City Council Regular Meeting Transcript – 2/29/2024 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 1 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 2/29/2024 6:00:00 AM Original Air Date: 2/29/2024 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. [10:00:26 AM] good morning everybody. I will call to order the meeting. The regular meeting of the Austin city council. Folks, it's February 29th, 2024. We are meeting in the council chambers of the Austin city hall, which is located at 301 west second street in Austin, Texas, and it's 10:00 in the morning. Happy happy leap day. The last time the Austin city council met on a leap day, a February 29th was 28 years ago. In 1996. For all of those who, pay attention to that sort of thing, and it may just be me. Me. So, that being said, happy leap day. We will now. Now I'll read changes and corrections into the record item number 24 instead of district seven. Should read district two, item number 71 should read when public hearings are taken up, [10:01:28 AM] public hearings are taken up, this item will be postponed to March seventh, 2024. More members. Let me also point out that while it's not listed in your changes and corrections, when we take up the consent agenda for item number 61, one, item number 61, which is sponsored by primarily by council member vela, he has asked that that be postponed until the March 21st, 2024 meeting, and addenda. Item 100, which is primarily sponsored by council member qadri. He has requested that be postponed until March 21, 2024. Under boards and commission. Actions, changes and corrections. Items two and number four should read February 20th, 2024 recommended by the resource management commission on an 8 to 0 vote with commissioner scafiddi absent and two vacancies as items three and five should read February 20th, 2024 recommended by the resource management [10:02:29 AM] by the resource management commission on a 6 to 2 vote with chair stone and commissioner Gary voting against it. Commissioner scafiddi absent and two vacancies. Item number 21, which reads February 12th, 2024, recommended by the electric utility commission on a. It should delete 803 vote and read 701 vote with commissioner white abstaining and three vacancies. Members also pulled items off of the consent agenda. Right now, the one pulled item we have is item number 59. The order for business of the day will be that we will hear the consent agenda. Speakers, both virtual and in person. And then we will go to the consent vote with brief comments from members. We will hear the non consent speakers, both virtual and in person. And we will then take non consent [10:03:29 AM] we will then take non consent items. Let me run through what those items are. Those items that were referred from council committees which is item number 66. The eminent domain items. Item 67 and 68 and public hearing items, items 72. Well, item 70 through 73. Although item number 71 has been postpone to March seventh. So if anyone has signed up to speak on item number 71, you'll still be allowed to speak at that public hearing, but it will only be on the merits of the postponement. So if that's not what you wish to speak about and you're here to speak on it, you might want to just make reference to that. We will close the public hearings and take immediate action. And I'll clarify again then, that anyone registered to speak on a public hearing item will be heard during that public hearing item. As a non-consent speaker, and not with the consent speakers, unless it's more convenient for you. And [10:04:30 AM] more convenient for you. And then you'll be able to do that. But we ask that you visit with the clerk to make sure that we know that's happening, so that we can coordinate appropriately. If time allows, we have a 1030, time certain. And if time were allowed as close to that time, we will recess the regular meeting of the city council, and I'll call to order the Austin housing finance corporation meeting for the board of directors. We will hear speakers, if any. We will act and adjourn the corporation meeting at noon. We will hear noon. Public comment. We will have live music, and we will also, close out with the 2:00 time certain of zoning. We do have some items posted for executive session depending upon the time as it relates to time. Certain we may, we may go into an executive session, but we'll I'll determine that as we go forward. I've read the changes and corrections into the record. [10:05:30 AM] and corrections into the record. So members that will take us to the consent agenda, and I will turn to our city clerk to ask to help us through that process. Well, before we do that, let me just say, I appreciate everybody being here. I know the whole council does, but let me just remind everybody about the rules during, any sort of public comment. And while the council is meeting, please be aware that there is behavior that can violate the rules of the council meeting, and we won't permit that behavior. You may not speak out of turn. You may, criticize a public official, but you may not use personally derogatory or disparaging remarks. You cannot defame another person. Ann use obscene language, use abusive language that is likely to incite a breach of the peace. Make threats of violence against another person or otherwise. And this is important. Disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting such as speaking out of turn and [10:06:31 AM] such as speaking out of turn and screaming comments or yelling comments. Also note that comments from a member of the public on a numbered agenda item must be relevant to that item, and we're going to enforce that. I know some people, attempt to use that as a way to make comments, but please, please, comply with our rules. In addition to that, we have a couple of rules. If you have signs, you may use, utilize those signs or, banners or things of that flag and things of that nature in the back, subject to the fire marshal making sure that things are safe . You may not use those signs if you're seated in a seat, because as they tend to block other people's participation in the, communication with council knell, in addition to that, any, disruptive behavior, that that directs, perhaps dangerous [10:07:31 AM] directs, perhaps dangerous situations or is just an attempt to disrupt. We we watch for and we will, attempt to avoid it. So with that, I will, now turn it to the clerk. And thank you for your help. Thank you. >> Mayor, we do have one Spanish speaker on the line, so I'd ask for the interpreter to come down to the podium. >> Yes, please. I understand we have two people that seek or seeking interpretation. So if you'll come forward and help us with that. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you. Okay >> Jose Moreno. >> Buenos dias, senor Jose. >> Hola. Buenos dias. My name is Jose Moreno. >> Yo soy la interpreter. Solamente la recuerdo por favor. Diga Una Frase a la vez. Asi Yo puedo hacer la interpretation puede comenzar. >> Okay. Buenos dias. My name is [10:08:31 AM] >> Okay. Buenos dias. My name is Jose Moreno. Good morning. >> My name is Jose Moreno with testimonio es para el apoyo de Una. My testimony is to support of dona. >> Alianza. The inquilino sylnovia. >> It's an alliance of tenants without house. >> Banco de los apartamentos de homestead. >> I come from the apartments of hola cops or something like that . So the remote is a. Mis vecinos Y Su servidor. And, we were displaced. My neighbors and me. But Arellano para encontrar un Lugar economic donde vivir. And we were struggling to find affordable housing. Where to [10:09:33 AM] affordable housing. Where to live. >> Simplemente un Ano salimos de ahi. >> It's been around a year since we left that place. >> No, todos corremos la misma. >> We weren't all that lucky. Algunos encontramos donde vivir Y otros. >> Fueron a Ver con alguien mas. Some of us, we found a place to live. >> And other people, they didn't find where to go. De otros vecinos estan en las Calles sin encontrar donde and, other of our neighbors are still, like, homeless, and they don't have a place where to live. >> Natasha las personas. Tenemos la misma capacidad de de Tener un un trabajo para un vivienda [10:10:34 AM] un un trabajo para un vivienda Alta. >> We don't all have the same ability or capabilities to find a job to allow us to find a place where to live. >> Shryock como se menos todos merecemos Una oportunidad. >> And I really believe that as, as, I really believe that as a human beings, we all deserve an opportunity to live good. >> So mosque el Lugar donde fuimos Casados a en el van a ser nuevo un nuevo sappi aumentos economicos. >> And we know that the place that we were displaced for, it's going to build, affordable housing and. Cimarron van a hacer este apartamentos muy [10:11:39 AM] hacer este apartamentos muy cars ahora sabemos qué van a ser economicos. First, we were told that they were going to build very expensive apartments, but now we know that they are going to build affordable housing. They're. >> Y lo queremos es den prioridad a los inquilinos Ya Vivian. >> Ahi. >> And while we want to ask is for you to give priority to people who was living there before. For. >> Identification puesto. Ya tenemos un contrato. >> Without asking for identifying. Since we already had a list, there. >> A otro punto. Les quiero decir sobre la ley deben noventa . >> And I want to say something else about the db id law. >> Thank you, thank you. Expired [10:12:39 AM] >> Thank you, thank you. Expired tiempo mayor. >> Okay. Gracias >> I'm sorry. Mayor. Yes, councilman. I just wanted to clarify. This is regarding the old homestead. Is the apartment that the gentleman, senor. >> That's that's. >> The Al homestead. Cierto >> Si cierto. >> If I may, mayor, I just wanted to, say that the developer did promise that that the tenants would have a right of return. I have spoken to the folks that are doing the low income housing tax credit project, which is not assured, but we hope that it does get built. And they have also agreed to give the former tenants at the old homestead a priority in leasing those apartments. So we will and I will make sure to push them to keep those promises. >> Thank you. Okay >> Let's have his office get in [10:13:40 AM] >> Let's have his office get in touch with the speaker. >> Okay. Senor, de hecho, estuvieron hablando con el desarrollador de este proyecto Y Una de las questions en las cuales comprometio es a Tener como prioridad a las personas Q Vivian Ann en Esta localidad Antes, Esta fue uno de los acuerdos Q contenido Y el consejo se compromete a ellos mantengan Su palabra hacer el seguimiento Y cumplimiento de esa promesa. >> Thank you. >> Muchas gracias. >> Let's let's go to the next speaker, please. >> That's the only Spanish speaker we have on the line right now. If you don't mind waiting just a minute in case they join. But I will move to the next remote. Speaker mark tussi, speaking on item 59. Mark, can you hear us? Can you please unmute. >> Please go to the next speaker [10:14:46 AM] >> Please go to the next speaker . >> Zenobia Joseph, speaking on item 16 and 63. >> Thank you. Mayor. Council I'm Zenobia Joseph. My comments as it relates to the economic development department item is that I oppose replacing Rosie truelove with Andy Demayo. Specifically, I just want to call to your attention that she did mention in the 2023 pro housing $10 million hud application in the scarcity of units that are in west Austin, specifically, fewer than ten affordable homes were built in districts five, six, eight, and ten. However she has not brought before you anything that would be substantial in the way of home ownership in northeast Austin. Nor has she brought before you the 20 year outdated smart policy, which is also stated in that application. And so respectfully, I've not seen her do anything to improve the [10:15:46 AM] her do anything to improve the economic opportunities for African Americans and oppose her nomination as it relates specifically to item 63. That's the equitable transit oriented development item, which suggests putting a date on the calendar may 30th, 2024 for a public hearing, I would ask you to withdraw this item indefinitely and call to your attention that on may 7th, 20, 2019, council actually decided to postpone indefinitely the small area planning from north Lamar transit center to tech ridge park and ride. And as you may recall, mayor. December 17th, 2018. You testified for project connect, the long range vision plan at capital metro, excluded north Lamar because that area at north Lamar transit center is owned by txdot and so I would just ask you to recognize as well that in your 2023, walk bike role policy, it actually [10:16:47 AM] bike role policy, it actually specifies acknowledgment of Austin's discriminatory history and practices, and that actually mentions north Lamar. I've asked chito villa to close the mid-block stop at chinatown, and it is still open and needs to be an Ada compliant sidewalk. >> Thank you, miss Joseph. Your time is expired. >> Catalina Cruz on item 100. >> Oh. Hello miss Cruz, this item is being postponed, so your testimony should be limited to the merits of the postponement. Understood. >> Please. Am I able to begin? If yes. Now, now is the time. >> Hello. >> Hello, my name is Catalina Cruz. I'm a worker at YouTube music and a member of the [10:17:48 AM] music and a member of the alphabet workers union. Today I'm currently surrounded by my coworkers. We are comprised of musicians, artists, and music industry workers working our best to earn a sustainable wage as we pursue our passions in Austin, Texas. This fight, the delay. We look forward to our resolution being voted on just as we look forward to cognizant and Google meeting us at the bargaining table. Thank you so much. And we want to say hello very quickly. Hello thank you. Okay. >> Mark Tucci on item 59. >> Hello. And thank you. My name is mark Tucci, owner of the Austin sports and social club Austin sick kids, youth sports leagues and sports for all, the reason for my comments is just to show some support for the to, [10:18:48 AM] to show some support for the to, find Singh and see what can be done to provide more athletic recreational facilities for our children and our adults in our community. Something that this city has become far too deficient in compared to other metro politan areas, not just in Texas, but around the country. And the hope to find more places that are kids and adults can play. Would be much needed for the population growth and something that, as recreation is , becoming so much more important in our lives and for our mental health, knowing that having those proper spaces would really, aid the betterment of the future of our city. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Mayor. That is all the remote speakers we have at this time. So I will go to in person. Gus Pena speaking on item two and three, followed by William bunch. And then Paul Robbins, both on item 23. If your name has been called, please come down to the podium. >> As Mr. Pena approaches. I [10:19:50 AM] >> As Mr. Pena approaches. I want to thank him for all of his years of advocacy in front of the city council. Mr. Pena, I don't know whether you were here when I called the meeting to order and pointed out that it's been since 1996, that we've had a meeting of the Austin city council on a leap day. But we did a little bit of looking and you hold the distinction today of being the only speaker we had that spoke in 1996. And today. So thank you for all your years of involvement. Yeah, I want to thank you also, mayor, number one, it's, >> It's a heck of a day to day, but a number three as having to do with, kensington. Kensington Ken apartments for installation of a solar electric system. That's very important. I think that's appropriate. I'm not too sure if I drove or went up above , but, can I speak on number four? Real quickly? Yes. Okay. Approval issuance of an [10:20:51 AM] Approval issuance of an incentive to the Texas solar energy society for its pathway pilot program. And I just want to thank you and, for, that acknowledgment. It should go to other people that have been here before. But I remember when they were renovating this, they tore it down and everything. And so I'm proud of what, the Pena family has brought to the community. We're a big we're a big. You think the other people are a bigger, moms, dads and, we rank right up there. And, Natasha, I'm going to say, Natasha, I love you because I remember you working on your campaign and also a couple of other people, but, Mckenzie, thank you very much also for saying hello. It means a lot to me. You know, I'm still, hurting from the helicopter crash that occurred in, in Vietnam in 1968. And then the tet offensive in 1969. And then we were in Laos and Cambodia when Richard Nixon [10:21:51 AM] and Cambodia when Richard Nixon said, we're not allowed in Cambodia. And I was left and everybody was either, drinking beer or smoking ooby dooby I. But I didn't do that. I promise you, I promise you, you delimitations. >> That's probably run. You're probably safe on that. >> And this is for my wife, Carmen, who has put up with me for 38 years of Una Mexicana and a chicano from east fifth street area. I'm from the east fifth area, but I want to thank you also, mayor, because, it means a lot to me to not just to say hello and do this, that and the other, but the hard work that you all do, the hard work that the people and what they do come over here to listen to, for y'all to listen to the aches and pains. And I want to thank you very much for that. And I appreciate it very much. And thank you. Thank you very much for that. Thank you, Mr. Pena. >> Happy leap day. Mr. Bunch. Good morning, mayor, council members. >> Thank you for your service to [10:22:51 AM] >> Thank you for your service to the community. I'm bill bunch, executive director of save our springs alliance. Here to ask you to hit pause on on spending $8.9 million with corolla engineering on the Hancock's water treatment plant. Also known as water treatment plant number four. As some of you may know, but probably many of you don't, this community was sold a bill of goods on this plant, and it ended up costing us $1 billion for a mere 50 million gallons a day of capacity. Addition, back when it was built, when you throw in interest payments and operating loans and whatnot, you're now being asked to move forward with the 220 to $250 million, project that should never be needed for a plant that's only ten years old. There's it was built wrong. Apparently they're hiding that. They're not being transparent about what this is about. This 8.9 million is going to the very [10:23:53 AM] 8.9 million is going to the very company that built it the first time. We need a we need transparency and we need some fiscal accountability. We have a new water director. I would hope that she would take a different direction. We're not seeing that. We were told we needed this capacity. We've never been anywhere near needing this capacity. It's been a phenomenal waste from day one, we were told we needed it for redundancy and security purposes. When we asked for the risk management analysis . Well, the only thing that was on there was we need backup power so that we don't lose pumping capacity. And well, lo and behold, 2021, our city was destroyed hundreds of millions of me, even billions of damages because we didn't do what the water utilities own, risk assessment said we had to do. We built a plant we didn't need. Now we're going to expand it, upgrade it without it. Fair review. [10:24:54 AM] review. >> Thank you, Mr. Irresponsible. Thank you, Paul Robbins. >> Go ahead. Item 23. >> If your name has been called, please come forward. So that you'll be ready to testify. Okay. As soon as you can after Paul, we have Kelly Johnson and then Emily leblanc. Please come forward. >> Council. I started my alleged career as an environmental activist in 1977, opposing the south Texas nuclear project. But it experienced a net overrun of $4.6 billion billion and was at least seven years behind in completion. I learned real quick that that even though staff may have good day to day knowledge of the working utility, they're not always good at long terme planning or executing it. To [10:25:58 AM] planning or executing it. To give you the numbers is, we have at our highest peak in history, used. 228 million gallons a day. Current we have 335 million gallons a day of capacity. With the expansion of Hancock's, water treatment plant, where I'm more affection, we view it as water treatment plant for we will have 360 million gallons a day. What do we need this for? I urge you to have a discussion on this before you move forward. There is more to the affordability crisis in Austin than housing Lang. I will, I have one final point to make. [10:26:59 AM] have one final point to make. Which is that too often I see this council bullied by staff. We're your experts. Well well, as I go back to my original initiation into civic involved in 1977, the experts are not always right. >> But thank you, Mr. Robbins. >> Kelly Johnson, item 32, followed by Emily leblanc and then Shelley edger. