarding the red river cultural district to ensure they receive the support needed to continue thriving. Preservation of our city's cultural or fine arts is something very important to me and all austinites. And I'm committed to finding the necessary, necessary financial [12:13:02 PM] necessary, necessary financial support and other resources needed to maintain our vibrant cultural arts and music scenes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember harper-madison. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate it. And I'm really excited to be able to bring this item forward, not just because of what it represents by way of the one singular event. Regardless of its importance. We are, music city. And so we have an ecosystem that is going to require our support and our collective efforts towards making our events more sustainable and accessible. So my co-sponsors and I are thrilled to bring forward and pass this resolution on today. That includes direction for the city to explore, co- sponsorship of an annual free and open to the public concert series, currently known as blues on the green. However this resolution goes beyond just supporting one particular event. This resolution provides further direction for city staff to examine how the city can support live music and local arts and events. As a whole ecosystem. It's essential now more than ever that we as a city strategize and create a process [12:14:03 PM] strategize and create a process for co-sponsoring events that are low cost or free to maintain our city's cultural identity as the live music capital. Both components are valuable to the execution of this resolution. Blues on the green is a long loved tradition across our community, but it's crucial that our city sustains an active role in supporting other community events as well, so that all of our residents can enjoy our unique, vibrant and diverse live music and arts culture of Austin. We expect that this resolution will create an equitable and accessible system, and I want to put emphasis on system that way. It's unilateral and not, singularly focused. For both long standing and new traditions. We believe that this will also expand opportunities for the city of Austin to create and strengthen relations across our community, including working with higher education institutions that advance and grow local talent to enrich our city. Much like the south by southwest and c3. Partnership with tx. They recently launched a collegiate level music [12:15:04 PM] a collegiate level music business program where folks learn to treat their art and their craft as a business and help to make it sustainable. Well, I think, institutions like that, that advance and grow our local talent, enrich our city and equitable funding for our cultural heritage districts. African American cultural heritage district, red river cultural heritage district and others, and especially learning from community experts who work directly in these spaces. And I really appreciate how many of our local experts offered their expertise to folks that are up and coming and just, offering their institutional knowledge decades worth of institutional knowledge so that they can be successful. This is not the finish line. And I think I don't have to tell a lot of the folks who came to represent this item today, this is just the beginning. It's a call to action, and we look forward to continuing conversations across our music and art spaces. Our vision is that the future generations of austinites will get to experience live music, events, and traditions that are the fabric of our uniquely [12:16:04 PM] the fabric of our uniquely Austin quality of life and if you will amuse me, ctm, I provided a couple of photographs and I'll give you a little bit of a story. So my folks came to Austin, Texas by way of rural segregated Arkansas Shaw. And my daddy, a black dude with bare feet and a big old afro, played a banjo. And he went to an event called the Kerrville folk festival. And everybody there said, you got to get to Austin, Texas. Austin, Texas is the place you got to be. And that's where they started. Their family, me included. And he was a musician who, like many of you, played everything. But he also was a photographer and a sculptor. He was a multi-talented multi-passionate artist. And though he's long since passed, I think he would be very proud of this item that we're putting forward today. I don't see that picture of my little daddy yet. Do you guys have that there he is. So that guy right there was playing music on the east side. Long before our, seven, eight, 702 [12:17:06 PM] before our, seven, eight, 702 looked like it does today. And musicians like him, participated in the vibrance of our city and making it a cool place that folks wanted to go. There's one more picture that I wanted you guys to share, and I wanted to put some context behind that as well. That little dude right there who was encouraged to practice every day, that little dude right there who didn't have to be encouraged to practice because of his passion for music and the arts, he was able to find a place where he belonged because the city made the commitment that we do to cultural arts. And I want that for more of our little folks, little humans in the city of Austin, Texas. I'll close with this. There was, there were a lot of events. You know, there's probably some aqua fest attendees in the room that have long since gone and I want to make certain that wherever possible, we are able to sustain those types of events and thank you very much, for recognizing me, Mr. Mayor and colleagues, for your support on the item. I think our music community will [12:18:07 PM] think our music community will definitely appreciate our efforts. >> Thank you, council member, for all of that. Members. We are , now at the time for our, our time certain for citizen communication or, and we'll do that right now. Here's what I anticipate, the beginning of the afternoon. Soon we will go to public communication. That will take us to about ten till one when we will recess. At that point in time, so that we will be able to do live music. What I would request is that we, come back at, say, 130. We will recess until 130. We'll do live music and then come back, after the live music. But I don't want to rush all of that. Maybe 120. What we'll do is we'll recess till 120, then we can come back and we will take up first item number 35 five, which is a public hearing. And then we will [12:19:07 PM] public hearing. And then we will take up items 33 and 34, which are non consent items that are coming from a council committee. So with that we will go to our 12:00 time certain which is public communication. And at the end of that we will recess until we'll see how things go. But 120 to 130 would be my, my guess. So I'll turn to the city clerk to begin us on the