City Council Regular Meeting Transcript – 5/2/2024 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 1 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 5/2/2024 6:00:00 AM Original Air Date: 5/2/2024 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. [10:00:07 AM] ready >> Good morning everybody. It is may 2nd, 2024 at 10:00 in the morning and I will call to order the meeting of the Austin city council for this regularly scheduled meeting. We have a quorum of the city council present. We are meeting in the city council chambers, which is located at city hall, which is on 301 west second street, let me walk everybody through the, what I'm going to do first is read corrections, into the into the and changes into the record. And then I'll review the order for the day on item number three that has been withdrawn. Item 49 is postponed to may 16th, 2020 for item 52 is withdrawn. Item 57 is withdrawn and replaced by agenda item number 92. Item number 73, the public hearing public hearing item number 73 is [10:01:08 AM] public hearing item number 73 is to be taken up after zoning. Item number 89. Those are all of the changes and corrections, that need to be read in the record for Thursday, may 2nd, 2020 for the, the order of business that will follow today is that we will take up our consent agenda, we will then, we will have, we'll have the consent agenda. As I pointed out on the message board yesterday, people will be entitled to three minutes per item that they spoke up on, and the city clerk will help us make sure that we have a record of that and provide you with notice of how much time you have. We will then have comments from council and we will vote on, the consent agenda at that time. We will then go to non consent items and we will hear, we will take the non consent speakers at that time. However, [10:02:09 AM] speakers at that time. However, I want to point out that if it is more convenient for you to speak during the consent agenda on an item that's not on consent , please let the city clerk's office know that and we'll we'll accommodate you with the time the discussion and possible action will be on the non non consent items, let me tell you what items those are. Item number 69. We will have a presentation by staff and a discussion. And people may are in a position to speak on that. However after the work session on Tuesday, I anticipate that what we will do is have item 69, postpone for a vote so that council will have time, to take in all that's been said about those items, till may 30th, we will have public hearing items, 71 through 70, 77 and an item that's referred from a council committee, and that's item number 99, on all the public hearings, we will open a public hearing. We will take public [10:03:10 AM] hearing. We will take public testimony, we will close the public hearing, and we will take an immediate action on those, again, I would like to clarify that anyone registered to speak on a public hearing item, you will be heard during that public hearing when we call that and not with the consent speakers, unless it's more convenient and you want to, let the clerk's office know that, at at we will all we typically will have the Austin housing finance corporation. And I know people get accustomed to that, meeting at around 1030. It's posted in such a way that when we can get to it in the morning, we usually go to it, there's been a request by staff that we take that up in the afternoon. So, council, we will take up a sfc board of directors meeting in the afternoon, but the way we will do that is that we typically do it and we will recess the city council meeting. I'll call to order the hfc board of directors meeting. We'll hold that then we [10:04:10 AM] meeting. We'll hold that then we will adjourn it, and we will go back into the council meeting at some point, depending upon how the calendar and the schedule works out, we will also have an executive session where the city council will go into the, closed executive session at 12:00. We have scheduled a time certain for public communication, we will do our best to accommodate that right at 12:00. And then at 2:00, we have a time certain scheduled for zoning, and we will we will take that up as close to 2:00 as we can do that as well, we and we do have one zoning item that has been pulled from the zoning consent agenda. So members that is the order of business that we will go through, today, there has been nothing pulled from the consent agenda. So, so, you know what the consent agenda is. And at this point, I will turn to the city clerk's office to open public comment on the consent [10:05:10 AM] public comment on the consent agenda. >> Thank you. Mayor. We'll start with remote. Nora matsin, item 64, three minutes. >> Thank you, I wanted to talk this morning about trans healthcare in Austin, because this is a vital, life saving and life affirming issue for a lot of very important members of our community, I think that, you know, interfering with the, the work of people and their doctors and infringing on their freedom in that way, in ways that can be potentially life threatening and can can chase many important and valuable community members away from an amazing city like Austin, should be top priority for the city council, I think it's important to speak up on this, and I think that I hope that, this is not something that [10:06:14 AM] that, this is not something that the city government chooses to allocate its precious resources towards, hurting the wonderful people that make up this, this wonderful city. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Christy slate item 60 for three minutes. >> Hi. Yes, I would just like to speak against item 64. I believe that no one is born on the wrong body. And we really have a mental health issue, here in our community and really around the world, there's a rise in gender dysphoria and medications and surgery are just adding to the problem. So I just would speak against, making Austin basically a sanctuary city for any kind of gender procedures. And we really and truly need to protect the children there. Obviously was a law passed just recently in the [10:07:14 AM] law passed just recently in the legislature, and so it's important for the city of Austin to realize that, doctors will be held responsible for doing, any procedures or giving medications to children that change their gender. Thank you. >> Tijovac for item 64, 94, 98 for a total of nine minutes. >> Yeah, I'm going to keep this short and sweet, first, I'm speaking in support of item 64. I believe that, giving access to gender affirming care, should be a high priority to, like. Yeah, for a good chunk of our population in order to help them heal. At home in their bodies. And, Progressive transition on their journey. I feel like it speaks for itself. I think it's something that should be done, in terms of item, the building code reforms, I hope that Austin [10:08:16 AM] code reforms, I hope that Austin city council decides to add, single stair, buildings, to that, I believe that having singles their buildings makes it more possible to create, just a variety of housing, like the kind of like smaller multi-family housing units that buildings that, might fit on some of the new, hopefully, you know, redeveloped planned parcels, and lastly, I wanted to speak in support of the, hearing for the south central waterfront district as a, resident of south Austin, I am very excited about the possibilities that, this new waterfront district entail. Like, I'm really looking forward to seeing that come to fruition. And I, yeah, I, super excited. All right, thank you. Council >> Schiera knell. Knell item 6490 for six minutes. Hello. [10:09:18 AM] 6490 for six minutes. Hello. Good morning. Council. My name is Shryock Mueller. I live in district nine, I would like to speak in support of item 64 and 94. In terms of the first one, my whole family is, composed of a lot of doctors, and I believe courses like that are best answered by, you know, people who spend their whole lives studying medical science. And so I don't think it's like something that we should, impose on in terms of the government. So I support, you know, kind of any measure to let let the doctors decide that, and then for the second item, as was just said right before me, I think, you know, modernize our building code to kind of match the best standards around the world will really, like, improve the quality of life for people who, live in small apartment buildings and stuff like that. So, yeah. Please, please [10:10:19 AM] So, yeah. Please, please consider supporting these items. >> Michelle Taylor, item 64, three minutes. >> First and foremost, my heart really goes out to the families that are dealing with gender dysphoria. Our kids have been through so much in the last four years that they really need our love, attention and stability. But that being said, recent studies and reviews have shown that fast tracking a child transitioning does anything, but I don't have enough time to address every aspect of transitioning, so I'll focus on the first pharmaceutical step, which is puberty blockers and puberty blockers were created and tested in the 80s for the purpose of temporarily stopping puberty in children with precocious puberty. It wasn't meant to be used for years on end. It was just long enough to get the child through to a normal age for puberty. These drugs aren't tested nor fda approved for use in gender [10:11:19 AM] approved for use in gender dysphoria. Furthermore, these drugs come with a host of complications and side effects that you don't get to pick and choose which ones and you don't know what you'll end up with, they can cause long term bodily harm. Some of these issues are side effects, and this isn't by any means a complete list because I don't have time or headaches. Mood changes, new or increased mental issues such as depression, weight gain, chronic pain, lowered bone density, osteoporosis, sleep issues, stunted growth and brain development. And the list just goes on and on. These treatments can cause more harm than good, undermining long term health and well- being. Finland, Sweden, Norway and even the infamous tavistock clinic in London are taking a step back to reevaluate and reverse course. Since when are children under 18 mature enough to make such serious lifelong decisions and give consent when they can't even vote, drink, gamble, get a tattoo or consent for something as simple as a root canal. The [10:12:20 AM] as simple as a root canal. The state was looking out for its best interests and for the interests of these children. Why would we want to encourage and protect something so dangerous that could grow the number of disabled or chronically ill adults in the next decade, when the doctors left Dell children's to avoid investigation is because they knew they were in the wrong on some things or they wouldn't have. They wouldn't have left. They wouldn't have had to worry about it. This is about money for them, because once a child starts down this path, they'll need medications or other medical treatments for life. And who was left picking up all the pieces the families are, but who knows? Because as is the case in