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. As the owner of Erp LLC, I am simply here to express my sincere gratitude to the city for its consideration of a local woman owned business, particularly one whose mission is in harmony with the zero waste initiative championed by the city. Recognizing the burgeoning growth of the resale industry, projected to increase by 21% annually over the next five years, the endeavor by the city to recycle and repurpose [10:28:00 AM] city to recycle and repurpose bulk items instead of subjecting them to compactor truck crushing represents a commendable approach, and I am just here to say thank you. >> That's all. Thank you. >> Emily leblanc. Shelly edger, and then Robert Corbin. >> Your name has been called. Please come forward. >> Good morning. Emily leblanc is not here, but I am Shelly Edgar. And I am here for the both of us. >> What's your name? I'm sorry. What's your name? Edgar. Okay. >> After Emily? Yes I am co- chair of the Austin Travis county sexual assault resource response and resource team. Austin smart. And we are a multi-discipline group of advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors who all work together to ensure that the system response for survivors of sexual assault is working as it should here in Austin, Texas. We applaud the resources of the Sara that the city has been putting towards righting the wrongs of the past and ensuring that survivors of sexual assault [10:29:02 AM] that survivors of sexual assault in Austin are believed and taken seriously. As such, we support item number 38, but we also want to bring to the attention of the council and city manager that this is one of many pieces in the system that will need ongoing improvements, as we are making for the system to be sustained. Specifically, we want to call attention to the need to help sufficiently fund forensic exams data for 2023 shows that 144 survivors were turned away, while another 56 experienced long wait times. Funding and staffing of forensic lab for analysis does us no good if we don't have skilled and trained nurses. Collecting the evidence at the at the outset, the Sara is committed to supporting our partners at safe and getting back to a model where all survivors can be served with minimal wait times. We've seen the program at Luz house. The success of the program in improving outcomes for survivors when it is staffed appropriately. We are proud that that model has been replicated in other communities, and we urge the city to fund the salaries needed to get back to those best practices, ensuring that no evidence is lost, and [10:30:02 AM] that no evidence is lost, and note that no victims are forced to endure long wait times, is a critical step in increasing access to justice for survivors and our community as a whole. We also want to reiterate that this is one of many ongoing investments we will have to make in order to make good on the promises the city has made to survivors and the start is here to support the city in those efforts. We appreciate council members alter and Velasquez for helping us to shed light on this issue, and we look forward to continuing that conversation and identifying funding sources that can help ensure that our forensic exams are fully staffed as well. Thank you. Thank you. Robert Corbin for item 46. >> And then for item 58, Roy Whaley and Scott Johnson, if your name has been called, please come forward and take one of the seats up front. >> Or if there's an empty microphone, Mr. Johnson, you just walk right up to it. Please come forward. >> Good morning. Council members. Strongly supportive of item 58. Thank you again for an excellent resolution on the [10:31:05 AM] excellent resolution on the issue of concrete and how much carbon and other pollutants that's created by it during the process is grave in the late 2000, I was pestering the city about concrete and other building materials, and this memo came out from former director of what? City manager and director of public works. While we're getting to the point where we can use or contract for sustainable contracting, low embodied carbon cement, we want to look and see and make sure all the providers, such as lawn concrete, which one of the largest list is certified in doing all they can to use the process of manufacturing it and delivering it to make that process as clean as possible. It's very important. I'm here more, though, to speak about hot mix asphalt. Another other product that the city uses a lot of, and that is not part of a recommendation coming from the climate equity plan. Ann. And I [10:32:05 AM] climate equity plan. Ann. And I want to be sure that the council knows about it. The staff does know about it in the transportation public works department, but the process of making hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt involves Portland cement, highly carbon intensive, but but in addition to that, it is very high in ozone forming emissions and more importantly, perhaps, is it's very high in particulate matter. What are called second or secondary aerosols. So not in the process of making it specifically, but as it's laid and then as it vapor rises and comes up. So for the health of the people that are using it, city staff or contractors, it's a huge issue for the people that are near it, which is all of us, because the roadway system in many cities occupies more than 35 or 40% of the total area. So when that's put down, the aggregate or the binder, the liquid and then the rocks put on it, that's a dirty process. Thank you sir. Thank you very much. [10:33:06 AM] you very much. >> Howdy y'all. My name is Roy Whaley. I'm the conservation chair for the Austin regional group of the Sierra club and Sierra club strongly supports this item. Mr. Johnson just gave you a lot of good information on, we definitely. This will help us move to a more carbon free environment. So we hope you will all support that as a side note, on this being leaked date, I, it would be my wedding anniversary if I had stayed married. I made it to one in and , that might surprise some of you. Either that it didn't last longer or that it lasted that long, but leap day always has a, a special spot in my heart. And [10:34:07 AM] a special spot in my heart. And I appreciate what you, the staff notice you gave to Mr. Pena, a longtime advocate. And, some considering a hero here in Austin. Anyway, happy leap day. Please vote for 58, and I will. I'll leap out of here. I guess. >> Thank you, Mr. Whalen. Anthony Cardone signed up for 59, which has been pulled. >> I don't know if you want to speak now, Anthony, please state the name again. Anthony Cardone. >> Mr. Cardone, if you're here, please come forward or you can speak when we take up item 59, which has been pulled from the consent agenda. All right. Please call other names. >> Next speaker item 60. Nicole klepto followed by Zenobia Joseph for 63. Oh, she already spoke. My apologies. And then item 100 on the merits of [10:35:09 AM] item 100 on the merits of postponement. Katy Marie marshner and jack Benedict. If your name has been called, please come forward. >> If your name has been called Nicole, clap clap clap. >> Although my apologies Katy Marie mesner and jack Benedict. >> Thank you. Please. Good morning. >> My name is Nicole Capello. I'm the interim executive director of the red river cultural district. Here to speak on item 60. We really appreciate your leadership on this item and your commitment and support to the red river cultural district as a local cultural district and state, and it strengthens our role as a dedicated partner and effective steward of the live music and arts community. Right now, red river stands at the forefront of numerous transformations that really could impact significant assets that contribute to our brand and culture, and importantly, our local economy. Our request is that the red river cultural district receives funding that's consistent with the other two cultural districts, and we really strongly advocate for a citywide policy aiming for equitable treatment of all districts and a fair funding model. The expedited delivery of the resolution items regarding [10:36:11 AM] the resolution items regarding incentives and tools are pretty critical to our live music economy at this time. We look forward to being a partner in this offer. The we thank you for your consideration today of supporting this item and empower you to continue investing through action, and also wanted to thank the partners of the Southgate Lewis house as recognized in the proclamation today. This is an exact type of project that is powerful through cultural districts. Thank you. >> Thank you. If your name has been called and the microphone is free, please come forward. Just state your name for the record. >> Hi, my name is Katy Marie marshner. >> Thank you. >> Cool. Please go ahead. >> My name is Katy Marie marshner. I work for YouTube music in Austin, and I'm a and I'm a member of the alphabet workers union cwa local 9009. As my colleague Catalina Cruz mentioned earlier, our office is comprised of artists, musicians and music industry professionals in Austin, Texas. Even though we work for two fortune, 100 companies, we are paid just $19 [10:37:12 AM] companies, we are paid just $19 an hour at a job that requires a bachelor's degree and three years of experience working in the music industry. Everyone in this room can agree that that is not a livable wage in this city. Until 950 this morning, I had a speech written out where I intended to talk about how important the passage of agenda item 100 is to our union. However it seems that yesterday Google reached out to members of city council requesting that the vote on agenda item 100 be delayed in fact, Google has attempted to delay bargaining with us at every turn in this campaign on Google and their trumped up Jones day. Lawyers can try to delay all they want, but we will not stop fighting, and we will not stop winning as we have in every fight with them thus far, the nlrb has ruled on two occasions that they are joint employers of me and my coworkers, and that they must bargain with us instead of following the law. Google refused to bargain with us, instead opting to waste more of our time to have this fight in the D.C. Circuit court for its part, cognizant also has violated labor law by refusing to bargain and by implementing various union busting policies in our office, such as the clean room policy that leaves us [10:38:14 AM] room policy that leaves us unable to bring our phones, personal computers, pens or papers into the office. Under this new policy, our union is not even able to circulate petitions in the workplace. If the vote on agenda item 100 was delayed because certain council members didn't have enough information, I ask that each member of city council reaches out to us, the union, not Google executives who are not constituents of yours. Please reach out to us. We would love to talk to you about the issues that we're facing in our workplace. Since this past. The passage of the YouTube music resolution is not only important to workers at YouTube music, but to all workers in Austin fighting for a fair union contract. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Jack Benedict. Confess. I feel a little bit underdressed, but I wanted to represent our union. We're a small team, but we're very mighty. So you know, I work for YouTube music here in Austin, part of the alphabet workers union. And I'd like to thank the council and [10:39:14 AM] thank the council and specifically council member qadri for sponsoring this resolution. And all the other co-sponsors. It's been over a year since we first went on strike over our employer's return to office policy. Now this isn't because we just didn't want to go into an office, but essentially it was a layoff against a large percentage of our team who didn't live in the Austin area. Again, in September, we went on strike over our employer's refusal to bargain with our union. Two of this day, they refused to come to the negotiating table. Knell and Google still refuses to acknowledge us as their employees, even after countless losses in court, which say the contrary. Needless to say, this has been a long fight and we've had many victories, such as unanimously winning our union election and having the nlrb declare Google and cognizant as joint employers. But we still have work to do. We are disappointed to learn that this [10:40:14 AM] disappointed to learn that this resolution has been delayed, but we can wait another month. We've been in this fight for a long time, and as far as I'm concerned, we have the council support and we have already won. So the passing of this resolution is yet another victory and another step in pressuring our employers to come to the negotiating table and bargain in good faith. There are less than 50 of us at YouTube music, and we're taking on two of the largest corporations in the world. So to be supported by the city of Austin and also our allies in the labor community give us the motivation to keep this fight going, to interrupt. >> But they just laid us all off. >> Oh yeah, they just laid us all off. >> We just all I guess we just all got our jobs are ended today effective immediately. >> Wow. >> I'm sorry your time has expired, but we'll we'll follow up on this. Thank you. >> Mayor, that concludes all the consent speakers. >> I'm sorry I didn't hear you. [10:41:15 AM] >> I'm sorry I didn't hear you. >> That concludes all the consent speakers. >> Thank you very much. Members. As you just heard, that concludes all of the consent speakers. We have the consent agenda, as I previously indicated, with item number 59 being the only one that's been pulled. Is there any other item that any member of the council would like to pull from the consent agenda? Councilmember Bella. >> Mayor, I don't need to pull it, but I do have a small amendment to item 66, which I've distributed on the dais. >> Item 66 is referred from a council committee. Okay. It's not on the consent agenda. >> Apologies. >> No problem. Any other items to be pulled from the consent agenda? All right, then I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. As read council member Ryan alter moves approval. It's seconded by council member Allison alter. Members is there any one wishing to be shown abstaining from [10:42:16 AM] to be shown abstaining from voting on the consent agenda as read? Anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on the consent agenda as read. Anyone wishing to be shown voting no on the consent agenda as it was read. Thank you. That being the case, any objection without objection, the consent agenda as it was read, is adopted. With council member harper-madison off the dais. Members, I'll now recognize councilmember Ryan alter to make brief comments, followed by council member Ellis, council member qadri, and then council member Allison alter to speak on the consent agenda items. >> Thank you very much, mayor. I just want to make brief comments on item 58. At our last meeting, we passed the environmental investment plan to identify new resources that are needed to address our climate emergency. And while those investments are certainly needed to achieve our [10:43:17 AM] certainly needed to achieve our goals, so it is making better choices with the money that we are already spending as a city. We buy goods and services that have a significant impact on the environment and we owe it to austinites to minimize this impact. Being more intentional about our purchasing choices was identified within the climate equity plan as a real way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This resolution takes that next step by using our purchasing power to prioritize sustainable options wherever possible, and to create a market for industries in transition. Since we can't do everything at once, this resolution prioritizes two areas concrete and lawn care equipment. Due to their disproportionate environmental impacts and common usage both by the city and other contractors in our region. It builds on the great work done by the mayor pro tem and calling attention to the climate impacts of concrete, and recognizes that gas powered lawn care equipment pollutes our air and causes [10:44:19 AM] pollutes our air and causes asthma or other respiratory illnesses. So on this February 29th, I am glad we are taking this leap to ensuring our contracts dollars are being spent with the lowest environmental impacts, and I really want to thank my co-sponsors. Was mayor pro tem pool, councilmember Fuentes Ellis and Allison alter. Thank you very much, mayor. >> Thank you. Council member. Council member Ellis, followed by council