public communication. >> We will have Michael Luxembourg remotely. >> Hello. My name is Michael Luxembourg. I've lived in Austin for ten years. I'm jewish, I'm the son of a rabbi, and I'm baffled that I have to speak today. The demand is in voice at council meeting after council meeting, rally after rally. Meeting after meeting with city council members is simple pass a cease fire resolution in the four months this conflict has gone on over 30,000 people have been killed. Men women and children in gaza are dying of [12:20:08 PM] children in gaza are dying of starvation as Israeli forces prevent aid from reaching them. In the face of this crisis, the city council's refusal to endorse a cease fire implies its opposite and endorsement of the status quo. An ongoing masquerade fest and a genocide. At worst, the events in gaza have been described as plausibly a genocide by the international court of justice. Yet just days later, the Israeli military began bombing Palestinians in the alleged safe zone of rafah. Senator Chris van Hollen put it well when he said these are war crimes. That means the people doing them are war criminals, war criminals. The us government continues to support, and whose violence draws a stunning non-reaction from this council. All we've been told that a cease fire is not a local issue. Take mayor Watson's comments in the wake of the stabbing of a man here in Austin, and that statement, he said that a cease fire declaration would stop the violence in gaza. No one believes that it will not. And no one of us thinks that president Biden is going to wake up one morning and see that Austin declared a cease fire resolution and sign an executive order banning arms transfers to Israel. But what it does do is show your constituents, the voters that elected you to represent them, that you that you care about their concerns and about their safety. A cease [12:21:08 PM] and about their safety. A cease fire resolution makes it clear that the city opposes the violence abroad and the violence here in America, whether it's stabbing at a protest in Austin, a child and mother murdered home in Chicago, or students shot on the way to school in Vermont, mayor Watson is also concerned that a resolution would be divisive. But this is nonsense. People are divided now, people are violent now, and hate crimes are rising now due to this conflict and the tacit consent of local and state and local, state and federal representatives for the genocide in gaza, fighting to put a stop to the conflict is a stop to the division. And that's your job to protect the safety and interests of your constituents, citizens who, by and large, support a cease fire instead, we get disingenuous excuses which contribute to making our Palestinian brothers and sisters feel unsafe in their homes. That same inaction gives credence to violent racists who perpetrate hate crimes against all our communities. Palestinian Arab, Muslim and jewish. >> Thank you sir. >> Thank you. Speaker next we have munib Islam with Jamila Mahmoud on deck. >> Good afternoon. >> Members of the Austin city council, mayor, mayor Watson, my [12:22:10 PM] council, mayor, mayor Watson, my name is munib Islam, known to you? >> Many of you as maps. I wear many hats in the community. I'm a human rights commissioner for the city of Austin. I'm a policy chair for the Travis county democratic party. I'm on the board of the Texas young Democrats and much more. But today I stand before you on my capacity as a Muslim immigrant who grew up in the Middle East during the senseless and bloody aftermath following 911. It is my lived experience that deeply concerns me about this body silence. While our taxpayer dollars pay for the bombs that rip apart palestine, children, over 13,000 of them already dead, making this the bloodiest conflict involving children in the 21st century. And in 2003, during the tumultuous times following nine over 11, this very council took a principled stance against the military action in Iraq by urging president bush to show restraint. It was a stance rooted in empathy and foresight, acknowledging the devastating consequences of war on innocent lives. Today, we find ourselves facing a similar moral dilemma. Yet the response from our city council has been disappointing. [12:23:11 PM] council has been disappointing. We've only been. We've only been able to meet and discuss with a handful of council members and only three who actually listened. So to them, council member qadri councilwoman Ann Fuentes and my mentor, council member Jose Velasquez. Thank you and I really appreciate you. Let me be clear. So silence and silence in the face of injustice is complicity. I urge each of you to remember the core principles of compassion and empathy that led you to public service. Our city's response to the plight of Palestinian children and their families here in Austin, Texas, is not a matter of international affairs. It is a test of our humanity. Each child lost to the senseless violence represents a failure of our collective conscience. The city of Austin has sister cities program that promotes our city's cultural and economic values in the international community that is to say that at some level, that this body recognizes that local affairs are federal affairs and local affairs are international affairs, and that our existence is intertwined with all those who inhabit this planet. [12:24:13 PM] planet. >> Thank you, Mr. Aslam. Appreciate it. Next speaker, since I was interrupted, can I finish? >> No. Your time. Your time has expired. Thank you. >> Next speaker, Jamila Muhammad. >> Order. Ask for out of respect for the people that have signed up to speak, including in favor of the position that you're taking, I would ask that you allow the speakers to speak, and you not. >> Yeah. Out in such a way that the speakers are then unable to communicate with the council. Would you please call the next two speakers? James Layla Mahmoud with Tessa mitroff next. >> Good afternoon. My name is Jamila Mahmoud. >> I'm a mother, a Muslim and a product strategist. Today I'm speaking to you as a palestinian-american in support of a ceasefire resolution whose grandparents and father were [12:25:13 PM] grandparents and father were forcibly displaced from palestine to Jordan in 1967 and never allowed to return to their home. Surprisingly, in 1967, there was no hamas. But there was zionism, a racist and colonial movement that has been at the root cause of the Palestinian struggle for over 75 years. One of the advantages of knowing my family's history is that I cannot be fooled by the Israeli propaganda that politicians love to push in the media, especially the most recent and most erroneous statement about about how this all began on October 7th, the minute this comes out of anyone's mouth, they are automatically disqualified. >> Disqualified from saying