London, many lawsuits are popping up from people that transitioned. If the city of Austin becomes a sanctuary city, not only is it greenlighting practitioners to run roughshod and do whatever is in their best interest, ignoring their hippocratic oath, it could also open the city up to lawsuits for defunding, for defying the state law and allowing it. So I close in saying, please look at the big [10:13:21 AM] saying, please look at the big picture, follow the money and consider our future and parents, please do your research and evaluate the pros and cons of any medication that is prescribed for your child before you give it to them. And don't be afraid to ask the doctor's question or ask thank you, Peter Breton, item 90 for three minutes. >> Good morning. Are y'all able to hear me? >> Yes I apologize, this is my first time on virtual thank you for confirming you can hear me. >> I first wanted to say thank you to city of Austin staff and the clerk and apologize. As I emailed earlier this morning trying to add some items onto my support. Unfortunately I emailed too late, but I wanted to say that I am in support of items 64, 73, 89, and 94, first on item 64, I Ken standing with our most vulnerable community [10:14:22 AM] most vulnerable community members is a righteous thing to do and is, frankly, the right thing to do regardless of what our legislature says is their opinion, secondly, for items 73 and 89 on sunset ridge, I wanted to say that we need to support this, housing development specifically. It's development with over 150 affordable units in district eight. These are desperately needed across our city and in district eight as well. And on item 94, we have to reform our building codes to propel us forward, and enable essential variety in our buildings. And that's what our city needs. Specifically, I think we need to enable multifamily buildings to use single stair egress up to six stories. And that's seen in many other cities around the world and in the United States, again, thank you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there in person. I hope you all are having a wonderful [10:15:24 AM] all are having a wonderful morning and continue to have a wonderful council meeting. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Zenobia Joseph, item 3841, 44, 45, 55, 59, 60, 65 for a total of 24 minutes. >> Thank you. Mayor. Council. I'm Zenobia Joseph and I don't anticipate speaking 24 minutes, but I appreciate the time. I would just preface mayor by saying that there needs to be a discussion as it relates to remote speakers. You add backup materials at every meeting. So there should be some parity where the speakers who are remote and even those in person are able to add their items late as well, as it relates specifically to item 45, that's the acquisition and rehabilitation. It's $24.8 million for Collingwood. I want you to recognize that Collingwood is actually on route three. 92nd June third, 2018 capital metro eliminated the service. This is a specific [10:16:24 AM] service. This is a specific development that is for our elders, so it's considered 55 plus 60% area median income. And I just want you to recognize that the half a mile bus stop that they're referring to in the backup materials is one that I actually got them to put there, because when it was being built, it actually, the our senior citizens were walking with the traffic and I said that they could get killed across from there. However we have a black man that is actually at the bus stop. There's only one shelter in that area. And he has returned. So I want you to recognize the inequities and specifically as it relates to 65, that's the community engagement document. I want you to recognize that you apologize, not you specifically, but council apologize to African Americans. March 1st. March 4th. Excuse me. 2021. So I would just say to the members who are wasting taxpayer dollars and [10:17:26 AM] wasting taxpayer dollars and time on more outreach that just the last meeting, if you go back to the minutes, you will see that you approved outreach. And so I'm not sure why, Natasha Harper, Madison and district four and some of the other members of color are actually supporting this item. I would just say, since it's poetry month, that your predatory politicians pimp and poor people's pain. So a little alliteration this morning. I want you to remember that African Americans are waiting 60 minutes for the bus and Craig wood and colony park. That's route 339, which is in line with our neighbors who are formerly unhoused on route 237 at community first village. I want you to understand, mayor, that when they eliminate one of the blocks, you have people in wheelchairs waiting 60 minutes for the bus, plus another 60 minutes. So two hours, 60 minutes is ten times longer than southwest and central white. I want you to recognize that I was trying to get to see you give [10:18:27 AM] trying to get to see you give the proclamation during the second day of the fair housing summit on or not the summit, but conference April 17th. And we, the people in the neighborhood who are minorities, were forced to wait an additional 45 minutes because the rail went down and the bus was taken off the route to serve the white choice riders at Howard station. So I want you to understand this is discriminatory, and I would point you to your own 2023. It was in October that you submitted the pro housing grant, pathway to remove the obstacles to housing through the through hud. And specifically, it says in that document that you have put less than ten affordable homes in west Boston as it relates specifically to the I 35 item number 38 is the $1.4 million for Nelson Nygaard, and it's the I H 35 cap and stitch connecting Austin equitably mobility study. Again, that's a [10:19:28 AM] mobility study. Again, that's a waste of taxpayer dollars. And I want you to recognize that I'm in opposition to the $206.5 million, specifically the multimodal project discretionary grant, because you actually went to the African American resource advisory committee commission, rather, and downtown Austin alliance got support for the $1 million grant. The equitable grant supposedly connecting communities. I want you to understand as well that capital metro used the 2010 census data and said that African Americans are actually connected to good transit in central east Austin. We know that the 2020 census data came up just shortly after they submitted their title six service equity analysis and the triannual triennial review. So I want you to recognize that you are using black people to get the federal dollars. And when you receive them respectfully, you do not improve service for us. And it's gentrified in that area. But more specifically, mayor, I want you to understand that you have thanked the [10:20:29 AM] that you have thanked the governor's office, and I put in an open records request. I got a reply back. November 27th, 2023 from Kieran hills. That's the office of the governor. And that's the specifically his public information officer, and said he had nothing responsive to my request. Og dash P I R number 44723. But I want you to recognize that there was actually a presentation September 28th, 2023 to the mobility committee that said that camp Esperanza was mitigation for the I-35 project. And so I then wanted to understand the connection between the two. And that's I got no information. So I just want to remind you that title six of the civil rights act prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin. And I would ask you to recognize that this project, where you're actually going to put 700 more people that $65 million deal that you made with governor Abbott is not affirmatively furthering fair housing. Therefore it actually [10:21:30 AM] housing. Therefore it actually violates the fair housing act of 1968 as well. I would ask you to recognize that you must comply with the federal law. And so while I get that mister good put in the back of materials that your I-35 five funding application is due on Monday, and he plans to submit it tomorrow, I would ask you to take into consideration that the system as it is presented is not equitable, and I would ask you to do more to help our individuals that live north of us. 183 and councilmember pool, I just want to ask you, what do we have to do to get the trash picked up at stop id 4550 next to walnut creek elementary in your area? As it relates lastly to the food items that are on the agenda, it's expanding the food access for people in northeast Austin. But the crescent is not the only part of district one that needs food. There is no transportation for our seniors over at Harris ranch, senior living, and there's no transportation on [10:22:31 AM] there's no transportation on Parmer lane for Harris branch or for the people that live in pioneer crossing. There are senior citizens and people that walk 1 to 5 miles from the affordable housing, and they need food, too. On palmer lane, fm nine fm 734. So I would ask you to expand it so that they get service as well. And as it relates specifically to these agrihood, I actually am in neutral on that. And I would ask you to disaggregate the data and find out how many African-American farmers are actually in the Austin, Travis county area and specifically, I know there's a farmer, Nancy, that's on kedzie at times. You might want to get input from her. And I would ask you to look at hilltop urban gardens. They actually do these micro gardens with the in the communities, and then they share the produce. But they're adding something in 2024 so that they can have some type of economic stability as it relates to the farmers market. So good idea. But I looked at the housing and planning presentation, and there were no African American farmers and so [10:23:32 AM] African American farmers and so I would ask you to recognize as well that you had an opportunity through the opportunity Zones to get input from the communities to do better. And I would just say, I know that we couldn't sign up on 78. That's the project connect lawsuit. But I actually support the plaintiffs, and I appreciate that. The attorney general is on the side of the plaintiffs because the system is discriminatory. And, mayor, respectfully, I need to remind you again that north Lamar transit center was developed in 1985, and it took about 30 years just to get a sidewalk from north Lamar transit center to the affordable housing across the highway on loop 275, which is north Lamar boulevard. And so it is disingenuous for you to simply wordsmith the documents so that you have the language that the federal transit administration and the us department of transportation is requiring, so that you can get the 50% federal funding for the light rail system and so, those are my comments, but I actually I guess I can tell you about eagle's [10:24:32 AM] I can tell you about eagle's landing, it's just the public facility corporation is really just a loophole. There is nothing in there that talks about what the rehabilitation will be. And so I would ask the housing authority of the city of Austin to stop giving the developers these tax, these tax benefits with no benefit. Our community benefit for the people who are living in the development. This is not one with belle Vernon, which is the San Francisco deal that they keep doing. This is a different developer. If you look in the backup materials, you will see pretty pictures of the staff, the consultants, but it doesn't say anything about what they're going to rehab. It's approximately 240 units over there off of decker lane, and I would just ask you to be transparent and to recognize I appreciate Mr. Bunch actually filing the lawsuit against the city so that we can have more time to speak, but it does not address the remote speakers. It only speaks to the April fourth in-person exchange that the two of you had, I think that's all of my comments. I'm not sure how [10:25:35 AM] of my comments. I'm not sure how much time I have, but if you tell me, I'll let you know if I have anything else to say. >> You have an additional 14. >> 14 minutes? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I just want to say that's a lot of time, mayor, I just want to say yes, ma'am. That's item 43. That's the. >> That's kind of been my position from the beginning. >> Yes, mayor, I just want to say, as it relates to the bungalows, I do recognize you need permanent supportive housing, but respectfully, mayor, this is segregated housing. If you're poor, I'm poor. We're all poor, and we're all living together and we're all struggling. Then how are we ever going to get out of the poorness that we're in. And so the bungalows, while it's $4 million and it will help some individuals who have been formerly homeless, they're segregated and so they're all going to be in this space together. I would ask you to recognize and last time you met, [10:26:36 AM] recognize and last time you met, I actually wanted to testify against the marshaling yard. I would just tell you that concentrating poverty again does not affirmatively further fair housing and the bungalows to, mayor pro tem council member pool. Once again, she has not found a way to put any of the people who are most in need on the west side of loop one, and there's a whole lot of land there. You can actually look at convict hill, where there was actually a building, and you can revisit this. You can actually do something that's less discriminatory than concentrating poverty in the far northeast and north and southeast corners of the city, and it is very disturbing there. I want you to understand, as it relates to 59, that's the road safety, the $22.9 million. I'm actually neutral on the that item as well. I support the safety. But I have asked and I testified before there needs to [10:27:37 AM] testified before there needs to be priority placed at chinatown. Close the mid-block stop, and there needs to be a sidewalk. If you can improve the sidewalk area for people going to the soccer stadium, then surely people in their wheelchairs, walkers and canes and mothers with their babies and strollers should be able to get from chinatown, which chito villa promised on Karzai and has done nothing to close that stop to Braker lane. It's just a little path with some pebbles, some rocks, and they can't get there, which means that it doesn't comply with the Americans with disabilities act either, because our people in wheelchairs have to then cross those dangerous intersections, five lanes of traffic two times. There are over 39,000 vehicles per day in that area. Mayor. And so you can't say you're all about safety and then leave that stop open. It doesn't cost any money. The landing pad is still at Kramer and north Lamar, and you can actually move the stop down the CVS pharmacy at Braker and [10:28:38 AM] the CVS pharmacy at Braker and north Lamar and capital metro has heard me say this many times, but you have interlocal agreements with them, so it should not be a problem to actually get that taken care of, that's a whole lot. And I do appreciate the time. I'm looking at my list here, and I'm not real sure how you're going to run the, when we call in, for example. But then it is unclear whether to call back again. You mentioned earlier, Austin housing finance corporation in the afternoon, but there was no specific time. There's no, number from the clerk, I called back, at the last meeting and then got through twice, and then the system disconnected me, and so there's just a lack of clarity, as it relates to that, as well, that's a whole lot, and I could, I could say more, a specifically, I'll just tell you, the reference that I use, just so you have a point of [10:29:40 AM] just so you have a point of reference, is the title six legal manual, which is updated, through the us department of justice, and I would just remind council that on December 8th, 2022, that is when you actually, used eminent domain in the breaker east breaker area off of Parmer lane to relieve congestion in the Samsung area. And the 2014 project connect north corridor, locally preferred alternative said that two thirds of the jobs would be in the two most populated counties. Which is Samsung and apple, serving Williamson and Travis county by 2035. And so it is disingenuous for you to continue to push, project connect and the things that you are talking about, equitable transit oriented development, when in fact you have exercised eminent domain. And for context for people who don't follow you that much, I would just say that the us department of transportation agreement is in the December 8th, 2022 board [10:30:40 AM] the December 8th, 2022 board packet as well. That was one of the last things that mayor Adler did before he left. And I just would remind you that it was Austin chronicle that dubbed Pete buttigieg, quote, the mayor bff. So the funding keeps flowing to Austin because of these incestuous friendships, and I will. Lastly just tell you that before nuria Fernandez, the federal transit administration administrator, was actually confirmed, she did the, you know, the support for the project connect and the transportation projects here in Austin through the Austin chamber of commerce. And she was friends or is friends with the former CEO of capital metro, who Randy Clark, said he's known nuria for years. And so it is going to take us to have the us department of justice or some other entity, review the work that you're doing here in the city of Austin, because the [10:31:41 AM] city of Austin, because the system is discriminatory. And I would just lastly say this. We have over 2000 units within about a mile from Samsung at Parmer and dessau. We have about 2000 units at tech ridge boulevard and Yeager lane. And I will tell you that the developer got entitlements to build density and said that 392 was a frequent bus route. In fact, that was a lie in the board packet, a falsehood. It is not a frequent route. It's a 45 minute route. And there are no shelters in that area. So I would just ask you to recognize that the Austin strategic mobility plan is undergirded by project. Project connect by these, cap remap the bus routes, the 52 routes that change June 3rd, 2018, and so I testified before the joint sustainability committee and they don't have the data that they need, but it's written in the 2017 capital metro financial plan. And regardless of what the [10:32:41 AM] regardless of what the consultant said in 2016, they did the opposite. He told them that southwest Austin did not have the density, but yet the bus runs frequently there, so I would just ask you to make the system more equitable. I would ask Paige Ellis to recognize that the bus is running empty. The 40 foot bus is running the convict hill. Every other lap. It's 15 minutes on William cannon and 30 minutes for 2.9 boardings an hour. And you're never going to grow ridership there because it's the watershed restricted area. And so it's deeply disturbing your warehousing, our black people in the marshaling yard, that's 300 people. And when you get updates in the future, mayor, I would just ask you to get the disaggregated data you praise, mister gray. But mister gray never once gave you any demographic data. So the only point of reference I can give you is that African Americans are over six times more likely to be homeless than their white counterparts, according to echo and then community homelessness coalition 2022 report. On or about July 1st is when it came [10:33:43 AM] about July 1st is when it came out. And so when you are trying to sell that, they are getting three square meals a day. And what you're doing to the black people, I think you need to recognize that you are warehousing them. That's 300, which is two within two miles of camp esperan with 200 people there. And then the deal you made with the state for $65 million is to expand 700 more. You're putting these people out of sight, out of mind, and they can't even get to day labor. I'm sorry. They do have vans. About three, but three vans for 300 people. You can't get to work. And lastly, to these advocates about the little pickup service that is not the least discriminatory alternative. It doesn't work like Uber or Lyft. I want you to recognize that you call, you wait on hold 5 to 60 minutes, and then after you're on hold, then dispatch gets to you, tells the driver to come pick you up. Once you're in route. It's a shared route. So if somebody else calls in the neighborhood and wants to get picked up, they pick you up. So [10:34:44 AM] picked up, they pick you up. So once again, this is just about branding. And there's one item on your agenda that I actually opposed as it relates to branding. That's number 41. And it's because you're not branding the city, realistically, you're branding the city so that you can make it appear that you are complying with title six of the civil rights act. And I would ask you not to rename the airport after lbj because you are not, demonstrating a commitment to civil rights. Instead, you are simply circumventing federal law. And on that note, I just need you to tell me how you're going to operate the remote speakers for the Austin housing finance corporation. I think that is the only other item I have left, unless you want to call back for these public hearings. >> What I all I can tell you is that we will bring it up in, in due order. >> There's not much way, for me to organize and calculate when we might bring it up. When some [10:35:45 AM] we might bring it up. When some speakers have the length of time to speak. And I don't know how long they're going to take, in this case, close to 21 minutes. So it'll be sometime this afternoon. >> Yes, mayor. >> Sometime this afternoon. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'd ask that you please, if you if you can. >> Please, please watch. >> And I will try to, as I always do. I will try to give notice about what the order of the council meeting will be. >> And, miss Joseph, please. >> Thank you, mayor, and I will just. I'll just call back on the number that I have. Unless the clerk sends me something differently. And I appreciate you allowing me to be so expensive. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them at this time. But we'll just ask you to take this item of public input up on an agenda item. I know you postponed it indefinitely, but again, it doesn't. The lawsuit doesn't address the remote speakers. But thank you, miss Joseph. [10:36:45 AM] thank you, miss Joseph. >> I'm sending you back into the queue. Just remain on the line. Next speaker, genie Ramirez, for item nine 5564 for a total of nine minutes. >> Hi. Council and mayor Watson, I, I'm against the sobering house on number nine. I just feel like there's not enough data and transparency with all the information. Like how many are actually in the sober house per month, and then how many end up going to jail, or how many repeats are going on to 55? The, I'm in favor of this mobile unit for the food like pantry, but I think that needs to be expanded. There was just one address and, you know, there's other addresses here that need this mobile unit. I think the city can afford this. Y'all put money into everything, all these other issues, and I just, you know, how do you just have it on the one east side, east side? Not [10:37:47 AM] one east side, east side? Not the only one hurting. Years ago, I was in a financial situation and I was having to go to the food pantry off here. Man, it was a church that was doing it, off manchac and William cannon, and they didn't get enough help there. And, you know, I mean, it's until you've had to go to a food pantry to eat. I mean, it's, you know, it's just not on the east side. Okay. So I am approving that, but I want more locations, please, also on 64, hang on the 64, it. Listen, I am against any medication surgeries going for, children under 18, I think transgender for the transgender I support transgender I support date. I've been supporting gay communities in the 80s when it wasn't popular and when, it was dangerous to support them. You know, I'm 60 years old here, so. [10:38:47 AM] know, I'm 60 years old here, so. Anyway, but I wanted to let you all know this is ridiculous. We don't let a 12 year old get tattoos and don't. And chito vela was saying, well, you know, they it can cause, suicides, etc, etc. I don't think these people have the data. I don't even think the United States have enough data on that. I'm not saying that it has not happened. One child lost a suicide. It was too many. Okay, so I'm not saying that, but what I'm saying is, I think that has been a threat, if you will, from the transgender community parents. My child is going to commit suicide, you know, and I'm a survivor. Some of y'all don't know the other. You know, I speak I've been speaking out for 23 years, so, but but some of y'all don't know, this new this new city council, I'm a survivor of stage three breast cancer, and I've had my breast cut off at 50, and it's still traumatic. I look like Frankenstein's bride underneath my clothes. And it's still even with breast reconstruction, this. You cannot tell me a 10 to 9, eight year old, whatever. 15 [10:39:51 AM] 9, eight year old, whatever. 15 year old can get the breast cut off. They want to be a boy one minute and then. And then what? Two years later? I think I want to be my girl again. And then what happens? The blockers caused, girls to not be able to have produce. You know, be able to reproductive system to have babies later. Also there's no going back on this that can cause suicide right there, you know, or a male getting his penis cut off. I mean, this is unbelievable. Y'all are even saying cheenavala. I'm gonna tell y'all right now, all the hispanics on this city council. Shame on you. I'm Latina. I have not been impressed with any of y'all. Now, have have I agreed with a couple of things? Yeah, but barely. This city council is one that I've noticed 70% of people will speak out against something. And what do y'all do? You do it for? It's unbelievable . I personally can't wait till all of y'all are taken out of your term's. You have reached your term and Watson you have been a career politician. I wish you would not run for mayor [10:40:52 AM] you would not run for mayor again. Like go off into the sunset and retire and enjoy life. That's all I have to say. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Zachary fadus, 6494. For a total of six minutes. >> Howdy, council. My name is Zach fadus and I live in district nine. I wish to live in an Austin that can be a bastion and safe harbor for all to flock to the weird, queer, trans, or those who just don't feel at ease in their hometown. I want Austin to be the place that gives new opportunities and provides the nourishing environment to allow them to thrive. This is why I am in support of item 64, 73, and 94. In order to be the welcoming city we aspire to be, we must first provide newcomers with housing that they can afford and then we must ensure that they can sleep safely and soundly in that home, secure in the knowledge that the laws and their city have have their backs and no one will come after them [10:41:52 AM] and no one will come after them pursuing the health care they feel they need. Thank you for your work to make this vision a reality. Goodbye >> Thank you mayor. >> That concludes all the remote speakers I have for consent. So I'm going to shift to in-person. Thank you. >> I'm members of the of the council. It's my understanding that we're at capacity in the council chambers. So there may be somebody's name that is called, who's here to speak, as part of the public comment on the consent agenda. But they're not in the chamber. So if that happens, we'll go on to something to the next person. But if somebody comes in and they were excluded because of the, the capacity situation, we'll go ahead and take them up at that time. Or if we see somebody trying to qualify for the olympics and get in here, we'll, we'll wait on them and let them do that. >> Thank you, mayor. The first three speakers, Myra Braxton, Michael Whalen, T Edwards, both all signed up for item three, each having three minutes. If [10:42:52 AM] each having three minutes. If you heard your name, please come on down. Queue up and please state your name into the podium. Myra Braxton, Michael Whalen T Edwards. >> Yeah. >> Item number three was withdrawn. If somebody is here on item number three, that item has been withdrawn. So there's not a need to, comment on that today. She she will probably still call your name and say that it was item three. But if we hear it's item three, we're going to assume that you're not speaking on that unless you stand up. And, then we'll deal with it at that time, but there's no reason to comment on it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Mayor, moving on, Craig Naser, item 3456 for a total of 12 minutes, followed by Paul robin. >> That would be nine minutes because item three has been withdrawn. My apologies, mayor Craig, are you here? >> No. Okay, then. Paul robins for item 456. Total of nine [10:43:53 AM] for item 456. Total of nine minutes. I know Paul is here on deck. Bobby Levinsky four five, six, nine minutes as well. Please go ahead. >> And please go ahead and call the next three names so that people can get ready, and move their way down toward the front of the chambers. Sure, mayor. And folks, the reason we do that is out of respect to the people that are here to testify. That way, people are ready and we we'll get to you a little more rapidly. Welcome, Mr. Robinson. Nice to see you. >> I won't be taking all the time. I'm granted. Good morning. Council. I'm an environmental activist, consumer advocate, and I serve on the city's resource management commission. I'm speaking about Austin's conservation plan. What is in the conservation plan is not written in stone. The day after you pass it, Austin can establish strategies and programs to increase water [10:44:54 AM] programs to increase water savings by much more aggressive volumes. But symbolum symbolism accounts for something. As of 8 A.M. This morning, the highland Lakes were only 43% full. We need to show the public a more aggressive strategy. Let me give you one example. In at least four large Texas cities, landscape irrigation rates for commercial customers are substantially higher than regular commercial water rates. Yet Austin does not have of a commercial irrigation rate, all we have is a slight increase in volume rates in force. Summer months. However, when I checked the statistic ex Austin commercial bills per 1000 gallons actually fall in the [10:45:56 AM] gallons actually fall in the summer due to water volume in these months, divided into the fixed monthly charge, we are giving a slight discount for luxury. The luxury of watering grass. While San Antonio's water utility appears to be charging more than double its normal commercial water rate for irrigation. One other observation on a similar note is that as of a week ago, there was nothing about water consumption or conservation being discussed in the sustainable city bonds that will be presented to council in the near future. Before I go, and this is the last thing I'll say before I go, I want to state that I've not [10:46:57 AM] I want to state that I've not been here in a couple of months, so I've not seen this new restrictor area around the dais, during the meetings. This is entirely justified. But it it restricts informal, conveyance of information to council when not in session in this new rail kind of symbolizes like you don't want to hear from us when you're not in session. Respectfully thank you. >> After Bobby Levinsky is William bunch, Roy Whaley, Monica Guzman. >> Thank you, mayor and council. My name is Bobby Levinsky. I'm with the save our springs alliance, this is actually a really good item, to point out that 90% of what we're probably saying right now could probably be resolved if this were just sent back to the water fraud task force. They didn't get an adequate time to review the items. And that's usually where we can, create a lot of [10:47:58 AM] we can, create a lot of compromise and save you guys some time. But it is nice to actually have time to make a real point, so for the these items, we really need to take into account what our lake storage levels are. So right now we're sitting about 42% for two Lakes. That's not uncommon. Not anymore. It's going to get worse . We get to the next slide right here. Sorry this is what it's going to look like for this summer. We're going to be hitting stage three by July. Your Waterford task force put together some worked with the university of Texas on various scenarios for our water future. They did 666 scenarios of those, 40% of them had us hitting the, the water target mark where we have to start paying lcra for our water in about 23, 24, 23 to 30 years. Somewhere around there [10:48:59 AM] 30 years. Somewhere around there . This is a really serious item that needs adequate attention. I'm also serving on the cost of service study right now, and I would imagine that because the utility is in a bad state right now, we want to sell more water that that counters our goals. And so what we have to do instead is stop investing so much on large scale infrastructure, delay some of those projects out. So that way we can not have a 22% increase on our lowest income. Families in the city. That's what you're going to be proposing. That lowest block rate water conservation saves money. If we don't keep spending and we invest seriously in in water conservation, that means that the next step we're going to have