member qadri and then councilmember Allison alter. >> Thank you for the recognition . Mayor. I wanted to call attention to item number 41. This contract is for the creation of a strategic plan for the watershed protection department they are referring to as rain to river and the current watershed protection strategic plan was originally adopted in 2001 and has guided most of the programs, large scale projects and regulations implemented by the department for 20 years. So the 2001 plan does not address current major challenges with climate change and racial inequities, and so I really appreciate staff's forward thinking into making sure that [10:45:20 AM] thinking into making sure that our programs and our policies are continually being right sized for impacts to the community, and making sure that we are thinking about this in an equitable way and trying to make sure that we are right sized for the future to come. So I really appreciate this item getting moving today. >> Thank you. Council member members, before I go to the next, council member to speak with regard to the consent agenda, council member harper-madison was temporarily off the dais. She has asked that she be shown voting in favor of the consent agenda as it was read, her vote being added will not change the outcome. Some of the vote I would move that we,. Without objection, show council member harper-madison being shown voting in favor is there a second second by councilmember vela? We're just going to show her as voting in favor. Is there any objection to council member harper-madison being shown voting in favor of the consent [10:46:20 AM] voting in favor of the consent agenda as it was read without objection, she'll be shown voting in favor. Council member qadri you'll be recognized for remarks on the consent agenda followed by councilmember Allison alter and then council member harper-madison. >> Councilmember mayor, councilmember Allison alter ego. And then we just switch this up. I go right after. >> Sure. Councilmember Allison alter I hope you're ready. I I figured you are, good morning, everyone. >> I want to speak briefly to item 38, which extends our contract with our external partner who handles our DNA testing. This is an important contract, and it has my full support. But I do want to draw our attention to some of the related needs that make our DNA testing relevant. The forensic exams as miss Eggers, the co-chair of the austin-travis county sexual assault response and resource team, Sara mentioned data for 2023 show that 144 survivors were turned away, while another 56 experienced long wait times. We need to adequately fund the salaries for the nursing [10:47:22 AM] salaries for the nursing positions that handle these exams so that we have the evidence to provide healing and justice for survivors without adequate funding, the salaries are uncompetitive and appear to result in staffing challenges, which means people leave without a forensic exam. This is one of many ongoing investments we will have to make in order to make good on the promises the city has made to sexual assault survivors. I am aware of a number of other related funding needs for ongoing training, project management and detective staffing in the same area. To that end, I am working with council member Velasquez to bring a resolution Ann in April, directing the city manager to do everything possible to identify funding for these needs in the proposed budget. And I invite anyone who is interested in working with us on this issue to let my office or councilmember Velasquez office just know, and we can work together to ensure that when we adopt our next budget, that we establish adequate funding for these needs, which we have promised these survivors. I want to thank council member Velasquez for working with me on this, along with our APD staff, our csd. [10:48:23 AM] with our APD staff, our csd. Hmm. Miss Eggers staff and all the other members of the Sara for their ongoing commitment to this work. I also colleagues want to highlight item 52, which is an exciting opportunity for the city to support home based child care providers in our community. These small businesses, which are primarily owned and operated by women and women of color, provide a critical resource to working families, especially for families who work shift work or who work in the early hours or late evenings, or who who are seeking culturally competent child care in the languages that they speak at home. I want to extend my thanks to Austin public health for the pursuit of this grant and this opportunity. This work is going to align very nicely with an effort I and other colleagues on this dais, and with the county have been pursuing, and I'm looking forward to sharing more information on that with you soon. Lastly as a reminder, we are still awaiting recommendations from the interim city manager as to how we can provide tax relief to home based providers similar to what we provided through proposition [10:49:24 AM] provided through proposition two. In January. This work is still on track to come back to us in may, and I and I know many of you look forward to providing financial relief to these providers as soon as possible. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member, council member qadri and then council member harper- madison. >> Great. Thank you. Mayor. I want to quickly talk about item 100, which we had, pulled in. I do think all the speakers who had come in person in the individual who spoke, who spoke virtually, I mean, I just want to say shame on Google for firing workers. That worked really hard, that were underpaid and that were treated badly, that acted in good faith. And then were let go this morning. So I just wanted to make that comment. I do want to talk about item 60 more in length. That was able to pass on the consent agenda. I'm honored to bring the resolution calling for city support specifically for the red river cultural district. And for those of you who don't know, red river cultural district is an 11 block stretch on, you guessed [10:50:24 AM] block stretch on, you guessed it, red river. From fourth to 15th street in downtown Austin. And Brodie for a framework that recommends how we can support all our unique cultural districts throughout the city. As I mentioned at a previous meeting, it's important to keep the momentum going around this issue. Not only is the red river cultural district a critical part of Austin's vibrant, cultural music and art scene, but it also has a sizable role in the local economy. It is it is crucial that we find a way to support them and all our culture, arts and heritage districts. We will continue to support the people and places that make Austin the city that that so many of us call home. And by making investments, investments into our cultural arts and music community, we can truly live up to our title as a live music capital of the world. I want to thank the economic development staff for all their work on this. I, I greatly appreciate their time and effort . I also want to thank my co sponsors, mayor Watson, mayor pro tem pool, council member Fuentes, and council member Ryan alter for their collaboration and support. And I look forward to continuing this work and checking throughout the process [10:51:25 AM] checking throughout the process until adequate funding and support is allocated to the red river cultural district. And I just want to highlight it's not only at the cultural district in its physical being, but also the creatives who call Austin home, creatives who work, who worry about the cost of living and working in Austin. This item is for them. >> Thank you. Thank you. Council member. Council member. Harper- madison. Thank you, mayor. >> I appreciate it. And thank you for, showing me as voting yes on the consent agenda. I wanted to catch the, Google former employee before she left the building. I have several items that I'm just going to, be echoing what my colleagues have already said about the consent agenda and the things that we're excited to be, to be seeing on there. I'd also like to say, as we close out black history month , there have been a lot of really cool opportunities to connect with the community. This morning there was no shortage of that. We had the opportunity to connect with black executives. [10:52:26 AM] connect with black executives. Across multiple departments here at the city of Austin. And I found it interesting that, one of the things that I discovered during the course of us, talking this morning was that it's never happened before. There were folks in that room that have worked for the city of Austin for 30, 30 years. And not one black history month that we take the opportunity to get them all together and say thank you for your contributions to Austin at large, and for being really awesome examples of black excellence here at the city of Austin. So I'm glad that we got it started. My hope is that we continue it. And so that was one thing that we got to do this morning that I'm really excited about. We also got to acknowledge there's a house. It's at the corner of 12th and comal. You probably have passed by it if you've ever gone eastbound on 12th street, you just don't know what it is. It's called the south gate. Lewis house. It's over 100 years old and it was, some Swedish folks lived there back, you know, hence the name Swede hill. Back [10:53:27 AM] hence the name Swede hill. Back when that area was, was was primarily Swedish folks. And then it changed hands as the community changed hands. And with the introduction of the, 1928 master plan, that really sort of semi-permanently assigned, people of African American descent home on on the east side of I-35. And so it stands as a pillar in the community. You've passed by it. It has the banners on the outside of, influential black folks throughout history. But you've never been inside more, more more than likely. And so my hope is that as we start to pay attention to places and spaces like that here in the city of Austin, more people get to really get familiar with your city and gyms like it. So throughout the month of February, as we have placed some spotlights on distinguished members of our community, it is really been a great reminder that people like to be acknowledged and recognized. I kind of wish that there was a [10:54:28 AM] kind of wish that there was a prize associated with having acknowledged them, because all the comments, everybody's so excited. Congratulations Hawkins. That was my teacher. You know, whatever the thing is, it's especially during a political climate like the one we're in, it is really refreshing to see members of the community just appreciate being seen and validated in their efforts being appreciated. And other members of the community appreciating them as well. It was it was a really lovely way to celebrate black history month and the contributions of, of black folks, to this country. I'd like to give a special thank you to pard staff and any members, all members of the community who got organized for black history month events and celebrations. It's been an exciting month for the district one office and the diligence and hard work of our city staff and, stake holders. On some of the items on this consent agenda are things that I wanted to also pay some attention to and give some [10:55:28 AM] some attention to and give some highlight to solar energy coming to fruition on multiple fronts. I remember having been appointed to the resource management commission several years back, pre- council and one of the first conversations we had was what it would look like to have solar on income restricted housing developments. And the fact that that, you know, is still sort of like a preliminary conversation means that just like you all think everything goes real slow once you introduce a bureaucracy bureaucratic system like this one. So seeing it come to fruition actually is, progress. And so I'm happy to see that we're moving in that direction. And my hope is that, this kind of programmatic effort that we apply it to more developments. I mean, every time I fly back into Austin from someplace, I can't help but look down and wonder what it would, what it would look like if those roofs were covered in solar panels or gardens. Just something has to be not right about that much cement. Just sitting there doing nothing. So my hope is that this [10:56:31 AM] nothing. So my hope is that this is a part of a broader conversation. And then lastly, I'd like to express my excitement for item number 60. The equitable funding for the red river cultural district and our continued progress in the live music and cultural arts spaces. Councilmember qadri, I'd like I'd love to. Sort of echo your support and, offer ours as well and continue to support in the area. I think it's critical that we support each of our cultural and heritage districts, in an equitable and sustainable manner, manner. I think that also has to remind us historically how we, prioritize investments in the city. I hope that community members across the space feel welcome to the table in these conversations with public support and momentum behind the return of blues on the green, I think it's a really great opportunity in the city of Austin to continue with that energy and support our entire live music and arts ecosystems. So really proud to be a part of [10:57:33 AM] So really proud to be a part of that momentum. Thank you mayor. >> Thank you. Council member, council member. Vela. >> Thank you. Mayor. I just wanted to, ask council member qadri, if I could be added as a co-sponsor to his item 100. >> Oh, item 100 100, which has been postponed. >> So, yes, without objection, councilmember vela will be shown as a co-sponsor of that item. Councilmember Fuentes. Yeah >> Thank you. Unfortunately, the item has been postponed. While I'm disappointed to learn about the postponement, you know, I just want to also express my solidarity with the YouTube workers that were with us this morning, sharing their, their thoughts and, you know, I think it's important that we as a council, as community leaders, that we stand strong with workers here in Austin as they fight for a livable wage, as they fight for a fair working conditions and standards. And so, you know, you have my support and shame on Google for what they did this morning. And laying off the team. But here in Austin we stand in support of [10:58:35 AM] Austin we stand in support of our workers. Thank you. Councilmember members. >> Those are all the members that have indicated they wish to speak on the consent agenda. Thank you all for that. Without objection, we will recess the meeting of the Austin city council at 10:58 A.M. Without objection, we're in recess. [11:10:49 AM] I will now call back to order at 11:10 A.M. The regular meeting of the Austin city council. We have one pulled item that was pulled from the consent agenda, and that is item number 59. The chair will recognize council member I'm sorry. Council member qadri. >> Could I make my comment now or should I wait until the what is your comment related to? So in light of the events that that happened earlier today, I'd like to make a motion to reconsider the postponement of item 100. >> Okay. Let me come back to that, if you don't mind. Let's get to get item 59. I want to recognize council member Fuentes on item number 59. Thank you. >> Thanks, mayor. Colleagues. Item 59 is. And I'm very excited about because it came about from community advocacy from my community. I heard from Orlando, who I think might be in the audience today. There you go. Good to see you, Orlando. He approached me and started talking to me about the challenges that we have in our community with available public places for our kids to play soccer, in addition to a number [11:11:52 AM] soccer, in addition to a number of other youth activities and, this is not the first time I've heard this comment. I've heard from parents from children themselves, from leagues, you name it, about the lack of access that we have in our city. And I was able to convene a roundtable of different stakeholders associated with with soccer and again, the biggest challenge that I heard time and time again is just the lack of public places that we have for our families. In fact, for a city of nearly a million, we only have about ten publicly available soccer fields throughout our city, ten with about five other that are in partnership. And so really, this is about creating a pipeline. I envision one day that we have, one of our kids going through our public schools that can have that pipeline and become an Austin fc player one day. And so I think this is a first step in building an ecosystem of soccer with many stakeholders throughout the table, who I will think here once we consider the resolution. [11:12:54 AM] resolution. >> Great. Thank you. Council member councilmember Fuentes moves adoption of item number 59. It's seconded by councilmember harper-madison. Members council member harper- madison has a proposed amendment to item number 59 U. It's been, provided to you. It's labeled in haam amendment number one one. And you have that in front of you. I'll recognize council member Harper Madison on her proposed amendment number one. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I should start by saying thank you , councilwoman Fuentes, for your leadership here. It is extraordinarily important. And I think as we become a proper soccer city, it just makes sense to go ahead and preemptively get that ecosystem really, fortified and supported. So thank you for bringing this item forward. My potential amendment and I get the impression that you assume it's friendly. Is essentially in response to, having had conversations with facilities managers and people who's, who's , children play soccer, I'm more [11:13:56 AM] , children play soccer, I'm more than one occasion. I've been told that some of our soccer fields are are less than ideal. Which can be a problem for causing injury, and disrupting the game, frankly. So the one thing I wanted to bring is this item that says, be it further resolved, the city manager's directed to ensure that any future soccer field development, is considerate of and balanced with existing needs for park improvements. So essentially that's me saying I don't want us to bring new soccer fields if we're not maintaining the ones that we already have. And so my hope is that we have some system to make certain that they're happening. Happening adjacent to one another. >> Councilmember harper-madison moves adoption of Harper Madison amendment number one. It is seconded by councilmember Ellis. Is there any discussion? Councilmember Allison alter, you're recognized for discussion on the proposed amendment. >> Thank you. I appreciate a councilmember. Harper Madison, bringing forward her amendment [11:14:58 AM] bringing forward her amendment and your comments. You know, raise an issue that we have been talking about with my office with part in the budget office. So we have been investing Lang, in park amenities and in parks. But we have not, kept our operations and maintenance expenses in line with our capital investments. They have now done an analysis of what we need in terms of staffing simply to get back to maintenance levels of 2014. And to just give you a sense of how much maintenance needs we have for the parks department, including for those soccer fields, just to get back to maintenance levels that we experienced in 2014. By the calculations by our own staff, we need about an additional I think it's 15 to 20 folks just to get back to 2014 standards. If we want to get to the standards that our parks department thinks we need, and that's for taking out the garbage, mowing lawns, etc, we need 75 more maintenance folks, which I hope we can set as a [11:15:58 AM] which I hope we can set as a goal through this budget and move forward on that. And I hope that colleagues will pay attention to that. We now have some real numbers saying how far behind we are. And we need to make some progress on it. So I appreciate you bringing that, and I appreciate, council member Fuentes, raising this broader issue for the soccer access as well. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Council member. Any further discussion on the motion to amend? Without objection. Harper Madison. Motion to amend. Number one is adopted. That will take us back to item number 59, as amended. And I'll recognize council member Ellis and then council member Fuentes to close. Council member Ellis, thank you. >> I really appreciate, council member Fuentes and all of the other co-sponsor for bringing this item. I know with the season opener that just happened on Saturday, people are very much thinking about how much we enjoy watching soccer and how much we want this to be a part of our city. So on that note, I would like to be added as a co-sponsor, if that's okay with the objection, you'll be shown as a co-sponsor of item number [11:16:59 AM] as a co-sponsor of item number 59. >> Perfect. Thank you. Thank you. Council member. Councilmember. Fuentes, I'll recognize you to close. >> Thank you. First and foremost, I want to thank my co-sponsors on this item. Councilmember qadri Velasquez harper-madison vela. And Ellis, thank you so much for your support of this initiative. I also want to thank Sophia morales with my team for her work on this resolution, and I want to thank all of the stakeholders who were involved and helped shape this resolution. We had over 15 organizations and individuals I want to thank for atx with Austin fc, the Austin parks foundation, Ofelia zapata, aid trustee, Orlando Medrano with Austin united fc, Gloria lugo with Houston elementary park adopters and the commission on seniors and aging. Austin men's soccer association, capital area soccer association, our parks and rec department, Austin community soccer association, Ann rise fc soccer assist and street soccer usa and truly colleagues with. As part of this conversation, everyone was invigorated and passionate and I think we're going to have [11:17:59 AM] think we're going to have multiple conversations moving forward of what that ecosystem looks like. It's not going to be just the city. We're going to have excellent partners with Austin fc, with our school district, with the county. Truly, this is a first step. And coordinating a better ecosystem of soccer access and in our city and becoming a soccer city. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, councilmember. Is there any objection to the motion of item number 59, as amended? Without objection, item number 59, as amended, is adopted. Congratulations and thank you. Councilmember Fuentes. That will take us. I'll. I will now recognize councilmember qadri, with regard to a motion related to item number 100. >> Thank you, mayor. Yeah. In light of the events that unfolded, today, we're we're workers from the alphabet union. Bravely stood up and they testified today, only to be fired. And I had that verified and also verified by. They had to leave city hall to make sure they were able to get their belongings from their office because their keycards and devices had been deactivated by [11:19:00 AM] devices had been deactivated by the time they had already left the building. I'd like to motion to reconsider the postponement on item 100 today. >> Councilmember qadri moves that the vote by which count that item 100 was adopted. And in postponed until March 21st. Be reconsider and it is seconded by council member Velasquez. Is there discussion on the motion to reconsider? Without objection. Item number 100 will be reconsidered. Councilmember qadri, you're recognized for a motion on item 100. Yeah >> I mean, I think how everything's played out today and everything that you've heard from, the alphabet workers themselves, I think it's important that we, as a dais, stand up for workers in the city, whether it be the folks that came today or in general. So I move, I move. Passage of item 100. Councilmember qadri moves. >> Passage of item 100 as it was originally placed on the agenda. It is second, it is are you seconding it or you want to talk? I didn't think so. It's seconded by council member Ryan alter. Discussion. Council [11:20:01 AM] alter. Discussion. Council member Kelly. >> Yeah. I'm unable to endorse this proposal before us today. Just after what occurred during our comments, I reached out to the head of external affairs at Austin's Google office to gain a clearer understanding of the current situation, and as of now, they have not clarified if the employees in question were dismissed, although that's not my primary concern. It is very sad that that happened. If it did, in fact, entering today's meeting, I had already resolved to vote against item 100. My consistent stance has been that the city should refrain from intervening in the affairs of private companies, which is a principle I uphold today. Thank you councilmember. >> Thank you. Any other discussion on the item, any discussion, with that objection, I will show council member Kelly as voting no. But is there any other objection? Ann. Without objection. Item number 100 is adopted with the mayor pro tem off the dais and council member Kelly being shown votes. No. Thank you. Council member qadri [11:21:03 AM] Thank you. Council member qadri members that will now take us to item number 66. Which is a non consent item because under our rules, items that are referred from council committees are not placed on the consent agenda. Item number 66 came from the public safety committee, of which I chair. So let me explain quickly what that is. It recommended that there be an initiation of a selection process after the presiding judge of our municipal court of the city of Austin came to us, presiding judge stockman came and laid out to the committee a recommendation about what we should do going forward for the selection of municipal court judges. It was a40 vote, to direct the to for the council to direct the city manager to initiate a selection process to identify candidates for council appointment. At the time of one additional associate judge. And I'm going to recognize council member Valen just a minute and up to five additional substitute judges to the municipal court and to utilize a recruitment and [11:22:04 AM] and to utilize a recruitment and selection process similar to what that was done in the 2021 judicial selection process. At that time, before, because this came from the public safety committee that I chair, I'll move adoption of the resolution. Ryan, is there a second? Seconded by councilmember councilmember vela, I will now recognize councilmember vela for a proposed amendment to item number 66. >> Thank you very much, mayor. I've distributed the amendment. It's a very simple. Since we passed this recommendation. In speaking with, judge statman, there may be additional retirements and or other vacancies. And so I'm just, the amendment would change it from one an associate judge to. Up to two associate judge as associate judges as a precautionary measure to, make sure that we still have our full bench of magistrates available moves, adoption of amendment number one is seconded by council member Velasquez. [11:23:05 AM] Velasquez. >> Members, is there any discussion on the on a proposed amendment number one hearing? None without objection. Proposed amendment number one to item number 66 is adopted. That will take us back to the main motion on to for the adoption of item number 66, as amended. Is there any discussion on that item? Without objection. Item number 66 as amended, is adopt Ed members. We will now go to items number 67 and 68 eight. Those are items related to eminent domain and therefore Shaw are not on the consent agenda. Let me turn to the city clerk and ask if there is, anyone signed up to speak on items 67 and 68? No mayor, there is not members. We don't have anyone signed up to speak on items. Number 67 and 68. So the chair will entertain a motion with respect to item 67 and 68. And since those are non-consent condemnation items, the motion will be to the effect [11:24:05 AM] the motion will be to the effect that the city council of Austin authorizes the use of the power of eminent domain to acquire the properties that are set forth and described in agenda item 67 and 68 on the. In the current meeting's agenda items for the public uses that are described therein, the mayor pro tem moves adoption of that motion. It is seconded by councilmember Ellis. Is there discussion on on that motion? Without objection, items number 67 and 68 are adopted as I laid out in the motion that was made by the mayor pro tem and seconded by council member Ellis, we will now go to our item that are public hearings. Members. Item number 71 has been postponed to March 7th. Item number 70 is related. I want to [11:25:05 AM] number 70 is related. I want to call attention to the fact that it is related to item number 73, so that when we call up item number 73 for the public hearing , we will also take action on item number 70. So with that, I will now, seek and there's no objection to opening the public hearing on item number 72. And item number 73. The public hearing is now open. Without objection, on those two items. And I will recognize. I'm sorry. Council member Kelly, could I abstain from 73, please? Yes. When I call for a vote, I'll make sure you're shown as abstaining. Thank you. And that we. Is that also the case that you wish to be shown abstaining on item number 70? Okay I'll recognize the clerk and ask if we have anybody signed up to speak at the in the public hearing on item 72 or the public hearing on item number 73. >> Yes, mayor, we do the first [11:26:06 AM] >> Yes, mayor, we do the first remote speaker on item 72 is Travis barber. Right. >> Hey. Good afternoon everyone. Travis barber with generation housing partners. We are the developer for the Cameron highline project at 1124 Clayton lane. We just wanted to be available in case there are any questions. Regarding our proposed resolution of no objection, which allows us to submit, to tdhca our 4% application. So I'll be on standby for any questions. Thanks >> Thank you. >> Mayor. That's all for 72. >> Without members, without objection, the public hearing on item number 72 will be closed. Item number 73, we've already opened the public hearing. >> I'm sorry. Mayor, which item [11:27:08 AM] >> I'm sorry. Mayor, which item number 73. >> Yes. >> We have several speakers. All right, then, let before we go to the speakers, let me ask if there is a motion on I to adopt item number 73. >> Council member vela moves and is seconded by council member harper-madison that we approve item number 72. Is there anyone wishing to discuss item number 72? Councilmember vela. >> Thank you mayor. I commented earlier when the gentleman that called, was asking for the right of return. And I just want to say that as part of the work that we did on this item, when the zoning was approved, over a year ago, we were able to negotiate, benefits for the tenants that were being displaced, that were probably about 30 people that were being displaced from the old homestead apartments that were at this location. The developer and the, Mr. Barber, who was just making the comment, have all committed [11:28:09 AM] the comment, have all committed to allow the tenants that were displaced a right of return to those apartments, particularly if it becomes a low income. Tax credit project. It's not certain that it will. I just want to be clear to the folks that are that are watching and waiting, they're still a process to go through. They're going to have some gap financing issues that they're going to have to work through. I think even if they get the tax credits. But all involved parties have absolutely committed to bring the tenants back and there will be, the affordable Katy will range from 80% mfi down to 30% mfi. So I feel pretty confident that we're going to be able to get folks back into the old homestead and into Windsor park if this project goes through, and I just wanted to thank everyone involved and thank you. >> Council member Eckhardt is it , without is there any further discussion? Without objection, on item number 72 is adopted with the mayor pro tem off the dais. We well, okay. Well I just [11:29:11 AM] dais. We well, okay. Well I just looked down and saw an empty chair. Okay. Very good. And I assume you're not voting? No. Right. Okay without objection, item number 72 is approved. Now we'll go to the speakers on item number 73. >> Mayor, I do have several speakers that have signed up for multiple items. Do you want to just take 73 now, or should I read the speakers? >> We've opened the public hearing on item number 73. When you say they've signed up for multiple items, I'm not sure what that means, since the only item we have really left for hearing is 73. >> Okay, I have several that have signed up for 70 and 73, which I understand are related. And but some that have signed up for 70, 73 and then also 71. >> Well then here's what let's do. Item 70 and 73. We will take up item 71 was postponed. So since we've opened the public hearing on item number 73, if they've signed up on 73, and [11:30:12 AM] they've signed up on 73, and since 70 is related, let's go ahead and hear from them on those items. >> Yes, mayor. First speaker is Zenobia Joseph. >> Thank you. Mayor. >> Council I'm Zenobia Joseph. My comments are specifically related to the density bonus program that grants 30ft, height and the base zoning and then it will increase to a maximum of 90ft. I want to call to your attention that we do not get a return on investment north of us. 183 in the northeastern quadrant on route 392, which is the Yeager and tech ridge boulevard. There's 1194 multifamily units and there is no shelter. Compare that to Hyde park. 45th, 51st street, 30th street. There are shelters in that area, so more density does not increase the frequency or make the route any better. I would call your attention the [11:31:13 AM] would call your attention the 425 acre development east village, which is on palmer lane within two miles of palmer lane. You have over 2000 units now. East village will have 2200 units, 450 homes and again, you unilaterally eliminated the metro rapid. That would have served Samsung to apple. And so I adamantly opposed the density bonus because it does not serve the needs of the people in northeast Austin. And with as Natasha harper-madison recognized, yes, the historical priorities are not in her district. And to recognize that we pay taxes too. And lastly, I would just call to your attention that developers paid a fee in lieu of building affordable housing in downtown. There's a 2020 KVUE report, and they also pay the fee in lieu of building the affordable housing at the domain. And so this is just giving entitlements to developers without giving us community benefits. And I would ask you to improve the route. It is the one that actually serves the soccer fans invested $60 million there. And we deserve [11:32:15 AM] million there. And we deserve shelters too. And I would ask you to recognize that our seniors have testified before capital metro on Monday, telling them that this system is discriminatory violates title six of the civil rights act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them. >> Clerk please call the next person. Thank you, miss Joseph. >> That is the only speaker we have remotely. So I'll move to in person on item 70 and 73, we have Brad Massingill. Then bill mccamley and Joe riddle. If your name has been called, please come down to the podium and just state your name for the record. >> Hey y'all, I appreciate you all being here. My name is Brad Massengill. I'm with the bird streets of pleasant hill. It's in district three over in south Austin in the new density bonus. Here, let me put my other glasses. Sorry, y'all. I always notice when I start reading the [11:33:16 AM] notice when I start reading the new density bonus. Zoning districts are an environmental neighborhood impacting issue. It could affect the long tum future of our fair city in ways as profound as, and potentially as the loss of zilker park or Barton springs to take advantage of this plan, developers would need to commit to X amount of affordable housing units in exchange for an extra 30ft of building height up to 90ft, amongst other concessions. We, us, the citizens and especially the adjacent neighborhoods don't really seem to get much benefit in exchange for these concessions, we need more. There's a lot to unpack with this new db 90 designation. We need some kind of citizen participation before this goes to a final vote. A public hearing or a series of meetings is in order to discuss this at the timing of the original, affordability unlocked meant [11:34:16 AM] affordability unlocked meant there was passed with minimal citizen input due to the pandemic restrictions. We need to insist on public transparency at this point. These five and six story buildings amongst our one story traditional houses is not appropriate. We need firm ground rules and transparent public and public citizen input and participation options. There are way too many unanswered questions and cleverly turned phrases in the amendments. Language to pass it, pass it at face value, asking you to postpone 70 and 73 until public hearings have heard this field of dreams being offered up, as is our homes in the natural assets of our our city. Sorry this to build this. Oh well there's that. I'm asking you all to postpone this, please. And let let people talk about it. Bill mccamley Joe, riddle me [11:35:18 AM] Bill mccamley Joe, riddle me Ramos, if your name has been called, please come down to the front and take one of these seats so that you'll be ready, to testify when there's an open microphone, please call their names again. >> Bill mccamley, Joe riddle, Michelle Ramos, veggies, praxis. Okay. William bunch for 71, 70 and 73. Mario Cantu 7170 and 73. Followed by Monica Guzman. >> Good morning, city council members. My name is Mario Cantu. I'm from south Austin. On item 73. For many months I've had some discussions about the [11:36:21 AM] some discussions about the density bonus. I do notice that it's being listed in 73. Regarding mainly the 10% at 50% mfi and. The 60, giving 12% of that that I want to know who dictates those two numbers. Tirz who gets to pick the 50% at 10% and the 60% at 12, and I have not had anybody be here in these chambers or outside of these chambers, be able to answer that question. Now, I would think that because we're a contact team, we would we should could and we could pick the better density bonus of the 50% mfi at 10, because that's more affordability. So if it's dictated by the contact team or by the citizens, or if it's dictated by council or staff members, who is the exact person that dictates that very [11:37:23 AM] that dictates that very particular number, because if we're if we're trying to make affordability better and we're picking the better number for the applicant and the developer, then it defeats the purpose of what we're actually trying to do. I mean, it sounds good and it looks good on paper, but I think there needs to be a discussion about this because I can't find any, any evidence or anybody that can answer that question. In fact, I was at planning commission a few months ago and they kind of went round and round as well. So I think we have a major problem in maybe figuring that out. So I would ask, you know, a postponement and get some involvement with some individuals that know exactly how that can be handled. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Monica Guzman. And she has time donated by Roy Whaley. Roy Whaley, are you here? >> He is here. >> Okay. Thank you. Four minutes please. Good morning, mayor and council, I'm Monica Guzman, policy director at Garza. >> Garza is opposed to the density bonus draft ordinance as [11:38:25 AM] density bonus draft ordinance as currently proposed. Item 70 and related. Item 73, also known as db 90. Due to the disparate, fortunately harmful impacts of this kind of development in an east, north and south Austin areas with mixed and low income neighborhoods. This density bonus would be applied to low intensity zoning categories that we find all over east, north, central, northeast, south, and southeast Austin, which is not a coincidence given the historic discriminatory zoning patterns on the east side. Commercial service cs one, for example, permits use by pawnshops and liquor stores and was historically placed in many of these neighborhoods. The use of a density bonus on these areas without adequate affordability and anti-displacement components, represents a continued exploitation and harm to the people in these neighborhoods who are negatively impacted by gentrification. We raise the following concerns which are followed by a proposed alternative raising housing prices and worsening gentrification. This density bonus gives up to 90ft in height and from 70 to 100% impervious cover in exchange for as little as 10 to 12% units being income [11:39:25 AM] as 10 to 12% units being income restricted at 50 to 80. Median family income. While this represents a potential 2% increase in income restricted units from the original vmu, it is still without benefits to the neighborhoods whose median income is below 50. Mfi and would experience displacement pressure from these expensive units. Furthermore, this benefit is entirely negated by the administrative authority of the housing director to count bedrooms as units, thereby potentially cutting the number of affordable units in half, and a fee in lieu option means there is no on site affordability requirement, reducing costs and increasing entitlements for developers only increases their profits. It doesn't lead to affordability. The only way to address the affordability crisis Austin is experiencing is by requiring on site income, restricted rental and ownership units, and disincentivizing the demolition of existing affordable units, elimination of a public process to mitigate harm, and increase community benefit. This proposed density bonus is being directed to council and staff without authentic engagement by counsel for resident informed [11:40:25 AM] for resident informed development and application of a density bonus that we find disproportionately prevalent in neighborhoods in the eastern crescent, warns a conversation with impacted communities. Because this will increase displacement pressures in vulnerable communities. We're also concerned with the disregard of neighborhood plans and planning in this policy, as proposed, when a db 90 zoning change is filed, council approval will trigger an automatic future land use map update, eliminating the public process for the neighborhood plan amendment and disrespecting the volunteer hours of contact teams across the city who bring critical information and a community voice to the process. Contact teams in the eastern crescent have negotiated and given their endorsement to thousands of newly developed units in their areas. It is critical that they have a say in this process of zoning in the eastern crescent should be done with care to ensure community benefit and mitigate harm, including displacement. Recommended alternative actions review a map of eligible zoning districts proposed and requested analysis from housing and equity offices of displacement pressure in the areas with high concentrations. Unbraid the [11:41:26 AM] concentrations. Unbraid the incentives of affordability unlocked and vmu two to consider where each can be placed beneficially. Consider deeper affordability requirements to incentivize subsidized development. Engage contact teams in these areas to assess where additional placement of density bonuses could be beneficial and what incentives are best to include. As was done in the original vmu process. This includes the discussion of on site affordability requirements, as well as the benefits of fee and Lou allow neighborhoods with high displacement pressures to opt out of db 90 eligibility and explore other incentives to relax development rules and encourage development of deeply affordable units. Strike any provisions that gives authority to count bedrooms as units so that we get the full required percentage of affordable units in any approved development. Garza urges you to approach this ordinance with an equity lens and care for impacted communities, and to consider where our anti- displacement funds and housing dollars can be spent to make new development more equitable. Every land use decision is an opportunity to address our discriminatory past with more benefit. >> Thank you, miss Guzman. >> Ashley fisher, speaking on [11:42:30 AM] >> Ashley fisher, speaking on the merits of the postponement for item 71. >> Yes, sir. Your your name was called. >> Mister mayor, members of the council, thank you very much for considering this item today. My name is bill mccamley. I'm the executive director of transit forward. You've heard my spiel many times about how density is absolutely vital with more affordability attached to new transit programs. Here in Austin. We are so proud and happy for all of you. All for considering not only this item, but items throughout the spring in order to make a more equitable afford readable and accessible Austin for every single person living here. This density bonus program will create more affordability in more areas around our wonderful community and allow more folks when they're built in transit corridors to access transit. Therefore not only creating more affordability in their homes, but allowing them possibly to get rid of a car which can save [11:43:31 AM] get rid of a car which can save $10,000 a year. Transit forward supports an Austin for all housing for all renters and homeowners. There's a better environment for all, safety for all, and a situation where we get less traffic for all. We urge you to approve this wonderful provision. We thank you for bringing it up again and for your tenacity and continuing to fight for these programs. And thank you all very, very much for everything you do. Appreciate you all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Ashley fisher, are you here for item 71? Okay then. Carmen Yanez Pulido for 70, 73 and 71. >> Good morning y'all. I'm a little out of breath. I was rushing over here. I think the statement that Garza put forward, that Monica Guzman just read summed it up, but I want to underscore some things this is your opportunity to pause and not perpetuate historic, racist [11:44:33 AM] not perpetuate historic, racist and classist land development policies that have disproportionately placed a burden on lower income austinites and forced people out of town. This is history. Right now. We know what's happening. These are rolled together because this council violated state law and our right to notification and protest rights so that we could play a part in our land use. It's now bringing being brought back. I'm glad it's a bonus. I'm glad it's a zoning change. But you're choosing to apply it in low intensity zoning in places that are disproportionately in your district council member Fuentes and where's Jose Velasquez in your district? In your district council member vela and district five in council member Ellis's district, these commercial service where we see the pawnshops and the liquor stores where our communities fought to have better development out in those areas where people are making 50% median family income and below, there is no community benefit here, no affordability [11:45:33 AM] benefit here, no affordability and all that housing for all. We've really got to cut through this right wing neoliberal pro-free market mercato institute, George mason university that we are all getting fed. Some of you call yourself Democrats, some of you call yourself Progressives council member vela. Please tell me what is Progressive about it. A flat blanket entitled rent that's trickled down. How is regulation for low income people and for communities and the environment? Now status quo? What has happened y'all? Malcolm X told us if you're careful, the newspapers will believe you will. Have you believe the oppressor and blaming the oppressed. And the yimby movement has now called low income renters and people of color nimbys. We fight for quality development. Thank you ma'am. >> Mayor, that concludes all the non consent. I'm sorry. [11:46:33 AM] non consent. I'm sorry. >> Say that again. >> That concludes all the non consent speakers. >> Thank you very much. Members as you just heard, that concludes that completes all of the people that have signed up to speak. Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number seven, 83 members. The order will go in is item number 70. And then go to number 73 with regard to item number 70, I'll entertain a motion. Does someone have a motion on item number 70, sir. Yes mayor pro tem moves adoption of item number 70. It's seconded by council member Ellis. Is there discussion with regard to item number 70? That's a good point. Mayor pro tem, it's item number 70. >> It's draft version two, annotated. [11:47:34 AM] annotated. >> The draft version two from staff. >> So that'd be staff recommendation on the motion that we have in front of you is the staff recommendation. Yes. I want to be. We want to be clear about that on item number 70. Is there discussion with regard to item number 70? Without objection, item number 70 is adopted. That will take us to item number 73. And members, we have one proposed amendment to 73. So I will entertain a motion with regard to the ordinance on item number 73. The mayor pro tem moves adoption is seconded by council member Vella a version two. >> And again this is a staff offered item. >> Thank you for that clarification on is there discussion with regard. Well, I want to wait. I've got a motion to amend. I indicate so we have a motion and a second on item number 73, the chair recognize council member vela for a proposed amendment to item number 73. Members, you have [11:48:34 AM] number 73. Members, you have been provided a copy of that, including this morning, a yellow copy. It is labeled amendment one in parentheses. V 1.2. Close parentheses. Council member Vallow. Council member. Vela. You're recognized. >> Thank you. Mayor. My amendment is, relatively simple and straightforward. There are screening, requirements as part of the db 90. My amendment would Ed, just make sure that the screening requirements do not block any pedestrian or bicycle access and essentially that a, a kind of a gap in the screening requirements to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access between properties. It would be permitted under the code council member Vila moves adoption of Vila amendment number one. >> It is seconded by the mayor. Pro tem is there discussion on the proposed amendment to item number 73? Without objection, Vila, amendment number one is adopted. Members. That takes us [11:49:35 AM] adopted. Members. That takes us back to the main motion, which is adoption of item number 73, as amended. Is there discussion on the main motion as amended? Council member Alison alter. >> Thank you. First of all, I want to thank everyone who came, this morning to speak up and speak out about, this proposal. Colleagues, this has been a very difficult decision to discern as a vote, I co-sponsored the initiation of vmu two, and I authored the initiation of residential commercial two ordinances that this zoning district is modeled after. I voted in favor of both of those changes and co-sponsored and supported the relaxation of affordability, of compatibility on corridors. So I support and remain committed to a code that increases entitlements in a way that is calibrated to deliver community benefits beyond simply more density. The court rulings undid some of the work we achieved together, and I acknowledge that the ruling is part of what has led us to this [11:50:36 AM] part of what has led us to this decision today, and that the court ruling poses real constraints on how we can move forward, and limits our tools and approaches. I also recognize that the community has concerns about the magnitude of height and density that this proposal could introduce. I was comfortable with our prior efforts to adopt vmu two, including the allowance for up to 90ft of height because I knew that our compatibility standards would create some safeguards to create a cohesive, gradual, tiered increase in height and development. Db 90, as drafted, does not include those safeguards. It exempts the project from compatibility and merely incorporates 25 foot buffer zone. I think this would be appropriate in some, perhaps many areas where we want to focus our growth, but this combining district can be applied for anywhere in the city , potentially in ways that exacerbate sprawl or exacerbate gentrification and displacement. As we've heard from speakers. At the same time, this proposal no longer includes the prior limits [11:51:37 AM] longer includes the prior limits we placed on short tum rentals, and at this point, we've walked away from the effort to incorporate protections for existing multifamily redevelopment, at least at this time when we applied residential commercial off the corridors, we did not grant increased height because that went. Those proposals would go further into the neighborhoods. I'm very glad that we are capturing affordable housing requirements as part of this combining district, but I think we could have calibrated this more precisely to be thoughtful about how to make this combining district work for different areas and contexts. This proposal is not going to have equal consequences across the city. I do want to thank our staff, commissioners, the public and my colleagues for their hard work on this item, which I think may have some positive impacts, but on balance, I think the concerns, particularly as documented in the letter we received from Garza and their partners, mean that I am unable to support this item today, and I will be voting against 73, but for 70, which is just process and procedures. >> Thank you. Council member. [11:52:37 AM] >> Thank you. Council member. Further discussion with regard to item number 73. Yes. Council member Kelly, thank you. >> Mayor. Earlier I indicated abstaining from this item and I just wanted to explain that briefly. Just yesterday at my field office, I held open office hours where community members could drop in and speak to me about items on the agenda. So that I could come in here today and have a clearer outlook on what the community's needs were and how they were feeling, and some of those concerns, like the ones that we heard today from Garza, came from people in district six. They were concerned about unintended consequences and the need for more input from the community. So I will be abstaining from this item due to those concerns. And I'm thankful for everyone who came in today and yesterday to my field office to talk with me about this item. >> Thank you. Council member. Further discussion. Before I call on council member Vella to close. Yes, councilmember Fuentes, thank you. >> Do we have, director Pratt with us? I want to ask a question regarding the affordability impact statement. Or if there's someone on staff [11:53:40 AM] Or if there's someone on staff she's here. Okay. Thank you. Whoever is best appropriate because I want to make sure that we're talking about the affordability requirements associated with participation in this program. >> So somebody come forward. Even if it's all of you, come forward. >> Yeah. >> So Mandy Demayo interim director of the housing department and. >> Yes, our department was responsible for the affordability impact statement. >> Council members, the question about the affordability impact statement or the affordability requirements in the program, both. >> If you can just go over the affordability requirements and then on the impact statement, if you can just provide a high level overview of how this would have a positive impact on affordable housing in our city. Okay. >> I'll take on the requirements one. So under this program, if the developer is going to do [11:54:41 AM] the developer is going to do rental units, there are two options that the developer can choose from. And it is either the 10% at 50, mfi or if they want to have a the median family income at 60, then they have to provide 12% of the units that is for rental for ownership. They have a requirement where there's an option again, they're one being on site or a fee in lieu for the on site. It would be 12% of the units at 80. Mfi and then there would be a fee in lieu. And if they did not want to provide the units on site, thank you. >> Thank you. And I appreciate staff joining us this is since we are having a public conversation on this, I think it's important that we are informing and educating our community. We are very limited as a council in how we're able to provide actual affordable [11:55:41 AM] to provide actual affordable units in the city. I wish we could do inclusionary zoning, but with a limited tool kit available. This is one of the ways that we can guarantee more affordable options for working families all across our city. >> Please, you're you're out of order. And that's not appropriate. So don't do it. >> Thank you. >> Mr. >> Yes. Thank you. Director Demayo, if you can just, share with us a summary of the impact on affordable housing as included in the affordability impact statement. >> Sure. The eyes looked at a variety of different factors and determined that it would have a positive impact on housing costs . Via land use and zoning. It would have a neutral impact on developer costs, and it would have a positive impact on subsidized affordable housing. Specifically related to the subsidized affordable housing. Exactly what? Trish link just went over in terms of the requirements around, various income levels in the developments as well as the [11:56:42 AM] developments as well as the requirement, that developers accept a variety source of income protection. So they cannot discriminate against renters based on their source of income, such as utilizing of housing choice vouchers. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. And colleagues, as shared here by our departmental staff, this is an important way for us as community leaders to ensure that our families have affordable options. And so I will be supporting this item today. >> Thank you. Councilmember Fuentes. Councilmember vela, I recognize you to close. >> Thank you, mayor. I'mexcited to pass this item. And I just wanted to briefly comment too on the on the kind of the macro environment. Austin. In 2023 built more apartments than any other city in the United States. And we are seeing rents dropping in Austin because of that. That's not a coincidence. We need more housing of all types. [11:57:44 AM] need more housing of all types. We need better public transportation so people can get around without a vehicle. We need more market rate units. We need more subsidized units. We need more permanent supportive housing. And this council has committed to that. This council is making that happen. And we are seeing the results. Our residents are constituents are paying less rent. We're seeing, deals being offered at different apartments because the vacancy in the market rate units is dropping. And when you look around the country, when you look at Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, who are not building housing, who are making it as difficult as possible to build housing, you're seeing skyrocketing rents. You're seeing people continuing to be horribly displaced out of those cities. The strategy is clear. The result are clear. We've got to continue to build more housing. I'm very proud of this council for doing that. And I fully intend to continue doing that. Thank you. Mayor, thank you. [11:58:45 AM] you. >> Council member members, you have a motion in front of you, and that is the adoption of item number 73, as amended. And I have councilmember Allison alter being shown voting no. And council member Kelly being shown as abstaining. Is there anyone else wishing to be shown, voting either abstaining, recusing themselves, or voting no? With regard to item number 73? With that item, number 73 is adopted with council member Allison alter being shown voting no and council member Kelly being shown abstain. Singh members wear that takes us in is to. It's 1159. The only thing that we have left or our time certaines and one of them is at noon. So, what we'll do is we'll recess until noon. Hopefully. Not much other than we can sit here and stare at each other. So we. Without [11:59:45 AM] each other. So we. Without objection, we're recessed until noon, at which point we will take up our public communication . Thank you all. Everybody needs to go to the bathroom. Now would be the time to do it . [12:01:04 PM] . I'll call back to order the Austin city council. It is after a brief recess. If I can get your attention, please. Thank you. Everybody it is noon. The city council is back in session noon on Thursday, February 29th. Members that takes us to our time. Certain of public communication on. I will remind everyone of the rules of decorum during public communication. I hope that everybody remembers those. And with that, I will turn to the city clerk to ask that you help us through that process. >> Thank you, mayor. The first speaker we have is Diana Pritchard, followed by Ayman Odeh and Chris Harris. >> Please make your way to the front when your name is called. Choose a seat up front. That way you'll be ready. And can approach the microphone. [12:02:05 PM] approach the microphone. >> Good afternoon. I'm Diana. >> We can only have one person at the microphone at a time. Please. Okay >> May I start again? >> Yeah. Hang on. Would you please take a seat? Please have a seat. >> Thank you. >> Please go ahead. >> Hello, I'm Diana proctor. I'm addressing the bath house rehab project, spending $14 million of historic preservation funds to destroy the historic and clever design of the 1946 women's bath house. The proposed rehab will make it dangerous for women. I begin with a photo of Barton springs pool and this photo of the existing women's bathhouse shower courtyard. The next photo shows evidence of drug use found daily in the bathhouse. Last this narrow corridor of the proposed showers in the redesigned women's bathhouse. Please look at this picture while you consider that intruders sometimes hide in the women's bathhouse and spend the night, they trash the curtains and defecate in the shower. In the daytime. I have several times been in the bathhouse with a person experiencing mental [12:03:06 PM] a person experiencing mental illness. The bathhouse where women are naked and dressing can be a dangerous place, especially before dawn and after dark. You are looking at the exact footprint of the proposed bank of showers of the remodeled women's bathhouse. Last weekend, I interviewed 135 people on south congress and showed them my presentation about the bathhouse rehab women were scared by this picture. It looks like a prison, they told me. Like a dark back alley. It looks unsafe. Why why is this unsafe for women? There are no sight lines across the courtyard to know who's approaching. No visibility into the other showers to know if they are quietly occupied. No way to hear intruders. Sound is blocked. If you cry out for help, the public recognized that the shower design endangers women's safety. I have prepared a report for you. The Orange cover explains why the design is so poor for women. Part has kept the plants frozen and not vetted by the public since 2019. Because the design was based on pervious cover, not user experience. The [12:04:07 PM] cover, not user experience. The green cover inside explains the change orders that women's swimmers are demanding. Last week, I shook the hand of Lucy baines Johnson at the groundbreaking ceremony. I placed a printed copy of my concerns into her hand. I was confident that she would want to know about the incessant attempts, the women's swimmers have made to ask this council and the parks board for a citizen review committee. It explains how historic preservation funds are being used to destroy, rather than preserve, the 1946 design. Please invite me to your next council work session. You are tasked with oversight. The glass contract project manager says that change orders must be delivered to him by end of April or early may. We believe that the women's change orders will not delay the project. If you act quickly. We guess that we could help save over $2 million in cost. But this will not happen. The women's bathhouse will become a zone of fear and not freedom for the next 75 years. If you choose not to act now, I'm here as your ally to [12:05:09 PM] now, I'm here as your ally to set the design right. Please, let's work together to get this done in time to meet the spa glass contractors deadline. You know how hard we've tried to communicate with you? We ask for citizen review committee at your October 5th meeting. And at the parks board meeting. September. October and November. Thank you. Thank you. >> Amanii day is remote. >> Hello. This is Ayman Odeh. Today I come before you and not just as a constituent of district eight, but also as a bearer of a story etched in pain, resilience and a relentless pursuit of justice. I am a pediatrician, a palestinian- american, a mother and an advocate for human rights. But beyond these titles, my identity is intertwined with a history shared by countless Palestinians around the world. The year was 1947, when my grandfather poured his heart and soul into building our family [12:06:10 PM] soul into building our family home in al-safra, a village in the outskirts of Jerusalem, 1948 came about broke the fourth, the nakba, the catastrophe event that shattered our lives. My father still remembers the horror as neighboring villages were mercilessly massacred by Israeli terrorists forced to flee. My family left behind everything they owned, seeking refuge in a makeshift tent, moving from Bethlehem to Jericho. Only end until honorowa offered them a meager shelter. The year was 1967, marked yet another chapter of anguish, with the naksa as Israeli illegal occupation of the west bank forced our family again to flee, this time to refugee camps in Jordan. My story echoes throughout the palestine diaspora, each of us carrying the weight of a displacement and the agony of lost homelands. As a pediatrician, I specialize in newborn care. I refuse, and I advocate for my patients. This I [12:07:11 PM] advocate for my patients. This I am working today. I advocate for patients all the time, but I refuse to stand still and remain silent as innocent lives are treated as expendable. Casualties of war I refuse to accept that thousands of children have fallen victim to us funded weapons. This is not just a conflict. It is a war on children beginning even before their first breath is drawn. The deliberate withholding of food in gaza is nothing short of a war crime, a cruel tactic aimed at breaking the spirit of an entire generation. Doctor ghassan he's a surgeon from the uk who served in gaza. He underscored how the systematic destruction of health care infrastructure is a corner stone stone of Israeli military strategy. We cannot allow this brutality to become the new normal. We must act now to ensure that this is the last war where hospitals are targeted and civilians bear the brunt of violence. The recent sacrifice of Aaron Bushnell should not should awaken us to the urgency [12:08:12 PM] should awaken us to the urgency of our cause. We cannot ignore the cries of justice and humanity any longer. My friend from the aggie family, I don't even know how to console her. She just lost 40 of her family a few days ago. To those who questioned the significance of Austin's voice in calling for a cease fire, I say this we refuse to be complicit. We refuse to be complicit in this slaughter of innocent lives. We demand that Austin join the chorus of over 70 cities demanding and immediate cease fire. If you keep silent, remember that history. >> Chris Harris, then Ryan Saunders and Michael Katz. >> Please proceed. Mr. Harris. Good afternoon. >> On October eighth, one day after the attack on Israelis, Murray Watson released a statement condemning the act, recognizing the humanity of the victims and pledging to fight hate. The day after that, on [12:09:13 PM] hate. The day after that, on October 9th, he attended a we stand with Israel event here in Austin. I'm here speaking today not to condemn mayor Watson's actions in response to October 7th, but to demand the same of you all in response to genocide. Mayor Watson's statement and attendance at the we stand with Israel community solidarity gathering validated local organizers in support of global efforts, reflecting a perspective that understands not only the smallness of our world. And that folks in the community as large as Austin will undoubtedly claim ties to major tragedies around the world, but also the connection of all people, regardless of where you're from, and the imperative to speak out against mass violence no matter where it occurs. That same sense of community solidarity in support of lasting international peace, called me here to speak to you today. Given mayor Watson's words and actions in response to October 7th, I must assume that [12:10:14 PM] October 7th, I must assume that his refusal to act in response to genocide stems from his failure to recognize the humanity in Palestinians and his support for Israeli apartheid and occupation. But I know many of the rest of you. I understand you hold equal respect for the humanity of palestine. As I understand you to be outraged as I am by Israeli actions in gaza and I understand you to support a permanent cease fire. But your actions don't show the same commitment to this cause. As mayor Watson showed to his. And your inaction undoubtedly hurts our cause hurts your standing with a sizable portion of your constituency. Your inaction prolongs the divisive divisiveness you claim to loathe. Your inaction betrays the power you have to add to the growing call in this country for a cease fire to add Austin to the list of American cities that oppose the federal government's ongoing support for genocide, this action is important. The October 7th attacks were [12:11:18 PM] October 7th attacks were important enough for Watson for him to do all that he did. The ensuing five months of bombing, starvation and displacement merit at minimum calling for it to end if never again means anything Singh, it must mean it everywhere, for it must mean it here. Please support the cease fire resolution . >> What's your name, please? Michael Ken. >> Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor. And members of the council. My name is Michael Katz. I'm a jewish resident of district nine imploring you to do what you can to help stop a genocide [12:12:20 PM] to help stop a genocide conducted on my behalf in 1948, 75% of muslims and Christians were expelled from the area that became Israel to get a jewish voting majority. Israel was created through ethnic cleansing and maintains its existence by blocking people from returning and voting. Many of those people are in gaza. Gaza is not a neighboring state, as many have tried to imply, saying what if Mexico attacked us? The two state solution never happened. Only one state is there. Gaza is there concentration camp? The current far right Israeli government has now turned it into a death camp. Even president Biden, one of Israel's biggest supporters, acknowledged this was, in his words, indiscriminate bombing. Israel is not targeting hamas. They are deliberately making gaza unlivable. This is a textbook case of genocide, disease and starvation are now setting in and it's no accident. Israeli officials know exactly what they're doing here. If the people of gaza were jewish, they'd be allowed to return and vote. But they're Muslim and Christian, so they're being killed in a concentration camp. That's the reality. And our government is providing the [12:13:20 PM] government is providing the weapons. We cannot remain silent about this. And let's keep it real. If 30,000 Jews were killed, this resolution would pass in a second. Politicians across the country condemn the attack on October 7th, but Israel has now killed nearly 30 times as many Palestinians as. Where is the condemnation for that? We have people condemning anti-semites protesting congregate in Beth Israel. But that's not actually happening. I know because I started the protest, Beth Israel actively supports a genocidal state. So Rainey Gellman and I hosted our own shabbat across the street to let people know all Jews do not agree with this. If Jews having a peaceful shabbat are called anti-semites, just imagine what Israel apologists say about palestine. Or if you don't want to imagine, you can listen to Israel's prime minister. He called gaza the city of evil and compared Palestinians to the amalekites, who ancient israelites were commanded to wipe out. According to the book of Samuel, it says, now go attack the amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them. Put to death men and women, children [12:14:20 PM] to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys. Mr. Mayor, a few months ago you decided to take a stand on foreign policy and declared your full support for Israel. I hope you will take a stand once again and declare your opposition to this genocide by supporting the resolution calling for a cease fire. It is the right thing to do. Everyone who supports this resolution will be on the right side of history. If you can condemn October 7th, there's no reason you can't support this call to stop the killing of a much larger number of civilians. If opposing genocide divides people, that's not a reason to refrain from doing it. That means it's necessary to do it. This is the time for leaders to lead. Ryan Saunders, Courtney toretto, Kenda Nash. I'm sorry if I can interrupt you. [12:15:23 PM] if I can interrupt you. >> Will you set the timer correctly. It wasn't okay. So sorry. >> You ready? Go ahead. All right. My name is Ryan Saunders. I'm. I'm here to speak about an issue in the Holley neighborhood , and, the neighboring house of mine is a lot. Is seeking to open a food truck park there, and I haven't seen any regulations or guidelines in speaking to code enforcement. And city officials and because of my home and they've submitted some images to you all. I didn't put them on the screen for privacy of my address, but no other food truck park directly attaches to a residential property. And there's a lot of issues with the location of the trash. The nuisance of the smells and food waste and potential fire damages to my home and from what I've heard, there is no zo, city guidelines or regulation on where food [12:16:24 PM] or regulation on where food trucks park should be located. Eid Cesar Chavez is going downhill, and I feel like these food truck parks will further segregate the, the, value of homes in that area. And so I ask for you all to consider the, the uniqueness of my situation and look into how food truck parks are regulated as the food trucks themselves may be regulated. But the food truck park owner is also a business owner, and they're profiting from having these food trucks on their property. And they should be equally as regulated as any other business. And as far as I can tell, I'm looking at zoning code and land use. There's nothing on the books for this. And so, so in the interest of the subsection E of the design standards, where it states to protect and enhance residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and other areas by encouraging physical