anything else on this matter. It shows that you lack historical scope and have been fed racist tropes that perpetuate bias against palestine. >> The video running in the background, which I don't see is contains the name of palestine and children killed by Israeli attacks. >> Unfortunately and sadly, because the number of children killed is tragically high, we won't have enough time to get through the entire video during my speech. Speaking of numbers, here are a few that I think are important for us to know ten. The average number of children per day that lose one or both [12:26:15 PM] per day that lose one or both their legs in gaza. Since Israel launched its brutal and vicious attack 27, the number of years it would take to attend one funeral a day for the children killed in gaza 160 the number of children killed on a daily basis in gaza. 1000 the estimated number of children who had to undergo amputations without painkiller or anesthesia during the first two months of this attack, 12,150 and plus the number of children killed in gaza, 25,000 plus the estimated number of orphans in gaza, zero two the number of people held accountable for the atrocities being committed against children, many, many have been doing their best to justify this war on children by parroting ridiculous claims that Israel must defend itself based on the numbers above, it seems that Israel is doing a great job of defending itself, especially against children. It's hard for me to imagine a world where calling for a cease fire, which and the suffering, killing and maiming of children to be seen as controversial or even worse, your time. >> Thank you. Speaker ma'am, your time is expired. Tessa [12:27:17 PM] your time is expired. Tessa mitterhoff. >> Your time is expired. Ma'am. Your time is expired. The rules don't allow for the holding of signs that are not in the back of the room. So thank you. Ma'am please excuse us yourself. Please begin. >> Miss Tessa mitroff, I am a resident of Austin and a registered voter in council district four. >> I'm also a queer and jewish, both identities that have been co-opted to justify the ongoing genocide in gaza. >> In my day job, I register voters and help teach young people, mainly college students throughout Austin, about civic engagement. I try and empower these young people to make the changes they want to see in their communities. >> I help them believe that their actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. In Austin and on their campuses. It has become hard to encourage [12:28:18 PM] has become hard to encourage that kind of hope, especially in the last four months of this genocide, with a complete lack of concrete action taken by the federal government, state governments and municipal governments across the country. In response to widespread calls for a cease fire. To me, this shows a clear lack of democratic principles, and it is clear to me that most of Austin city council doesn't care about the will of its constituents, instead choosing to protect themselves, their electability, and their donors. I myself have registered well over a thousand voters here in Travis county, and I'm beginning to wonder what that was for. If even those I have cast my votes for refuse to stand up against the genocide, which is the very least you can do, I'm especially disappointed in my representative, chito vela, who has said that while he personally believes in a cease fire, he does not believe it is within his scope as an elected official to actually truly stand for something. >> This is the fifth city council meeting we've been to since the beginning of this massacre, and still we've seen no true action from Austin city council. >> I do believe it is cowardly to stand by to say, as elected officials, that this is not a local issue and that you have more important things to focus on. >> This is important to me and thousands of austinites who have [12:29:18 PM] thousands of austinites who have shown up to city council and to protest and actions across the city over the past four months. We are clearly impacted on a daily basis, and we are telling you that this is a local issue. I could show you one of the photos or videos that have haunted my dreams, but I know that you have, time and time again witnessed this brutality and still chose not to act. So I'm choosing instead to ask you to be brave and stand up for humanity and represent the people of Austin who are demanding a ceasefire. Now we have heard from city councils who say they are concerned about backlash. It is very possible that you would receive backlash from some people across the country and around the world have faced backlash when standing up for the people of palestine. I know from fellow Jews that who have lost important relationships. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Your time is expired. The next speaker is mohit Mehta. >> Mohit Mehta Mehta. >> I'm not palestinian-american. >> I'm not Arab American. I'm not jewish American, but I'm a [12:30:19 PM] not jewish American, but I'm a concerned Austin resident of 20 years, a lifelong educator, a former classroom teacher in Austin public schools in district three and district nine. I currently live in district three, and I'm thankful to the leadership of council persons Velasquez qadri, and Fuentes and saddened by the lack of will of other district members and mayor Kirk Watson for not joining the more than 70 cities across this nation in passing a cease fire resolution two weeks ago, the Austin city council declared Fred korematsu day of civil liberties in the constitution. When I watched the live stream from the only Asian American studies class in the entire state of Texas as the council accepted the honor, boas left wondering if you actually listen to korematsu's message. He was incarcerated during world War two, alongside 120,000 other Japanese Americans, simply for being perceived as the enemy. Korematsu fought against this unlawful incarceration and was not granted justice until 40 years later. He famously said, if you have the feeling that something is wrong, do not be afraid to speak up. Fred korematsu and other Japanese Americans were vilified, faced [12:31:20 PM] Americans were vilified, faced the threat of violence from neighbors and were subjected to grave injustices at the hand of the us government. As a teacher and a lifelong educator, I know my history as a south Asian American. I know how my communities were vilified after nine over 11. Today Palestinian Americans are being targeted by violent attacks as an educator, I choose to speak out on behalf of the children and the young people who look to us as adults and leaders to ensure their safety and well- being. We let down what the al-fayyumi a six year old Palestinian American boy who was stabbed to death outside of Chicago by his landlord. We let down tahsin Ali