to do is going to be a little bit. It's going to be more rough. It's going to be asking those commercial users to stop watering so much. That's not considered a low hanging fruit. That's not in your draft [10:50:00 AM] fruit. That's not in your draft plan right now. That's something that we could just add. We could we could go to those commercials and say, we want you to xeriscape and you could save a lot of water just by instituting that. But we are having this conversation now when we that water, that conversation needs to be had by the water forward task force. So let's not do this today and just agree to postpone it. Let the water for task force save you guys some time and let's get the community involved in this. Thank you. >> Phil bunch, Roy Whaley, Monica Guzman. Bill bunch is signed up for four, five, six, 14, 16, 22, 37, 48, 68, 98 for a total of 30 minutes. >> Good morning. Mayor, council members, bill bunch with save our springs alliance. Thank you [10:51:01 AM] our springs alliance. Thank you for your service to our community, just for confirmation, and because of the security delay, I did not hear at the very beginning, 4 or 5 and six are still on the consent agenda. Is that correct? Yes. And is, 16. >> All of the items you're signed up to speak are on the consent agenda. >> Well, okay, all the ones. I don't think so. >> That's why she indicated you had 30 minutes. Well I'm actually I know I'm signed up for stuff that's not on there, but I appreciate it. >> I would ask you to pull this, our water conservation plan, drought contingency plan, those are super important. I mean, y'all should. This should be starting to register with y'all. I mean, y'all are sleepwalking through a crisis, and you're sitting here ready to vote on consent. No. No dissent, no discussion, no questions on a [10:52:02 AM] discussion, no questions on a plan that literally goes backwards on our conservation goals for the first time since literally the early 80s, our city's consumption of water is going up. Our our conservation gains, our reuse gains are not keeping pace with population growth. And they've done that surprisingly early, amazingly, with wholesale community buy in literally for decades. And now, right when we understand that we don't have reliable water, we really don't, and this ties into, item 22, 1.2 million for Hof consulting, I'm guessing y'all haven't looked at that at all either, I'm guessing absolutely none of you have actually read the water conservation plan. Have any of you, Mr. Alter? Thank you. And [10:53:04 AM] you, Mr. Alter? Thank you. And council member alter number two. Thank you. I appreciate the rest of you recognizing that you haven't and being honest about that, and it's not your fault because the staff sprung it on the water task force to. They wanted them to vote on it by giving it to them two hours before their meeting. And they said, no, we're not doing that. And they said a second meeting, but with one week's notice. And they have refused to endorse this, and y'all should refuse to endorse this. You need to send this back as Mr. Levinsky asked you to, to the task force. And we need to set conservation goals that keep our total use of the highland Lakes at minimum, sustainable and flat, like we've been doing for decades. And what we really have to do is we have to start beating population [10:54:05 AM] to start beating population growth and reducing our total use, because what what Hof power consulting is telling us. And they need to tell you what their preliminary results are already, because I'm fairly certain they have them. And that is we don't have the water in the highland Lakes that we've been betting on and planning on. The firm annual yield of the highland Lakes is greatly reduced in the face of climate heating, and we can't, you know, we can't whistle past the graveyard anymore. It's we think it's wet. We've had a lot of rain, but it hasn't been that much rain. If you look at the highland Lakes over the last few months, they've stayed flat. They haven't refilled at all. The runoff into our water supply Lakes has kept pace with evaporation and consumption, but that's it. And this is our wet [10:55:07 AM] that's it. And this is our wet season. And the long range forecasts tell us we're going into la Nina. Hotter and drier. And we could be repeating the drought of record from the 1950s. As soon as a few months from now. Did any of you all know that this is a fact? Are any of you aware of it? We're not talking about something theoretical down the road. We're talking about right here and now . Now. And yet we're wasting more water sitting here today than we did 4 or 5 years ago. We're not meeting our conservation goals. So what is the response of our water utility to the backslide and weaken and virtually eliminate conservation goals and concede that we're going to stay [10:56:07 AM] that we're going to stay basically exactly where we are in the years ahead? That's unacceptable. You have no business doing this. You have no business doing it and claim that you care about sustainability or environmental protection in. Or responsibility to ratepayers. This ties into item 14 as well. $500 million of water and wastewater refunding bonds. Now what the backup says is, is that , you're going to get lower rates. So on the finance side, how does that make any sense? I mean, the last I checked, we're at a time where we haven't had this high of borrowing rates in years. Is that really true? I mean, maybe it is. Do you have somebody from your staff that can get up here and tell you how we're going to get lower refinancing rates now than what we've had in previous years? And buried in there is 50 million [10:57:11 AM] buried in there is 50 million bucks, not just for refunding, but for funding the expansion and major capital work to water treatment plant for not which is wholly unnecessary. Brie. That's there's $50 million. You're worried about utilities. You're worried about utility rates. That whole thing could be set aside. In fact, you could mothball water treatment plant for and we'd be fine and we'd save a ton of money doing so. For those who weren't here, your utility, your utility told us we had to have water treatment plant for, because of risk management, a threat of terrorism, and that it was dangerous to have two, only two water plants. And we had to have a third that was totally fabricated because we asked, where's your risk management assessment? What are your risks? [10:58:13 AM] assessment? What are your risks? And the only thing they produce was a single memo from an internal exercise that said the only real danger to our reliability being able to provide constant, reliable water to the city had nothing to do with only having two plants. What it had to do with is we have to have backup power for what our for our water treatment plants, for our pump stations, for our delivery systems. And then what happened in the big freeze? We had no backup power for the one thing that they told us we had to do, they didn't do it. And that cost hundreds of millions of dollars. And in extreme suffering across this whole city. And yet we built a $800 million treatment plant. We [10:59:13 AM] $800 million treatment plant. We don't need, and we're not going to need it any time soon. We've never come even close to needing that capacity. So there there's a real problem of basic integrity, honesty in city hall. It's at the water utility. It's at the parks department. You all know this. And if you don't know it, it's time to figure it out. And you've got these all of these related water items on your agenda that you don't understand, you haven't looked at, and you're ready to just slide them right through. So you need a special work session or 2 or 3, on on our water situation right away. And if you did that, you wouldn't have to have these giant long meetings. Our charter says you're supposed to meet at least once a week. That's not [11:00:14 AM] least once a week. That's not happening. So what's the response of not meeting? And that's from back when people it was a volunteer job or it was paid almost nothing. But now that y'all are nicely paid, you can't afford to meet more than twice a month. And you don't want to hear from people when you do. Our public water and our public discourse needs to change . Y'all need to understand that your citizens are. You're a public resource that should be listened to, especially when they're telling you something that your staff is hiding from you or not telling you the truth about. And that happens every week on many items. Please say no to those issues. Absolutely support 22. We need to fund that [11:01:17 AM] support 22. We need to fund that consulting work. We need to see the we need to see and hear about the preliminary results, right away and not a year or two from now. Let's see on the zilker bridge. This is another one, you know, where our construction engineering firms have a hammerlock on the city to build big, expensive stuff that we don't need. We can save our historic zilker park bridge, which you're posting, still refuse to acknowledge as a historic bridge. There's no danger there. It can be done at a fraction of the cost. And yet, here you are, planning to forge ahead with another, you know, $11.6 million commitment to demolish this historic treasure and build something far more expensive a big, giant, ugly highway bridge that will harm the creek further pave zilker [11:02:18 AM] the creek further pave zilker park, and address a fake, safety issue, which can be addressed much more readily with a parallel, bike ped bridge for a tiny fraction of the cost. Council member Ryan alter, you know, the engineering on this. That bridge is solid that we have. And Demayo fishing. It is an enormous waste and abuse of resources. It's going to cause real harm and cut people off from the park during construction. All of that completely unnecessary. And this is part of a larger piece. We're not we're losing our heritage. We're going to y'all are poised to send 2 to $3 billion into a black hole of a convention [11:03:19 AM] black hole of a convention center when, for a rounding error, we could be saving Peter pan mini golf. We could have saved the original Threadgill's. We could have saved Threadgill's world headquarters. We could have saved Lucy in disguise. Do y'all care about that? The cultural heritage of the city at all. Billions for a convention center that's going to sit empty and bleed money year after year after year. And not just a little bit of money. Tens of millions of dollars a year in operating losses. That's not even counting. And yet we could be using that hotel occupancy tax for cultural tourism saving our history and our culture instead of talking about how we [11:04:20 AM] instead of talking about how we care and we sit and do nothing. You know, Peter pan mini golf is on the chopping block right now. You can laugh about it, but that's our heritage. That's our culture. Kids grow up for decades loving Peter pan mini golf and y'all could save it for pennies. Literally. Almost. All right, I'm going to close on item 99, setting the mega up zoning for the south central waterfront for a hearing on may 30th. I know Brodie