development that is of high quality and is compatible with the character, scale and functioning of its surrounding area. I don't feel like the food truck park does that, and I also would ask, in reference to just state that I [12:17:26 PM] reference to just state that I am pro development. I'm not against development. I feel like this holds back development on the street. It's the equivalent of airbnbs impacting residential. It's allowing landowners to leave their land vacant and in disrepair for long periods of time, with limited resources. And so I would ask that something be done in regard to, to, increase the development and upkeep on Eid Cesar Chavez. And I feel like this food truck park and its impingement on my home value is a good place to start. >> Thank you. Thank you. Hi there. Okay. Mr. Mayor. >> Courtney toretto kinda mishmash. >> Yes, yes, I just want to let Mr. Sanders know somebody from my team is going to come down to chat with you. >> I know exactly the food truck, the food park. You're talking about. So they'll be right down to chat with you. [12:18:27 PM] right down to chat with you. Thank you. >> Please identify yourself for the record. Hi. >> My name is Courtney toretto. >> I want to speak today as an active member of this community, someone who has fought to protect immigrants from ice support refugees and their families fleeing war and stop hate in our city. For those who don't know me, I am also jewish, a zionist, and I work for the anti-defamation league. First. First, I want to say I see our Palestinian community. I see your pain. I see the grief you hold for your community, for your families, the devastation over the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of gaza. I hear your anguish cries, your frustration and acknowledge your suffering. I also want to say that in these council chambers, I have not heard anyone speak to my community's trauma. The 1200 plus innocent lives butchered in one day in the most brutal, inhumane ways possible. Families burned alive, beheaded, tortured , raped, 364 young adults at a music festival, all occurring at the same time as acl, raped and [12:19:28 PM] the same time as acl, raped and massacred in a few hours. Hundreds of hostages taken, including babies and holocaust survivors. Many in this very community have loved ones in Israel's. So here we are, two communities that held generational trauma before this conflict even began. Two communities crying out in pain. And because of this, I must ask, how does an Austin city council resolution demanding a ceasefire heal any of our traumas? Rep Doggett and rep Casar have already called for a ceasefire. Our two senators and our governor do not and will not care about a resolution. But Austin's jewish community does and will. The way these resolutions are framed is divisive. Activists here call them pro- palestinian resolutions. Members of commissions have felt pressured to take a stance on an issue most aren't well versed on, and that is outside the scope and purpose of an Austin city commission. Some even spoke to me of concerns about their safety, key speakers and signs in these very chambers have included zionism as racism and called upon council members to ignore their rich donors and [12:20:29 PM] ignore their rich donors and warned of the west side zionists and white jewish supremacy. Members of the jewish community were even spat on last meeting. How do these deeply divisive words and actions help our community? One Hanukkah night, I facetimed my four year old while walking downtown to do our prayers over candles. Someone walked by me wearing a Palestinian flag and I lowered my voice to a whisper. So he wouldn't hear hebrew in Austin. I didn't feel safe being visibly jewish. I want this war to end. I want the hostages returned. Godsons and Israelis safe and hamas gone. And even more than that, I want our entire Austin community to feel safe, to start the steps of healing and reconciliation. And as we can see here, these resolutions don't do that. They only serve to further divide, to inflame and to instill fear. As I tell my child, we all experience big feelings. We are angry. We are frustrated, we are afraid, and we are so very sad. And while all feelings are valid, all behaviors are not. It's time for all of us to remember that we are a community, and the only [12:21:29 PM] are a community, and the only way to get through this is together. We are Austin. We are weird and strong and take care of each other in a state that isn't always interesting. Thank you. >> Let's come to order, please. The next speaker, please approach. That's out of order. Please come to order. >> Good afternoon, mayor Watson. And Austin city council members. My name is Ken Vanessa. I was born, raised and educated in Austin. I'm also a very proud Palestinian, Arab and Muslim American. If you don't mind starting my video, I'd really appreciate it. I'm here today in support of the ceasefire resolution in this time inspires me to make my voice heard as I cast my first vote in the upcoming elections. Like most of my generation young people, I will vote for hope. Peace in a better life for everyone, regardless of their race, religion, economic status, [12:22:29 PM] religion, economic status, gender, or who they love. One thing is certain about my first vote. I will vote for those who have proved they deserve my trust and my support in casting my vote. I aspire to contribute to the shaping of a city, a city that fosters equality, justice and opportunities for everyone. I believe in the power of unity and collaboration to build a society where diversity is not only acknowledged, but celebrated. And I will vote for those who seek to unite us and have the courage to recognize the truth about how these events impact us, even at the local level. I will never vote for cowardly politicians who place the interests of their donors above all others in everything. The lack of action taken by this council on the genocide in palestine has encouraged hate and divided our community, making Austin a dangerous place for Palestinian Arab, jewish and Muslim communities. We fee for. We fear for our lives. Every time we step out of our homes, largely due to the divisive statements and inaction of our [12:23:30 PM] statements and inaction of our mayor. However, it's better late than never, and you still have the opportunity to make Austin a better place for Arab Palestinian jewish communities in the citizens as a whole. By gathering the courage to call for a ceasefire in gaza, call for the end of the unjustified killing of Palestinians. It is no secret that more than 29,000 Palestinians have been murdered, mostly made possible by the us, made and supplied weapons to Israel in the shameful, unconditional support of Joe Biden for the genocide in palestine. Ann as a new young voter, it's difficult to have faith in the current political process. Please listen to your voters and call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Once again, I am proud to be a Palestinian American growing up in this inclusive and friendly city. I also cherish being a first time voter and an active part in our democracy. I look forward to helping our country, our state, and our city heal from the wounds of hate, racism, and discrimination caused by the silent and complacent politicians, including some on [12:24:32 PM] politicians, including some on this council. I sincerely hope you will do the right thing and stand against genocide. This this state of affairs reminds me of the words of a brilliant jewish man who, in the face of oppression, said, if I were to remain silent, I'd be guilty of complicity. These were the words of Albert Einstein. Hopefully this election cycle will bring us some new faces representing our aspirations. Let's so let's show some courage and support for the innocent Palestinian children, men and women who are subjected to the genocide, funded and protected by the shameful us. Thank you. Natalie Zeidan. >> Alison Klein. Ben soudabeh. >> If your name has been called, please approach the microphone. Would you call the last two names? >> Alison Klein, Ben soudabeh. Council please state your name [12:25:32 PM] Council please state your name for the record, my name is Natalie Zeidan. >> Austin is my home. I have a case of PTSD. You see, I'm. A Lebanese American. In 1982, Israeli tanks invaded Lebanon all the way to the doors of Beirut, its capital, and the city. I once called home. Perhaps you have heard of Sabra and shatila, two Palestinian refugee camps in the heart of Beirut. Adult men from the camps were forced onto ships into exile, leaving behind children, elderly and women. Many of them pregnant. Then under the Israeli army's floodlights and the gaze of its war minister, Lebanese militia in Israel's pay carried on a relentless slaughter of all those left behind and more than 1200 souls were left dead 40 years later. Of Israeli state denying Palestinians the right to exist as people. And here is [12:26:34 PM] to exist as people. And here is October 7th. I was again triggered. Who could blame anyone for feeling the pain of those killed or taken hostage on that horrible day? Then, five months into this bombing, starving, killing, lopsided Ed war and unraveling human catastrophe, how can anyone stay silent? How can you, these young people, including my own daughter, have come here every two weeks imploring you not to take sides, but to join the call for the for a stop to the madness and a release of all the hostages. They are Arabs, blacks and browns, muslims and brave Jews. They refuse to be bystanders in this racist colonial war that their loved ones are paying the highest price for a war funded with our tax dollars in foreign aid and bond investments enabled with us [12:27:37 PM] bond investments enabled with us weapons and a complicit U.S. Policy. But. This war does not stand alone. These young people are the ones that you should want with you here at home, in the ongoing fight for an anti-racist, inclusive and truly Progressive city. But except for three brave women and men among you, you've led them down. But the time has not passed. You can still join them, or you can stay frozen in the floodlights of the warmonger wars and the genocide enablers. I hope you make the honorable choice. >> Thank you sir. Would you please, please come forward if your name has been called. If your name has been called, please come forward. Members. Just for scheduling purposes. At the conclusion of the public [12:28:39 PM] the conclusion of the public comment period, the. Without objection, we will be in recess until 1:00. We will have our live music presentation. We will come back in at 1:00 so that we may go into an executive session and announce that we will be going into an executive session in a public session. So, at the conclusion of the public comment period, we will go into recess. We will have our music and then we will come back at 1:00. We'll be recessed until 1:00. Thank you for that indulging me. Please go ahead. >> Mayor and council low. My name is Ben suddaby. For those of you who don't know me, I'm a resident of d4. Proud to be active in the labor movement here in Texas. As a member of afsme 1624 for, proud to be a part of los Valdez, proud to be in Austin dsa. Proud to ride the transit system in our city. 801 300. Shout out. I want to. I wanted to come down here because [12:29:40 PM] wanted to come down here because , for months, months now, your constituents have been, speaking to you and there have been appeals to your heart's, but, save for a few exceptions, it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. To those exceptions, my words are not directed to you. I promise to knock doors and talk to everyone I know to get you reelected. And to the rest of you, the majority city government is the form of government that is closest to your constituents, to people in our community. It's the one they most regularly interface with. They go to a park city pool you know, our utilities, the trash gets picked up, all the stuff that our proud workers do in the city. It's the government that they know. And I ask you, do you think that when they see their elected representatives closest to them be unwilling to listen to the majority of their constituents? Do you think that gives them confidence in local government? Do you think that your unwillingness to act out encourages or discourages future [12:30:41 PM] encourages or discourages future participation in democracy by ignoring very reason calls to take up as an agenda item and pass the resolution passed by your very own human rights commission. November 16th of 2023. You run a very dangerous risk, disillusioning an entire generation of young austinites by sending them the message that democracy doesn't work. In fact, that elected leaders don't listen to their constituents and that our representative form of government is not the means to affect change. Very dangerous, especially at this time when fascist forces are amassing in our country. Austin, really, all of Texas really needs these people, especially the young people, to not lose hope. Each and every one of us is at a point where we're writing our legacy. When future generations look back and ask, how did you act in the face of genocide? Did you speak up? Did you use whatever platform at your disposal to call for peace? Did [12:31:42 PM] disposal to call for peace? Did you use the bully pulpit of your office to call for peace? Taking up items and voting for them even if they may be controversial? Although I don't know how peace and saying, anti-semitism is bad and anti is, you know, anti islamophobia or islamophobia is bad. I don't know how that's divisive really. I speaking for myself, I hope to point to I, I echoed the call from the Palestinian general federation of trade unions and maybe this testimony. Thank thank you. That's how I will respond. How will you thank you. Give thank you. >> Members. That concludes the public time. Certain public comment period. Without objection, we will be in recess until 1:00, and we will have our music where the city council is in recess until 1:00. It is 12:32 P.M. [12:32:45 PM] 12:32 P.M. This group merged on the scene [12:44:07 PM] This group merged on the scene of Austin, Texas, and Herbert 90s gained notoriety as the town . >> Singh Duarte quickly gained a national reputation as a young man imbued with a playing style comparable at times to the late guitar. After fielding interest from a number of labels, Duarte signed to Silverstone records and his debut album Texas sugar strat magik, reportedly sold in excess of 100,000 units in the United States, and that is no small feat when you're talking about a blues rock guitarist. This coupled with Duarte's strong commitment to touring, was the impetus for Chris winning the best new talent in guitar player's 1995 readers poll. He also finished fourth in the magazine's best blues guitarist category that year, behind Eric clapton, bud guy, and B.B. King. I'm going to have [12:45:09 PM] and B.B. King. I'm going to have a proclamation after they finish playing, but ladies and gentlemen, Chris Duarte. The Chris Duarte group. Going down broke down. >> One another. Nothing more. Nothing. Sade. What what is that? What [12:46:43 PM] Sade. What what is that? What nothing. Ralls. Don't be . [12:49:03 PM] . Broke down. Walk up with that. Break down. You feel. Down anymore. Coming back at me. Pressure on me. Don't oh, baby girl . [12:50:55 PM] . I have a proclamation. Read be it known that whereas the city of Austin, Texas, is blessed with many creative musicians whose talent extends to virtually every every musical genre, and whereas our music scene thrives because Austin audiences support good music produced by legends, our local favorites and newcomers alike, and whereas we are pleased to showcase and support our local artists. Now, therefore, I, Kirk Watson, mayor of the live music capital of the world, do hereby proclaim leap day, February 29th, 2024. As Chris Duarte day in Austin, Texas. Thank you. >> Tell us where we can hear you. Tell us how we can follow you on social media, things like that. >> Well, it's out there on Duarte rocks. It's real easy to find me. I know there's a basketball player with my name, too, but I'm the only guitar player he usurped me. But I'm. I'm building back up there on the search thing, but, yeah, [12:51:56 PM] the search thing, but, yeah, just pushing Chris Duarte. You'll find me. It's real easy. I'm on Instagram, I'm on Twitter, I'm on all the other stuff, you know? So, yeah, go ahead and find it. And I'd like to thank everybody for I want to thank especially my daughter, the best thing I've ever done. The greatest thing I've ever done is my daughter and my family. They're I want to thank my agent for getting this together and all my record companies and stuff there. But I want to thank the city of Austin for giving me a place to practice my talents for all these years since since 1979. That's when I moved here. Thank you very much, Chris. Tom, Brett Klein and Jessica will . [12:53:40 PM] . >> These guys appreciate y'all. >> Council. >> The council will reconvene at 1:00. And for a very brief time, and we'll announce that we're going into executive session and we'll go into executive session. 2:00 will be our time. Certain >> Yes, yes. So you forget the Christmas, grandad. Okay [1:01:47 PM] Okay >> I'll call the order of the Austin city council. Call us back to order. It's 101 on Thursday, February 29th. We have been in recess. At this time. Without objection, the council will go into a closed session to take up five items pursuant to section 551074 of the government code. The city council will discuss personnel matters related to items 74, 75 and 76. 74 is to evaluate the performance of and consider compensation and benefits for the city clerk. 