Ahmed Kenan, Abdul Hamid and hisham awartani, three Palestinian American university students who were shot by a gunman in Vermont. Hisham is now left paralyzed from the waist down. We let down 23 year old zakaria Doha here in Austin, Texas. All these violent attacks are made possible by anti-palestinian rhetoric and condoned by public leaders like you. >> Henry Cohen, Valerie [12:32:20 PM] >> Henry Cohen, Valerie Mikulecky next. We fire round balloon. >> Please. Come to order so that people can be heard when they speak. >> Hello my name is Henry Cohen. >> I live in district nine. I'm coming here to city hall. Over the last four months, I've heard, as I hope you all have, all the speeches made from this very podium informed and deliberate speeches with messages as full of severity as they are of love, and said with unquestionable vulnerability and despair. Speakers have patiently explained the academically recognized historic and religious contexts surrounding Israel's illegal and immoral occupation of palestine, along with the difficult and explicit material contributions that both our city and state make to this cause. >> Our calls for cease fire are sound and informed. We are all enthusiastically educating ourselves and committed to answering an urgent and decades old call for solidarity from the Palestinian people. [12:33:20 PM] Palestinian people. >> You remain unresponsive and indignant. The moral apathy and displacement of responsibility we felt from a majority of the members on this dais is an all too recognizable phenomenon, especially to those among this group who have been organizing passionately for decades. This cognitive dissonance and outright bias has been the acceptable and in fact demanded level of cynicism injected into our political representation, a cynicism that breeds the same moral impotence that denied the validity of civil rights causes for decades, turned a blind eye to us war crimes. And those who facilitated them. >> Dehumanizing and extirpating families and communities left eviscerated in the wake of imperial conquest and ultimately alienates us all not from just each other, but from our own desired selves. Your children are in palestine right now. Your parents are in palestine. Your spouses, best friends, colleagues are being poisoned, starved, mutilated and murdered in palestine at this very moment. They are screaming out to you from the depths of one of the many worst moments of their lives, begging for you to recognize that you've known them [12:34:20 PM] recognize that you've known them and that you've loved them, that you once belonged to each other and could feel vulnerability in the other's suffering. I insist that you hear and internalize this as a literal statement. As you continue to deny them your recognition and privilege of power. >> Thank you. Council members Vanessa zo and Jose, we all hope to see your concern and efforts not only sustained, but further invigorate Ed ceasefire. >> Now, thank you. >> Valerie. Michael lecce with the Liliana pedrazzini. >> Please begin. I have slides. >> Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. >> I'm Valerie Mikulecky. I'll be showing some images that have come out of the Israeli attacks on gaza. If you're squeamish around images of death, please consider looking away. But please know that millions of people across the Middle East who are trying to survive Israel's genocide do not have this luxury may Watson, this is Zachariah dewart. He's a son, a [12:35:22 PM] Zachariah dewart. He's a son, a husband, a father, a Palestinian American. He's also the victim of a brutal hate crime that occurred in Austin on the evening of February 4th. He was stabbed in the chest just for wearing a keffiyeh. The internationally recognized and honored symbol of Palestinian pride and resistance. You spoke up back in October when you pledge your support for the terror state of Israel, even as Israel was relentlessly bombing children and calling them human animals, the actual language of genocide. Slides slide. This is Hinde. Hinde was trapped in a car with the bodies of her family members, who were all murdered by Israeli fire. She called emergency services and begged for help for three hours. When red cross and crew arrived to rescue her and the Israeli army fired at them, killing them on the scene. Then they executed Hinde. Her last words were, I'm so scared. Please come. Come take me. You will come and take me. Hinde was only six years old. Just about a year younger than your granddaughter. Slide three. Council member alter have [12:36:23 PM] three. Council member alter have you ever had to feed your children? Non-human grade food cooked with contaminated water? There's no food in gaza. Israel is blocking all humanity Ann aid, even bombing aid trucks coming into gaza. >> Parents. Next slide please. >> Parents on the council, please. What did this sweet baby do to deserve this? At the hands of the Israeli army? Slide five. How about sidra hassouna, the little girl who was ripped to shreds by Israeli fire on Sunday night? What's the difference between your children and sidra? Council member Madison, did you know that? >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Your time's expired. I can't, I can't solve for that. >> Your time is up. >> I would ask your your time is expired. [12:37:26 PM] expired. >> Next speaker is Liliana Petruzzi. >> Time is expired. >> Folks, if I could just say something to you. Ma'am. Ma'am your time is expired. >> Your time is expired. >> I see fire revolution. >> Next speaker is Eliana Petruzzi. >> Before you start, if I might just say that was the at least the second person that was speaking that asked for more time because she said I was interrupted. So it's interfering with the speakers, and I just [12:38:28 PM] with the speakers, and I just let everybody know that so that that the speakers have the opportunity to be fully heard. And if you please don't interrupt them, you may begin. >> Thank you. I do have slides. >> Hello, my name is liana and I'm a district one resident. >> I'm a public health researcher and a mental health provider. >> I'm also a mother and a jewish activist, and I'm here in favor of the ceasefire resolution. >> I had a different statement prepared for today. >> I was going to tell you about the public health crisis in gaza, and rattle off statistics about the number of deaths and injuries that continue to grow exponentially with the ongoing bombing of a safe zone in rafah that houses 1.7 million civilians. >> Then I saw the statement put out by mayor Watson last week after a local hate crime against a Palestinian man. Not only did it ignore the hate, crime was clearly motivated by anti-arab and anti- palestinian racism, but it criticized the Austin community for calling for a cease fire. It took calls for human rights, human dignity and an end to violence and accused it of divisiveness. This, that, that claim is completely unsupported. 