seen a red line on this that I'm aware of, this is throwing the 2016 south central waterfront vision plan into the trash can and setting it on fire while pretending that you're actually implementing that vision. We're talking about [11:05:21 AM] that vision. We're talking about losing our setbacks to the lady bird lake, letting more construction encroach right up on the shoreline. We're talking about losing parkland that was called for in the vision plan. We're talking about expanding impervious cover and losing green space. Green space that could be saved simply by maintaining impervious cover limits that are in our zoning code, and the community doesn't know about it. Y'all aren't being given the details, it's all on this very rush, high level basis, that we have to have downtown skyscrapers jump across the lake and occupy, you know, over 100 acres, more skyscrapers that are not climate friendly. They're climate killers because of the added steel and, and concrete that it takes to build tall, they're not affordable. I mean, you can say [11:06:23 AM] affordable. I mean, you can say affordable housing all you want, but you're rushing ahead with the south central waterfront district that lets the developers off the hook and is providing minimal, affordable housing. And then, you know, we're going to turn around and ask the taxpayers to pay for it through a ters or some other mechanism that's just, you know, welfare for the ultra rich, that we hide behind saying affordable housing dozens of times that that mega zoning is not ready for a may 30th hearing. Please postpone that. Thank you for your consideration. Boy Whaley. >> Items four, five, six, 16 for a total of 12 minutes. Following Roy is Monica Guzman, felicity Maxwell and Irby foster. >> If your name has been called, if your name has been called, [11:07:24 AM] if your name has been called, please come down to the front. >> My name is Roy Whaley. >> I'm the conservation chair for the Austin Sierra club, and I, am glad that we have the three minutes, that have been returned to us per item. >> However, I do believe in brevity and I will, and I appreciate mister bunch and every important thing he said. And I do believe in democracy also, at a time when nationwide there is an attack on democracy, I don't think we should be saying we don't want to hear from citizens, and, and that I'm done with, I think anyway, on the, the three drought and water issues, just simply listen to the citizens that are part of the water, Ford task force. They have put in a lot of time on this. They need to be heard. We need to look at that. I agree, [11:08:26 AM] need to look at that. I agree, that we have to stop saying come on to Austin. We don't have the water for you. Bring a bottle of water with you. As of yesterday morning, lake Travis was at 37.1. I know our drinking water is Buchanan and Travis together, but a lot of our tax dollars are based on lake Travis also. And yeah, it rained last night and there's still water that came out of my tap this morning. And so we don't have a water problem anymore. I hope y'all don't think that. I know there are a lot of people in Austin that believe that so long as it's raining and we turn on the tap, we don't have a water problem. We do. And that means money. That is how we do. Have people moved to Austin? Unfortunately then we have them leave after giving them a lot of tax dollars, but that's a different issue. So yes, we, we do want to [11:09:28 AM] issue. So yes, we, we do want to return this, to the water task force and, and, the reuse. Oh my gosh, we have the water. Let's let's use it again. Council member Bella, if you paid your bills and then you got that money back, wouldn't you like to reuse your money the way we can with water? We can do that with water. But we have to make a commitment to do that, and the purple pipe is important. I won't get into the whole home issue about, lot sizes, reuse, tree protections. All those are very important, though. But the main thing is listen to the very smart people, on the water forward task force on item 16, that bridge is historic, and it has a minor reparable flaws, and we don't need to be swaging Barton springs road, one lane in [11:10:30 AM] Barton springs road, one lane in each direction. And then we're talking about for zilker park, having one lane in each direction. And then have this big bridge. I did and do support the bridge over at the other end of lady bird lake, and I do think that's a great, great, tourist destination and a boon for the financial situation for many on the east side, but if we're going to say there's a little bit of damage, rebar rust. Well, you know, I when I got here, I went in and washed my hands and one of the restrooms, there weren't any paper towels for me to dry my hands. Let's tear down city hall and rebuild it. I mean, it's essentially the same thing. It's an easy to deal with situation. So, like I say, I do, respect your time. I hope you respect the citizens and their time. And [11:11:33 AM] the citizens and their time. And I will no doubt see you again later. And one of the things I do miss, I agree part of the problem with the meetings going so long in the past is there was so much pontification from the dais. Everyone wanted to talk for ten minutes on on saying why they weren't going to support something or why they were. I understand that, but so much of it is political that it doesn't have a place on the dais. Yes. I was here many times at two in the morning on some of those long meetings. I didn't want to be here. I didn't want to be here any more than you all wanted to be here. I'm not really wanting to be here right now, to be honest. And I'm sure y'all wish I wasn't here either. I could see your eyes, Mr. Mayor. I understood. >> So you're an absolute control of that. [11:12:33 AM] of that. >> Okay. But anyway, thank you for being here. I do appreciate that. But remember, you're here because you were elected to be here. That means I'm your boss. I'm one of your bosses. And I've never known of a situation where an employee could turn around to the boss and say, sit down and shut up. I just want to have this conversation. I wish y'all would reach out more to Sierra club and all the other, organizations and individuals. And with that, I'm going to say thank you for your time. I respect it. I hope you respect our time. >> Thank you, Mr. Whaley. >> Monica Guzman, items four, five, six, 38, 50, 51, 55, 64, 65, 68, 94, 97 for a total of 30 minutes. [11:13:33 AM] minutes. >> Good morning. I didn't check off all my things, but hopefully I nailed them all in my talking points. Good morning, I'm Monica Guzman, policy director at go Austin. Austin we are opposed to item five, the conservation plan has conservation goals moving us backwards and lacks a list of specific strategies with savings estimates for each strategy. Austin water is in a rush to push this through, even though the task force was not supportive. The April 29th cut story Austin water conservation plan to city council with support of key task force states , quote the utility's goals were not ambitious enough for many on the city advisory panel. Task force members also complained at a mid-april meeting that they were only given hours to read the proposals before being asked to support them, unquote. I support or we support what bill bunch and Bobby levinski said about this issue. You appointed them, allowed them the time to review, to make good [11:14:37 AM] review, to make good recommendations before it goes to you for a vote. We are neutral on 68. Excuse me, 68, 97. Since there are no posted draft ordinances, we ask council to post the draft ordinances. More than two weeks prior to the public hearings to allow us, the community, time to review item 38. There is insufficient information to be clear on what the study includes engagement of residents, small businesses and health care providers in the impacted communities, especially in Austin's eastern crescent. We urge you to ensure inclusion of public input via authentic, language accessible community engagement. Item 65 we support the city taking forward positive steps to ensure greater inclusivity of and with Austin residents. We request council to amend the resolution to include working with the equity office and adding community based organizations which have relationships with community members as information, resources and stakeholders. Item 94 we are concerned about [11:15:37 AM] 94 we are concerned about potential or actual danger with use of single stairs in multifamily structures. When there is a need for an emergency exit, as well as Ada compliance. The rest of my comments are. As a district four resident with no reflection on Garza or any other organization I represent and or am a current or former member of. I am neutral on item 51. To be honest, I don't know where I stand on it for two reasons. My car was broken into last week. I call 311 and was advised reporting online has a faster response. Then I had to switch to calling 911. The online reporting platform needs improvement. I had a yes or no question, but my answer was I don't know. The it wouldn't accept that the platform would not. So I called 911. When I did , I found out officers respond to property crime from 8 A.M. To 4 P.M. Property crime doesn't operate during business hours. When I received a follow up call from a lieutenant, I was advised my case was still pending due to lack of officer availability. They were responding to the [11:16:38 AM] They were responding to the pro-palestine protest at UT. These are peaceful, constitutionally protected protest occurring on public property. APD needs to stop supporting UT's oppression of our constitutionally protected rights to assemble and free speech. I am opposed to items 50 and 69. Item 50 Austin is a sanctuary city, and as such should not be working with Eric, especially in light of sb four, item 69. No one, no one should support charter amendments that allow elected officials to continue closed door deals, increase city manager discretionary funding to legalize a contract that, according to the September 15th, 2023 Austin chronicle story consultants given lucrative city contract contracts without council approval, was not competitive and was not authorized by council, and continued to deny us our right to speak according to state law. [11:17:40 AM] to speak according to state law. To address you here in chambers or any other public venue used for council meetings and public hearings, I am for items 55 and 64. Item 55. I look forward to hearing the positive outcomes since a mobile food pantry will reach many currently experiencing limited or lack of access. Item 64. Thank you for recognizing transgender or non-binary persons rights to determining their health care needs, as well as the resources they seek for the same. Finally I and many others thank bill bunch and the sos alliance for the lawsuit to ensure we are ensured our right to speak on each item we need to speak on. As a reminder to council all those present here in city hall and all tuned in via Atkin or Casey registering for more items for more than one item does not equate abusing increased speaking time in accordance