75 will be to evaluate the performance of and consider compensation for and benefits for the city auditor, and item 76 is to evaluate the performance of and consider compensation and benefits for the municipal court clerk pursuant to section 5510711 of the government code, the city council will discuss legal issues related to item 77. The state of Texas versus the city of Austin, et Al. Cause number D [1:02:47 PM] of Austin, et Al. Cause number D 1gn. 24 000586. In the 419th judicial district of Travis county, Texas, and item 102, Sam Qureshi versus city of Austin, et Al. Cause number 120. Ev 01113 Erp in the United States district court for the western district of Texas Austin division Modesto Rodriguez versus city of Austin, et Al. Cause. Number 121 dash CV. 01087, pp. In the United States district court for the western district of Texas, Austin division an Alisa Sanders versus city of Austin, et Al. Cause number 122, CV three, 14, pp. In the United States district court for the western district of Texas, Austin division. Tyron Talley versus city of Austin, et Al. Cause number 121 CV 00249. In the United States, district [1:03:49 PM] In the United States, district court for the western district of Texas, Austin division and Jamaica Walter Jones versus city of Austin, et Al. Cause number 122 CV 00511. In the united States district court for the western district of Texas, Austin division, what we will do for members of the public that are watching is we will, if we are complete in the executive session, we'll end the executive session and come back out. If not, we will recess the executive session and be out here for our 2:00 time, certain which is zoning and neighborhood plans and go back into executive session to complete the executive session after the 2:00 time. Certain. But if there's no objection and without objection, we are now going into executive session on all of the items announced that. It's 1:04 P.M. Over the Austin city council. [2:00:54 PM] Over the Austin city council. Its 2:00 on Thursday, February 29th. We have recessed the executive session, the closed executive session of the city council. We will return to the executive session after we complete our 2:00 time. Certain and members, it has brought us to our 2:00 time certain. I see miss Hardin making her way to the podium, and so she will be recognized and joy Hardin with the planning department. >> Your zoning agenda begins with item number 78, c-1 for 2022 0090. This is a joint postponement request by the neighborhood and applicant to your April 4th council meeting. Item 79 is npa 2022 0005.01. This is an applicant postponement request to your April 4th council meeting. The related rezoning item is number 80 c1 for 2022 0107. Again, this is an applicant postponement request to your April fourth [2:01:54 PM] request to your April fourth council meeting. Item 81 is npa. 2023 0018.05 and this is being offered as a neighborhood postponement request to your March 21st council meeting. The related rezoning item is number 82 c1 for 2023 0122. Again, neighborhood postponement request to your March 21st council meeting. Item 83 is npa 2023 0023.01. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. The related rezoning is item 84 c1 for 2023 0035, and I do have a motion sheet to read in the record and it reads amend the caption in part one to add the conditional overlay combining district and I add a new part two to the ordinance as follows and renumber the remaining sections. Part two. The property within the boundaries of the conditional overlay combining district established by this ordinance is subject to the following conditions. The following uses [2:02:55 PM] conditions. The following uses are prohibited. Uses on the property. Any alternative financial services. Off site accessory parking. Service station. Consumer convenience services. Pedicab storage and dispatch. And with that, I can offer this item for consent on all three readings. I do want to state that this has a valid petition, so non-votes are required for passage, and I just want to add some background to this case. The applicant originally or asked for the chs zoning district for construction, sales and services use staff recommended lr. The applicant did amend their application to lr and the neighborhood has since sent a letter of support for the lr zoning district. So we can move this forward for lr, but the valid petition still stands, so it still will require nine votes. So with that, it's offered for consent. All three, but does need nine votes for passage. 85 is c1 for 2023 0130. This item is being offered for [2:03:55 PM] This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item a. 8686. Yeah, just making. Sure 86 is npa. 2023 0023002. This item is being offered for consent. Second reading only. The related rezoning is item 87 c1 for 2023 0107. This item is being offered for consent. Second reading only and these two items, both 86 and 87, will be brought back for third reading consideration at your March 21st council meeting. Item 88 is c1 for 2023 0128. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 89 c1 for 2023 0127. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 90 is npa. 2023 0020.01. This item is being offered as an [2:04:55 PM] This item is being offered as an applicant postponement request to your March 21st council meeting. The related rezoning is item 91 c1 for 2023 0043. Again applicant postponement request to your March 21st council meeting item 92 is npa 2023 0020.03. This item is being offered for consent. Second reading only. The related rezoning is item 93 c1 for 2023 0044. Again, this item is being offered for consent second reading only and item 94 is c1. For 2023 0046. Again, this item is being offered for consent second reading only and these three items, which are 92, 93 and 94, will be placed on your council agenda of March 21st. For third reading consideration. Item 95 is c1 for 2023 0048. This is an applicant postponement request to your March seventh council meeting. [2:05:56 PM] March seventh council meeting. Item 96 is c1 for 2023 0123. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings and item 97 is c1 for 2023 0096. This item is being offered as a neighborhood postponement request to your March 7th council meeting, and this concludes the reading of the agenda. And of course, this is at your discretion. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions of miss Hardin? Yes. Council member Vila. >> Actually, the question Ann would be to transportation with regard to a couple of items. Good afternoon, mayor and council. >> Utpal baruah, interim assistant director, Austrian transportation and public works department. >> Good afternoon. I just wanted to ask about related to items 86 and 87. Which are set for second reading only. Those are right on [2:06:58 PM] reading only. Those are right on Berkman drive. Burt Hermann drive is a two lane, residential. I'm not sure the technical name for the street, but a relatively small street. There is a lot of development coming to the neighborhood, and the neighborhood has largely been supportive of the additional units. And, and that's actually there was a vote at the, at the, neighborhood association that was supportive of the permanent supportive housing at this location. Again there, you know, good folks that that want to do their part, that want to, a diverse neighborhood, both economically and, and in other ways. And but the traffic on Berkman is intensified. Singh, especially since it's a cut through between been, if you're coming west onto 90 from main or Elgin, it's a it's an easy way to kind of avoid that. Two 9035 flyover and the traffic [2:07:59 PM] Two 9035 flyover and the traffic that is there. And so we're seeing a lot of cut through traffic, especially in the mornings, very difficult to, to get through. And I wanted to ask about the status of any potential, upgrades. On Berkman, specifically, there was a traffic light that, is desired at, roggy and suffolk at the where roggy and suffolk, cross Berkman right there. And then potentially on the other side on patent, where patent feeds into Berkman. Right in front of the grocery store and the other kind of commercial establishments that are there. And I just wanted to see kind of what, what the status of those types of improvements on, on Berkman. Are , thank you. >> Councilmember. Those are very good questions. As new developments come in that really increases the intent of additional traffic, both pedestrian and bicyclist. And motorists. And that will always create some pressure on the existing infrastructure. However, we have on Berkman [2:09:00 PM] However, we have on Berkman drive, we have limited right of way. So what we try to do is to manage the traffic and congestion and you are right, there are certain requests from the community to look at certain intersections for additional signals. And a pedestrian hybrid beacon, a pedestrian crossing signal as well. So we are evaluating all those improvements, whether they're warranted at those locations at the same time, we're also looking at some of the incremental improvements in the general vicinity. We made some improvements at briarcliff and Westminster intersection, and there are some other design for ultimate improvement at that intersection. Longer term, we are also actively working on 51st street project between Bachman drive and I-35, and we are at the final design, but we are having some challenges with some drainage issues out there. But overall, we are actively [2:10:01 PM] But overall, we are actively looking at all these projects, plus additional final improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists and motorists in the in the area. >> And thank you and I appreciate that I was able to meet with capital delivery services yesterday. With regard to the 51st street, improve mints, which are, you know, quite delayed, but but we're patiently waiting, you know, the, the concerns that I'm hearing from my constituents is just the east west mobility across Berkman is very difficult. There's constant kind of flow of traffic, and there's only one stoplight on Berkman between 51st street and 290. So there and there have been islands set up with the flex poles to kind of you know, help and guide. And those are greatly appreciated. But a, a stoplight, especially for vehicles that are turning left onto Berkman, that's a very difficult turn to make, especially at certain hours of the day. Those are really what what folks are looking for. And also right there at the corner where the Windsor village used to be, I don't know what the new [2:11:01 PM] don't know what the new development is going to be called, but there's about 700 units, of apartments going up there very close to the Windsor park library. And a hybrid beacon in that area, because there's actually on both sides of Berkman, there's going to be a pretty large commercial developments, and we're going to be seeing a lot of traffic. And again, neighborhood is happy to take the, the, the, the housing. It's a great neighborhood. We we want it to be accessible to more people. But again those transportation concerns, they it needs to be balanced. You know, they they don't mind the housing . They, they welcome the people. But we've got to maintain the level of mobility. And so that's why I wanted to pause and pass this on second reading, understand a little bit more about where we are on those transportation improvements. And, and then move forward. >> So yeah, thank you. Council member. >> Thank you. Council member members. I'll entertain a motion on the consent agenda. Let me read this. Consent agenda to make sure that our motion is complete. Item number 78, will be postponed till April 4th. [2:12:02 PM] be postponed till April 4th. Item 79. And the related item number 80 will be postponed to April 4th. Item number 81. And related item number 82 will be postponed until March 21st. Item number 83 would be consent on all three readings. The related item 84 consent on all three readings. Taking into consideration the motion that was read by miss harden, and that there is a valid petition requiring nine votes, I 85. Since I made fun of you, now I'm going to stutter over 85. Huh? Consent on all three readings 86 and 87. Consent on second reading only being brought back March 21st, 88. All three readings 89. All three readings 90 and 91. Postponed to March 21st, 92 and 93. Second and 9293. And the related items 93. Those are second reading only. 94 is also on second reading only 92, 93 and 94 will come back on March 21st, 95 would be postponed to March 7th, 96, all [2:13:04 PM] postponed to March 7th, 96, all through consent on all three readings. 97 a postponement to March 7th. Members I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as read motion is made by council member qadri. Seconded by council member harper-madison. Is there discussion on the consent agenda ? Members. Is there anyone that wishes to be shown abstaining on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on the consent agenda without objection, the consent agenda. Anyone wishing to be shown voting no. Without objection, the consent agenda is adopted unanimously and for the record, council member Kelly is attending. At this point, virtually. And she is present. >> Excuse me. Mayor. Yes clerk. Yes, we do have some speakers. Oh >> I'm sorry. Well, then, council member qadri moves and is seconded by councilmember harper-madison that we reconsider the vote by which we just adopted this thing [2:14:04 PM] just adopted this thing unanimously. And then we'll see what people have to say. Sorry. We're trying to get back into executive session. Let's hear from the speaker. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is adopted. And, we are back to the consent agenda on our zoning items. Please call the speakers. I apologize to all of them. >> Thank you. Mayor, first speaker, is Ariel Winchester on item 96. Hi >> I'm calling because I urge you to vote against rezoning and redevelopment of the eastern hills apartment complex at 1900 Burton drive. I've been a tenant here for about six years, and many of the people I know who live here have been here for 3 to 10 years. It's one of the last affordable places in the city, in my opinion. Everyone who lives here really likes it because we actually have doors that lead outside. It's safe, it's beautiful, and, the new apartments that are being built in this neighborhood are mostly empty. And I feel like even if they are able to be filled, we [2:15:06 PM] they are able to be filled, we will face the problem of traffic on Burton drive, because this is a two lane street with a lot of people, and they're often people in the street. People on bicycles and children. So I would like to put forward that. It seems unwise to add more housing to a zip code that's already one of the most densely populated in Austin. We have empty high rises, and Burton drive cannot physically accommodate more traffic. Thank you. Monica Garcia, item 96. >> Hello? Yes my name is Monica Garcia, and, I am, calling about the item 96 rezoning from the multi-family housing to a mixed use high rise and 1900 Burton. Like the last speaker I've lived there for a while. Probably my sixth year. I'm not going to waste time going into how great all of my residents are. All of [2:16:07 PM] all of my residents are. All of my neighbors tirz, or how great the property manage, management has been, in keeping our place beautiful. I mean, if you look on that whole block, there might be a lot of property that could use a lot of work. Eastern hills isn't one of them. It's well maintained and dependent. The manager is on property at all times. And securing the safety and, sense of community in our apartment complex. And it would be, you know, a model for affordable housing. Great manager and tenants have been there for years. And while I noticed other apartments in the area that are brand new with this mixed use housing model, hasn't really served a purpose in our community. They sit empty , the businesses have, bell south is probably a good, [2:17:09 PM] south is probably a good, example of that. I've seen maybe two businesses stay at, the only and the rest of them have poor reviews because of the way that the management has been, with both the residents and the shoppers in that area due to safety concerns, parking, a number of issues. I would urge the city to please keep eastern hills out of that. I understand, and that development is a big part of Austin growth and, it would be naive. Thank you to say that, the final speaker is Mario Cantu on item 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94. >> Good evening. [2:18:14 PM] >> Good evening. >> Council members. Mario Cantu with south congress contact team 4201 south congress. It's a property that wants to be zoned up to 90ft. Initially, we understood there was going to be 400 units on this property. And then, it took a big change when we were able to show what our standards are for affordability within the south congress corridor. We don't want to give a blank check of zoning on this particular property. That's very important to know that if we're going to give a zoning change and it's already has the zoning that the applicant is wants Singh that we just don't give a zoning change for something that they're going to either project or not do in the future. We want to make sure that we get some affordability out of this area, out of this particular property, and we just want to treat everybody else the same. Other applicants have come to us. We we've set the bar with other individuals, other applicants, and we just want to hold them [2:19:15 PM] and we just want to hold them accountable. And being able to do the same thing when it comes to affordability within our area . Thank you mayor. >> That's all the speakers we have, council members, that's all the speakers we have on the zoning items. >> I'll now now recognize council member qadri for a motion to approve the consent agenda. As previously read. It's seconded by council member harper- madison. I'll ask again. Is there any discussion on the consent agenda as read? Anyone wishing to be shown abstaining, anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on the consent agenda. Any objection without objection. The consent agenda is approved with counsel. And there she is. Okay. And we I want to make sure that the record reflects that. Council member Kelly is present virtually. So the consent agenda is adopted as read. Unanimously. Members without objection, we [2:20:18 PM] Members without objection, we will now go back into executive session. We will go back into executive session pursuant to section 551074 of the government code, where the city council will discuss personnel matters related to item number seven six. That's to evaluate the performance of and consider compensation and benefits for the municipal court clerk. We will then also, pursuant. To section 55107, one of the government code, discuss legal issues related to items 77. As previously read into the record, the state of Texas versus the city of Austin and item number 102. As previously read in the record, a variety of several lawsuits, along the lines of Sam kirsch versus city of Austin, et Al. And as I indicated, this has all been previously read into the record, without objection, we are now, going into executive session. It is 2:20 P.M. For [2:21:18 PM] session. It is 2:20 P.M. For members of the public when we have completed the executive session. Ann I will come back out, because there is no other, there are no other matters to come before the Austin city council other than this executive session. I will come back out and if there's no objection, we will adjourn the meeting at that point in time. But for now, we are going to be going into executive session. At 2:21 P.M. Head into the record in open [4:18:40 PM] Head into the record in open session. It is 4:18 on Thursday, February 29th. And without objection, the regular meeting of the Austin city council is now adjourned. Thanks .