60% of Americans [12:39:28 PM] unsupported. 60% of Americans support a ceasefire, 80% of Democrats support it. For a city and county where 70% of voters are Democrats, the majority of your constituents support a cease fire. >> What will it take for you to listen? >> When I initially saw videos on October 7th of Palestinians breaking down the barricade between gaza and Israel, breaking out of a cage that they had been in for over 16 years, I saw Ed, I thought of the Warsaw ghetto uprising, and I thought of my jewish ancestors who bravely fought back against the. >> When I look at gaza, I see a jewish ghetto. And then as the reports came in of the deaths of Israeli men, women and children, I was heartbroken all over again. >> I also knew that Netanyahu and the far right would take this moment and weaponize jewish grief and fear. I could feel my community historical trauma get activated and spiral out of control. But I wasn't prepared for the level of disproportionate violence that Israel has inflicted on gaza. What can only be called genocide and I certainly wasn't prepared for the Israeli government to [12:40:30 PM] for the Israeli government to abandon and ignore its own citizens held hostage. Israeli officials have been very clear about their intention to starve and kill and remove Palestinians in order to build jewish settlements in gaza. There's a slide for that. I believe all life is precious civil aliens are not hamas genocide is not war. If you decry October 7th, then you must decry this genocide and support the cease fire resolution, which includes the release of expired. >> The next speaker is Scott delgado, with Ali ishaq next, Scott delgado. >> Good afternoon y'all. >> My name is Scott delgado. >> I'm a resident in district six and a member of the party for socialism liberation. >> Chito. Vela, you have stated publicly that you do not believe this is a local issue. You and most of council believe you have [12:41:31 PM] most of council believe you have washed your hands of the responsibility to speak out against genocide because of the genocide going on somewhere else. But this is a local issue. It's enough of a local issue that over 60 cities, including Atlanta, Seattle, Chicago, Providence, Rhode Island, and I could go on more have now passed ceasefire resolutions. It's a local issue because tech companies in Austin, such as Dell, provide support for genocide, while other tech companies such as meta provide the censorship it is a local issue because now we have five different commissions the human rights commission, Asian American quality of life commission, immigrant affairs commission, hispanic Latino commission, and commission for women have all made it a local issue. Do you actually care about human rights or all of these commissions just for show? It's a local issue because Palestinians whose families fled Israel's violence live here in our city as neighbors. And now those Palestinian burns are under attack defending them, defending themselves from a culture of hate and fear that has been allowed due to your [12:42:33 PM] has been allowed due to your cowardice. It's a local issue to zakaria Doha. Wasn't it a local issue to you? And since when do we stop ourselves from weighing in on international issues? This council had no problem calling for what they called freedom and democracy for Iran. Just a year ago. How do you pick and choose which Middle Eastern people you're worthy of? So-called solidarity. We are Palestinians, not worthy of that solidarity as well. 1.5 million people have been forced south to rafah. Rafah is now the most densely packed city in the world, but the Israeli government has decided to bomb rafah as the world watches in horror. Where is your solidarity with the nearly 30,000 dead? What is so controversial about calling for peace? You, the alleged representatives, have either strung people along or refused meetings with peace activists. You refuse to listen. >> Your time is expired. >> Our next speaker is Ali Ishak . Ali Ishak to bring them home. [12:43:38 PM] . Ali Ishak to bring them home. >> By the way. >> Thank you, sir. >> Hi, folks. My name is Ali Ishak. >> I am a resident of district six. I want to ask you to think for a moment about what motivated you to run for office. >> I found an admirable idealism that motivates folks to run, to step up and to take a lead in helping make our communities and world better places and it is with this exact spirit that we make this request to you to join the more than 70 cities. Five Austin city commissions, and the majority of Americans who are advocating for a cease fire to the us supported mass slaughter of innocent civilians in gaza. I want to emphasize that this is a very non-controversial position that accurately reflects the will of your constituents. And I turn to our friends with the bring them home t-shirts. >> I want to know two things. >> Number one, the cease fire [12:44:39 PM] >> Number one, the cease fire resolution. >> We're advocating for includes a call to release all the hostages on both sides and two, the only single time that hostages were released on mass was when there was a temporary cease fire in place in November, so we are on the same side. >> Please pass this resolution and you can check both boxes for a ceasefire and a release of all the hostages coming back to the non-controversial nature of our request, the one of the previous speakers spoke about spoke about all the polling that shows the wide array of support that this has among constituents. >> Austin is one of the most liberal cities in America. Two of our us house rep, Lloyd Doggett and a recent alumnus of this very body, Greg Cassar, were early adopters of the national call for a ceasefire. Our democratic party in Texas passed a ceasefire resolution unanimously. The point is, you're in incredibly friendly territory to get this resolution passed and appropriate historical event that parallels what we're asking for today is [12:45:39 PM] what we're asking for today is the anti apartheid movement. I'll remind you that Israel's discriminatory mistreatment of Palestinians has been categorized as being the legal definition of apartheid by international human rights organizations such as amnesty international, Israeli human rights organizations such as Beth shalom, and even president Jimmy Carter, who spent substantial time in the occupied territories. Ceasefire now that concludes all speakers, members, that members. >> That concludes all of the speakers that have signed up for public communication. That's all the people who signed up for public communication. As I indicated before, we would, recess for music. Now, I'll recognize council member qadri. Down you have a council member that would like to speak. I would ask that the