with the Texas open meetings act. Thank you. >> Felicity Maxwell, item 1664 94 for a total of nine minutes [11:18:42 AM] 94 for a total of nine minutes after felicity Irby foster, Jennifer Prescott and don Zimmerman. >> If your name has been called, please come forward and so you'll be prepared when your time comes up. Thank you. >> Good morning. Mayor. Mayor pro tem council members felicity Maxwell, district five resident or a board member here to speak in support of item 16 and item 94 regarding item 16. As a long time zilker resident, I'm delighted to see additional funding related to the Barton springs project move forward as you all know, this bridge has been an urgent need of repair for over a decade. As noted by city of Austin staff who were quoted in the Austin monitor's last fall saying, one reason for the current urgency is that engineers have confirmed that the reinforcing steel within the concrete of the bridge is showing signs of corrosion at a minimum. Eric bailly with capital delivery services, said the existing bridge deck and spans between the supports need to be completely replaced in order to expand the bridge life. Thankfully. Thankfully, our approved bridge design, which was widely supported by the public in which this contract supports, does much more than [11:19:42 AM] supports, does much more than that, adding critical new bike and pedestrian features and vastly improving access to zilker park. To quote council member Paige Ellis from that same monitor article, we're creating a new bridge that is safe for drivers, bikers, walkers, and people using wheelchairs. At the end of the day, we need to make sure the bridge is safe and well maintained and functional for the future. So thank you for supporting this contract for an essential city project. Regarding item 94, are is in strong support of updates and revisions to our technical building code updates, which will unlock new form building forms and allow for better utilization of existing lots in Austin's urban core. Specifically, we are delighted to see recommendations regarding single point access buildings, otherwise known as single stair. These are extremely safe, low rise, small footprint buildings that allow for family sized units and have been successfully implemented in sister cities like Seattle. We're also excited to support changes to the international residential code, allowing us to safely build more units in the same projects at very high residential standards as maintained by our development services department. Both of these proposals require modifications to our building [11:20:44 AM] modifications to our building codes, which follow international standards but are reviewed by the city on a specific schedule. We're delighted to see this resolution from council member Vella and broadly supported by his fellow council members, as the time for action on these issues is now and not three years from now, when the codes will next be reviewed. Thank you for your time today. >> Irby foster 5964 for six minutes, then Jennifer Prescott and don Zimmerman and Madeline Asbell. >> Honorable mayor. Honorable councilors Irby foster, district three I wrote Murray manager Garza to bring to his attention the thousands of street lights that are out on our freeways furthered the 311 street lighting reporting process many times Austin energy and close those reports. The 311 process needs to be corrected and finally, more needs to be budgeted for streetlight repair on the freeways for fiscal 25. It's not an exaggeration to say we have thousands of lights out when you include the nine major freeways, street lights, underpass lights, and high mass towers that are out. There are [11:21:44 AM] towers that are out. There are miles of street lights out on the freeways and districts four, nine, and three. This is the city of Austin responsible. Katy txdot installs the lights, but the city maintains freeway lighting through interlocal agreements. Council needs to demand the city manager to make changes in management policies at Austin energy and pwt. They have not prioritized this deadly safety and quality of life issue . The city, also in fiscal 25, needs to hire a streetlight manager and fund millions more for freeway street lighting repair. The 311 process also needs to be repaired. It's broke without an interstate address and interstate address. Citizens can't report freeway streetlights through the 311 system. Most cities add a gps location to the street lighting. Austin does not routinely Austin energy and public works and transportation closes my outage reports without action. I have numerous 311 reports. They either say no action or parts will be ordered. But what this does, it allows managers at pwt to keep their kpis really high [11:22:46 AM] to keep their kpis really high for you. When in reality they're not repairing the streetlights. This is an unethical practice and I ask council to stop it. Why is it important? Because freeway lighting is a quality of life and a safety issue. Between 2020 and 23, Travis county saw roadway fatality increased by 15. Williamson county saw in district six saw those fatalities increase by 35. 50% of the accidents on our freeways are at night. People are dying. Large portions of elevated freeways and city streets in district three, nine and four are out. I've heard excuses for not making repairs, lane closures, or expensive txdot is going to work at new lights next year. Their excuses and they're not improving our motorist safety and our quality of life. I ask you to make a change. I ask council to demand a good faith effort to repair all underpass and freeway streetlight outages in the city of Austin. Thank you. And then on item 64, honorable councilors , a tough crowd. I know. [11:23:48 AM] , a tough crowd. I know. Councilors, you do not have to pass this resolution to support the lgbtq community. And in fact, not all members of the lgbt community support this woke agenda for transitioning our children's gender with counseling, hormones, medication, and gender reassignment surgeries. This resolution asks city employees to break law, but many city employees like me, are gay and our taxpayers Christians, Jews, muslims and or others who identify as gay. There are gay men and women in the lgbtq community like myself, who have children and do not subscribe to this woke agenda. While we desire to protect all children from harm like bullying, we also know it's in their best interest to wait until most of the affirming health care be pushed on them. We don't want it to be pushed on them as children, science simply doesn't know enough about these effects. Most adults agree we should wait until they have reached an age of appropriately to make these decisions. Unfortunately, your resolution includes minors of any age wishing to change their gender. Whose egos are we [11:24:49 AM] gender. Whose egos are we stroking here? The children who who we say need to change their gender? Or the adults in the room who are pushing it? No minor has enough world experience to make an adult decision about their gender, the resolution says. Gender affirming care is proven to be evidence based. However, the aamc says in a gender affirming care quote has limitations, including that there was likely selection bias in the subjects with supportive caregivers who had resources to gender affirming care, unquote. Also, they also note that there's not solid evidence, quote, to understand some kids are more concrete and some are more abstract, unquote, to continue my quote, kids may be coming at this from different cognitive angles or understandings and capacities, unquote. That's the American medical association. The resolution says the majority of adults agree that transgender minors should have access to care, unquote. Well, not exactly . The pew research study you referenced says 65% of adults agree they should be protected from discrimination and bias. [11:25:50 AM] from discrimination and bias. However, 46% of adults in Texas favor making it illegal for health care professionals to promote someone younger than 18 for gender transition counselors, I ask you to table this resolution. Look at the resolution and ask you, would you be in favor of gender reassignment for your two grandchildren? Aurora Atticus, all star, Jose Perla Camilo, your two younger sisters and your brothers or your immigrant mother miss Fuentes, who also made these decisions? Thank you. Councilors Mr. Mayor, can I have my comments added to the record? >> Your comments are already part of the record. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Jennifer Prescott, item 63, three minutes. >> Good morning, esteemed members of the Austin city council. My name is Jennifer Prescott and I'm an rn for over 30 years and the owner of bluewater home care and hospice. And I serve as the vice president of capital area Parkinson's society and also on the executive board of the [11:26:52 AM] the executive board of the Alzheimer's association. Today, I bring to your attention an often overlooked but crucial issue affecting our community youth caregiving being defined as young people under the age of 18 who provide care and support for family members requiring assistance due to chronic illness, age related decline, disability or other health conditions. These caregiving youth are unsung heroes in our society. Caregiving for a loved one is among the most demanding, challenging, and rewarding human activities. Yet children worldwide actively participate in caregiving every day. Shockingly the United States last formal lacks formal policies or support systems for these young caregivers. Unlike those in place for adult caregivers. Furthermore schools often fail to identify or provide support for caregiving youth, putting them at risk for academic, social, and emotional challenges. The statistic are staggering. In the united state alone, over 5.4 million youth [11:27:53 AM] alone, over 5.4 million youth are caregiving, with more than 70% assisting a parent, grandparent or great grandparent. Many care for disabled siblings or other family members, and 34% need help. More than one person in the household, according to caregiving U.S 2020 report and the national alliance on caregiving and aarp, the economic value of the support caregiving youth provide cannot be overstated. A 2020 article estimates their unpaid labor to be around $8.5 million, and the estimate today would undoubtedly be much higher. It is imperative that we, as a community, recognize and support these young caregivers by providing resources, programs and support networks tailored to their needs. We can alleviate some of the burdens they carry and ensure they have the tools that they succeed both academically and personally. I urge the Austin city council to considering allocating resources [11:28:55 AM] considering allocating resources and funding to support youth caregiving initiatives in our city and identifying the impact of youth caregiving, specifically in Austin, by investigating and programs that provide education, respite care, and emotional support for young caregivers, we can empower them to thrive and fulfill their potential while continuing to care for their loved ones and