order, or we'll just go ahead and recess. Now council member qadri, you're recognized. Okay, well. Please, please excuse yourself from. I'm [12:46:44 PM] please excuse yourself from. I'm over says members. As I indicated, we would recess until 120 without objection, the city council is in recess until 120. >> We'll do that later my pleasure. Today is part of [12:57:50 PM] my pleasure. Today is part of our our Thursday music to introduce. Oscar Reynolds. Oscar and Ellis is a multi-talented musician and songwriter from San Angelo, Texas. Originally his skill and love for music are deeply rooted in his upbringing in San Angelo. His musical, gifted parents encouraged him to pursue his passion and helped him refine his raw, self-taught talent. Oscar made his professional debut at the ripe old age of ten, playing piano in the world. Word of life church in San Angelo. He continued to flourish throughout middle school and high school, honing his saxophone skills in the San Angelo ISD jazz program. He began playing clubs and festivals in west Texas while he was still in high school. Later in 2014, Oscar moved to Austin and he immersed himself in the perpetual musical musical currents that we have in the excuse me in the live music capital of the world, and that we're known for understanding [12:58:52 PM] we're known for understanding from firsthand experience the value of supporting musical education and enrichment of the lives of youth. He's proud to give back to the community that has so warmly embraced him. Oscar has worked and partnered with several nonprofit organizations burns things like grounded in music, the boys and girls club of the greater Austin area, Austin parks and rec, and the Austin blues society. All top the list. His professional focus continues to center on the proud and rich legacy of the brown and black Texas musicians who have left their indelible marks on the galaxy of blues, jazz and rock and roll music. He brings the unique and authentic sound of Texas blues to audiences all around the globe. I'm going to make a proclamation after we hear from them, but I want to introduce you now to Oscar Ornelas and his band. Thank you so much, sir. >> I wrote a song just for you today. We're we're going to have [12:59:54 PM] today. We're we're going to have a good old time, mister Bryce Powell and keys and Stefan del bosque on the drums over there. Whoa. Two, two. >> Whoa two. And eternal, ain't you hear? It [1:00:58 PM] And eternal, ain't you hear? It is just a building. But he's. I'm inside. I swear to you're unaware I. I'm dying. Well, I'm dying in the streets. >> Oh, just pass me my stress. Cause I'm just trying to ease. On all the buildings. >> And they own all this land. Why can't they hold some people to tell me your babe I'm dying in. Well, I'm dying in these streets. Won't you let me? My stress. Cause I'm just trying to be. When I'm raising up my rey. >> And it's just a small percent before I know it. >> My money's all spent I, I'm [1:01:59 PM] >> My money's all spent I, I'm dying. Well, I'm dying in these streets. Oh, just. Apparently my trips. I'm just trying to eat. Come on, Bryce, help me out, please . [1:03:16 PM] . >> When are you Ann me on the same. All trying. Going same day. Watch your struggle is digging in. >> I hear. >> Well, I'm dying in these streets. >> Rey just pass me my scripts. Cause I'm just trying to eat. We're just pass me my script. >> Oh, I'm just trying to eat . That's great. >> Thank you very much. Thank you very much. >> That's my thing. [1:05:12 PM] >> That's my thing. >> So that's great. Oscar Ornelas com, ladies and gentlemen, Oscar Ornelas. Thank you sir. >> Once again, man I appreciate that pleasure. >> You wanna get a picture? Let's get a picture up here. Pictures. >> Come on. Selfies >> Let's get some pictures. Hey, come on. >> Yeah. You don't mind? I'm gonna move some teeny, teeny tiny. >> Oh, yeah. >> My little baby girl. Yeah, yeah. We didn't do that baby in the picture. I have a ten week old. That's great. >> I want us to get closer to the box. Or do you like them back there? >> I'll get over here. Ten week, ten weeks. Her name's Emerson. Lucinda. Okay. Boston city council. Back to [1:21:28 PM] Boston city council. Back to order. We've been in recess. It is 121 on Thursday, February 15th, and we have a quorum of the city council members present. Members there are a couple of items that we're going to take up. But I would like to start with item number 35, which is our public hearings. And without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 35. I'll recognize the city clerk's office to help us with, those who may have signed up to speak at this public hearing. >> We have Zenobia Joseph remotely. >> Okay. Thank you. Mayor council. >> I'm Zenobia Joseph. My comments as it relates to the ordinance. Strategic mobility plan. Specifically, I'm looking at the indicators and targets where it specifies increasing the transit options, and it talks about the demographic measures. I just want to remind [1:22:29 PM] measures. I just want to remind council that Samsung, in that area in northeast Austin all the way to apple is car centric. We are not building mixed use development in that area. So it is disingenuous for you to expect that the individuals who live in that area will contribute to the 50 over 50 mode share, unless the 50% who will drive are those who live in that area. There's a 425 acre development east village, which is across from Samsung, and you eliminated the metro rapid July 27th, 2020. So I just want you to keep that in mind. And I would just point to your on page 225 of the Austin strategic mobility plan is title six of the civil rights act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin. So as you are looking at these amendments as it relates to workplace, the telework and different policies you spoke about today, which is also in the backup materials, I would just ask you to keep those comments in mind, and I would [1:23:29 PM] comments in mind, and I would also ask you to recognize that when you're talking about housing, the next time you have a homeless briefing from Mr. Gray, that you also include that African Americans are over six times more likely to be homeless than their white counterparts, and so that is also significant when you consider the different corridors and these amendments that you're making to the Austin strategic mobility plan. I would lastly, just ask you to consider including rideshare vouchers when you're talking about an equitable access system. Natasha harper-madison, where it's Luz on the greens or at any kind of activity downtown, because black people still wait 60 minutes for the bus north of us 183 and craig-wood and colony park. >> Thank you. Speaker for allowing me to make one comment. >> If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them. >> Next, we have in person speakers. If your name is called, please move toward the podium. Ben suddaby, Whitney holt, and. Jay Rivera Christie o'brien brydan Summers. If your [1:24:33 PM] o'brien brydan Summers. If your name has been called, please move forward. Okay >> Please call those names again . Yes. Council member qadri. >> Yeah, I noticed those folks had already spoken on the telework policy. >> Yeah, they spoke on a previous item, but but yeah, that's right. That concludes all of our speakers on item 35. Let me let me ask, is there anyone here whose name was called? All right. Members without objection will close the public hearing on item number 35. The way I would like to proceed is I'll entertain a motion on item number 35 and a second, and then council member Fuentes has a proposed amendment to item number 35. Council member Fuentes, do you move adoption of item number 35. Council member Fuentes moves adoption to. Seconded by council member Velasquez. Now recognize council member Fuentes on the proposed amendment to item number 35. >> Colleagues. This is similar to the amendment that we adopted earlier. The earlier amendment was on the Austin climate equity plan. This is an update to the strategic mobility plan. And [1:25:35 PM] strategic mobility plan. And similarly, is just making sure that our plans align with our goals. >> Council member Fuentes moves adoption of Fuentes amendment number one to item number 35. Is there a second? Is there a second? Second by council member qadri. Is there any discussion on the proposed amendment? All right. All those in favor of the proposed amendment indicate by raising your hand, opposed? The motion passes on a vote of eight in favor, nine in favor, one opposed, and one Ann. Council member Allison alter off the dais. The opposition is council member Kelly and council member Allison alter is off the dais. So the motion to amend is adopted by that vote. Oh how would you like to be shown voting item? We're on item number 35. Council member Fuentes proposed amendment to item number 35. Council member alter, how would you like to be [1:26:36 PM] alter, how would you like to be shown voting? I so the motion is adopted on a vote of 10 to 1, with council member Kelly being shown voting no. Members that will take us back to the main motion on item number 35 as as amended by, the Fuentes amendment. Number one, is there a discussion on that item? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Say no. There being ten eyes and council member Kelly voting no. Item number 35, as amended, is adopted. Members that will take us now to item number 33, which is an item referred from a council committee. It was referred to us by the audit and finance committee organized councilmember Allison alter on item number 33. >> Thank you. I would like to move the appointment of sappi vigil and Melissa Rogers to finish out the remaining open terms and renew for a three year terms on the municipal civil service commission. The new [1:27:38 PM] service commission. The new terms would start in may, and we also want to appoint Kevin Mullins as chair for the municipal civil service commission. I want to thank all the folks who applied, for this role and to thank those who are willing to serve on this, committee, which is one of the most onerous of for our volunteers. >> Motion is made by councilmember alter to adopt item number 33. It is seconded by the mayor pro tem. Is there anyone signed up to speak on item number 33? No, mayor. >> There are no speakers members. >> Is there any discussion on item number 33? Without objection, item number 33 will be adopted. And that will take us to item number 34. Another item that is referred from a council committee. Again from the audit and finance committee. I recognize the chair of that committee, councilmember Allison alter. >> So I move approval of the ordinances as amended in the backup. These ordinance changes relate to the city auditor and were requested by the city auditor, mayor, mayor pro tem seconds. [1:28:40 PM] seconds. >> The motion made by councilmember Allison alter to approve item number 34. Is there anyone signed up to speak on item number 34? No mayor, no speakers? Is there any discussion without objection, item number 34 is adopted. As as move members. It was brought to my attention during the break. That on item number 25, which was previously adopted. There was something that had been in the back and forth of making different versions. It had been changed. And there has been a request that we reconsider it for purposes of change. You have in front of you a yellow sheet that at the upper right hand it indicates it's from council member Paige Ellis. It indicates item 25, the environmental investment plan. And you see what her motion is? At both line 30 and then at line 77. And you see you have a red line version. [1:29:42 PM] see you have a red line version. What I'm going to do is ask the maker of the main motion that was previously adopted, if he is willing to move, to reconsider for the vote on which item number 25 was previously passed. Yes. Motion is made by council member Ryan alter. Its seconded by council member Paige Ellis to reconsider the vote, by which item number 25 was passed. Is there any discussion on that motion? Is there any objection without objection? Item number 25, will be reconsidered. That will take us back to item number 25. And the way I would like to do this members is, is an of the maker of the main motion. Previous we move to approve item number 25 as it was previously passed by the council. Get a second to that and then I will recognize council member Ellis with regard to her proposed new amendment. So council member [1:30:43 PM] amendment. So council member council member Ryan alter moves re adoption of item number 25 exactly as it was passed earlier today. It is seconded by council member Ellis. Is there objection ? Without objection. Item number 25. I'm sorry, I'm not. I don't want to do that that quick. I would we'd be right back here with another motion to reconsider. See how many times we can do this before 2:00 our time. Certain council member Ellis, you're recognized on a proposed amendment to the main motion, which is the adoption of item 25. >> Thank you for the recognition , mayor. My amendment on item 25, there was discussion previously at work session about including the long range plan with which was included in version two and then in making version three happen. It was inadvertent left out. And then the line item about green infrastructure. Our strengths and gaps assessment was already included in a whereas. So we're just restating it down in the be [1:31:44 PM] just restating it down in the be it further resolved and then as one of our speakers this morning had brought up our former chief sustainability officer, Lucia Athens had asked that the urban forest plan be considered as well. So we have added that language in since we were already bringing an amendment. >> Council member Ellis moves adoption of Ellis amendment number one to item number 25. Is there a second second by council member qadri discussion on. Yes. Mayor pro tem, I just want to note that when we make lists, we sometimes inadvertently forget or or, you know, there's some errors and it could we just wait for, the record, acknowledge that and any other plan that may be in the same vein, can't do that. We're not going to do that as a motion to amend the amendment. >> But generally speaking, that would, staff would be directed [1:32:45 PM] would, staff would be directed to include any additional plans that might have similar type, topics in them, this being one that involves, obviously all aspects of looking at our environmental investment, the opportunity I'm sure will arise. >> Okay. >> Thank you. That's all I'd ask. >> Thank you. The motion is to approve the amendment to item number 25. It's been made and seconded. Any further discussion on the motion to amend? Without objection, the motion to amend is adopted. I said it without objection. You have. >> I'm okay with this amendment, but I'm still voting no. >> Okay, fair enough. I just want to make sure I get your vote. That will take us back to the main motion on item number 25. It is to adopt item number 25 as it was previously adopted with the Ellis amendment that was just adopted. So item 25 as amended. Is there any discussion without objection. Item number 25, as amended, is adopted, with [1:33:48 PM] 25, as amended, is adopted, with council member Kelly being shown voting no. Members the next thing on our agenda is our 2:00 time certain which is zoning. So without objection, we will recess until promptly at 2:00 when we will take up zoning and neighborhood planning. We are in recess at 133. Thank you. >> If anyone wants to join us. For. Take pressure. Yourself together . >> You are Sade. I'm. Council for this regular [2:00:41 PM] Council for this regular scheduled meeting on February 15th, 2020 for it is 2:00 pm and that will take us to our time certain at 2:00. Zoning and neighborhood plan amendment S and I will recognize miss Hardin. Thank you, mayor and council. >> I'm joy Hardin with the planning department. Your zoning agenda begins with item number 36, c-1 for 2023 0096. And this is a staff requested postponement to your February 29th council meeting. Item. 37 is c-1 for 2023 0005. And this is a staff request to postponement to your March 21st council meeting. Item 38 is c-1. For 2023 0112.8. This is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 39 is c-1 for 2023 0144. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 40 is c-1 for 2022 0157. This item is being offered for consent. Third reading item 41 is c-1 for 2023 [2:01:42 PM] reading item 41 is c-1 for 2023 00118. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings, and item number 42 is c-1 for 002195. Rca. Formerly known as c-1 for 002195 rct, and this item is being offered for consent. And this concludes the reading of the zoning agenda. And as always, this is at your discretion. Thank you. >> On item number 37, did you say 37th March 21st, 37 is yes. >> March 21st. All right. March 21st. >> All right. Thank you. Council members, you have any questions of miss Hardin on the zoning agenda? Then I will accept a motion to adopt the consent agenda. And if we have anybody signed up to speak after I have the motion and a second, let me read the consent agenda real quickly. Item number 36 is a staff postponement to 229. Item 37 is a staff postponement to March 21st. Item 38. Consent on all three readings. Item 39. [2:02:44 PM] all three readings. Item 39. Consent on all three readings. Item 40. Consent on third reading. Item 41. Consent on all three readings and item number 42 on consent. Council member qadri moves. Adopt of the consent agenda as as read, seconded by council member Ellis . City clerk. Do we have anyone signed up to speak on the consent agenda? >> Yes, we have a Zenobia Joseph speaking on item 38. >> Welcome, miss Joseph. >> Thank you, mayor. Council. Thank you. Mayor. Council. I'm Zenobia Joseph specifically as it relates to ridge apartments. That would be 250 units at fm 969 and decker lane. I just wanted to tell you that I it is disingenuous. It specifies mobility and bike path access. And the staff report says yes. On page five of nine, there's no continuous sidewalk down. Fm 969 mayor. And respectfully, I just want you to recognize that it specifies that mf4 means that there is connectivity, that [2:03:47 PM] there is connectivity, that there's access to transportation , there's no supporting transportation in this area. You heard me mention earlier that on July 27th, 2020, council and capital metro unilaterally eliminated three minority metro rapids. They eliminated the metro rapid that would have served decker to downtown, the nearest bus stop is on fm 969 near craig-wood. That's the 60 minute black bus route 339, and it's interlined with 237, which serves community first village. It specifies that 10% of the 250 units would be at or below 70% area median income, so the members of the public I would just say this is germane. If you have comments about project connect, you may submit a formal comment through March 4th to the federal register. Simply just Google project connect federal register and environmental impact statement proposal will actually show up for the light rail system. It is disingenuous, mayor, for there to be no infrastructure in this area and [2:04:48 PM] infrastructure in this area and I would ask you to consider, not approving this item. It's specifies smart housing certification. Ann. And again, the M stands for mixed income. But that is not what is being proposed here. So it's not safe. It's not mixed income. It's not accessible. All reasonably priced. It is. But it is not transit oriented. So it doesn't meet the smart policy goals that you have set. I thank you for allowing me to make my comments, but would ask you to do better. Thank you. >> Thank you that concludes all speakers for zoning members. As all the people that have signed up to speak on the zoning items, the motion has been made. And second, to approve the consent agenda as it was read. Is there any body that wishes to, be shown abstaining on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to be shown voting no on the consent agenda? All right, without objection, [2:05:49 PM] All right, without objection, the consent agenda is adopted. With all members voting in favor of the consent agenda on zoning. Thank you, miss Hardin. Members there being no further business to come before the office of city council with this regular scheduled meeting of the Austin city council. Without objection, we are adjourned at 205. Thanks everybody .