continue with their own education. We are hoping all of you will support the resolution directing the city manager to conduct a survey on youth caregivers that support family members or guardians, and support updates and final results together, let's pledge to ensure that every young caregiver in our community receives the support and recognition they deserve. Thank you. >> John Zimmerman, item 60 for three minutes. >> I'm don Zimmerman, the first district six. Austin council [11:29:55 AM] district six. Austin council member elected in 2014. My remarks against item 64, the transgender sanctuary resolution, are targeted at the four religious council members sponsoring this despicable resolution and the radical religious lgbt sycophants pushing the abomination of sexualizing children. My intent is to Mok your religious god, who I will iconify as the lgbt unicorn under the rainbow. You March in lgbt pride parades celebrating the righteousness of the unicorns, immoral proclivities, where any proclivity is religiously sanctified merely by adding another letter to the alphabet. I March in resurrection pride parades celebrating the righteousness of the world's only perfect man, demonstrated by his victory over every temptation and over death itself. The point is, all of us, all of us are religious because [11:30:58 AM] all of us are religious because all of us must have a god or a moral standard outside of and with higher authority than merely ourselves. Finally, frankly, your unicorn religion is based on insultingly stupid lies and deceitful language. For example, the resolution whereas proclaims, quote, that gender affirming health care has been proven to be evidence based, medically necessary, and life saving. Close quote. But in truth, poisoning and butchering children is gender denying medical malpractice. It's proven to permanently sterilize children to make them dependent on unaffordable big pharma drugs and additional health care services and increase their chances of committing murder and suicide. As we saw last year in the Nashville school shooting. Finally the world's greatest teacher who is unlawfully excluded from your local government schools under the specious banner of, quote, [11:31:59 AM] specious banner of, quote, inclusive education, has already warned you that it would be better for you to drown in a deep lake than to pass this resolution, which sanctifies and defends the barbaric and demonic destruction of children. And lastly, I want to thank you for moving comments earlier in the day so that we don't wait our eight hours to be heard for three minutes. So thank you for that. And have a blessed day. >> Madeline Asbell, item 63 three minutes following Madeline is Michelle Evans, Gabrielle Clark, Sorin Aldaco, members of the Austin city council. >> Today I bring to your attention an often overlooked but pressing issue affecting our community. Youth caregiving. My name. >> Thank you. >> I wanted wanted you to say your name. For the record, sorry to interrupt you. >> My name is Madeline grace Asbell and I am 15 years old. I am also miss Texas role model [11:33:01 AM] am also miss Texas role model junior teen. I represent the numerous young individuals in our city, serving as caregivers for family members with illnesses, disabilities, and other needs among these caregivers is James, a high school student who faced a difficult decision when James's mother was diagnosed with a chronic illness requiring round the clock care. James had to make sacrifices. Despite their dedication to their education, James had no choice but to drop out of school due to providing essential care for his mother. James's story sheds a light on the harsh realities faced by many youth caregivers in our community. For James, the decision the decision to drop out of school was not made lightly. It was a heartbreaking choice made out of necessity, driven by the profound love and responsibilities he felt towards his mother. James's situation is not unique. Many youth caregivers are forced to put [11:34:02 AM] caregivers are forced to put their education on hold to fulfill their caregiving duties. According to recent studies, 22% of teens who drop out of school do so due to caring responsibilities. These young caregivers are faced with immense challenges balancing the demands of caregiving with their own personal and academic goals. Yet they often go unrecognized and unsupported, lacking the resources and assistance they need to succeed. It is important that we as a community recognize and support these young caregivers like James by providing resources, programs, and support network tailored to their needs, we can ensure that youth caregivers have the tools to succeed academically and personally, even in the face of adversity. I urge the Austin city council to consider allocating resources and funding to support youth caregiving initiatives in our city by investing in programs that offer educational support, counseling services, services, and respite care. We can empower youth [11:35:05 AM] care. We can empower youth caregivers like James to pursue his dreams while continuing to care for his mother. We are hoping that all of you will support this resolution, directing the city manager to conduct a survey on youth caregivers that support family members or guardians and report updates and final results. Together, let's ensure that no youth caregiver in our community feels alone or unsupported. Ed. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. >> Thank you mayor. >> If I could just thank Matty for coming. >> Kelly. >> Thank you. If I could just real quick. Thank you. Matty for being here and for bringing this item to my attention so that we could bring this resolution forward today. Thanks, mayor. >> Thank you. >> Council member. >> The next several speakers are speaking on item 64. So three minutes each. Michelle Evans, Gabriel Clark, Sorin Aldaco and then grant Miller. Please state your name at the podium. Good morning. >> My name is Michelle Evans. I'm here to read a statement by state representative Brian Harrison. The Austin city council has shown continual disregard for both the laws of [11:36:06 AM] disregard for both the laws of the state and the health and safety of your citizens. This council should remember that the city is a political subdivision of the state of Texas, and derives its authority from the state. There is already growing momentum in the Texas legislature for the state to strip the city of Austin of its autonomy and take over city governance, its actions, like the one being proposed today, if passed, make it abundantly clear that this council is unfit to manage the capital city of the greatest state in the country. If this resolution passes, the state should also consider enacting legislation to make any council member who votes for resolutions like this personally liable for any costs associated with, and harms resulting from, the de facto sanctioning and facilitation of these illegal procedures, which result in the mutilation of children and caused them to needlessly become lifelong medical patients. In supporting this resolution, you will demonstrate your hatred of children, opposition to law and order, willingness to put politics over science and a prioritization of profits at the [11:37:08 AM] prioritization of profits at the expense of patients. If you vote for it, you disgrace the office you hold, are an embarrassment to the state of Texas and forfeit any moral authority to govern. Thank you. >> If your name has been called, please go to the podium and just state your name into the record. >> My name is Gabrielle Clark and I am a Texan. I've been a Texan my whole life. Never, never been anywhere else but Texas, aside from a brief stint in Las Vegas where I got to see what it looks like when your entire society has a breakdown because of ideology, like gender ideology and wokeism our whole our whole state is looking to Austin to see what you're going to do. Transitioning children here is illegal, and every single person that votes to do [11:38:08 AM] single person that votes to do that is going to have to answer to the state. I made them aware of this resolution yesterday, the attorney general's office, because nobody is going to harm Texas children anymore, no matter what you think and no matter what you do in the state of Texas, is not going to tolerate any kind of nonsense like this anymore. >> People aren't going anywhere. >> Trans people can stay where they're at in tact, fully intact, without medicalization. As children, you can grow up and do whatever you want to do, but as children you have the right to be free. Free from medications, free from lies, free from ideologies being pushed on you by society, by [11:39:09 AM] pushed on you by society, by your government, by big pharma. My daughter desisted. Why aren't y'all studying desistance? If you care so much about kids, why aren't you studying the people who have already detransitioned into assisted? You think they're not worth it. You think learning about that stuff is not worth it ? You're wrong. Affirming reality. That is what it's all about. Affirming what is real. You don't have to care about what goes on in my life or. Or anybody else's life here. But you have a job to do, and your job is to protect children in this state and in this city and follow the laws that we have already put in place. I can't wait until the governor finds [11:40:14 AM] wait until the governor finds out what's going on here. Table. This resolution. Yeah. Believe it, because he ain't playing. You know, our Republicans don't always agree on stuff, but they agreed on sb 14. >> Thank you for your time. >> Sorin Aldaco, grant Miller, Arthur Dixon, Morgan sher, please just state your name at the podium. >> Hi, everyone. >> My name is Sorin Aldaco. I'm an honor student at UT. A seventh generation Texan and a current constituent of district three. I'm also a former trans kid. I began identifying as trans at age 11, was outed as trans at age 15, and started testosterone at age 17, and underwent a double mastectomy that almost killed me. A month after my 19th birthday. Less than half a year later, after experiencing no dearth of complications related to these [11:41:14 AM] complications related to these treatments, I chose to make peace with my sex instead of fighting it. I now have one of the first lawsuits of its kind, designed to hold the practitioners who transitioned me accountable. I was an autistic gender nonconforming, weird girl. I needed competent therapy and love not drugs and plastic surgery. As I'm sure you know, this proposal is entirely ornamental. Given tht sb 14 is not enforced criminally and intentionally so. This proposal serves one purpose to endorse experimental medicine that pathologizes gender nonconformity and teaches children to internalize sexist stereotypes instead of uprooting them. The science is not settled and independent reviews like the ucs Cass review make this abundantly clear. Despite what certain activists have to say, the ama, the Apa, and other organizations you've referenced in your proposal were founded to protect the practitioners behind this medicine, not the patients receiving it. And frankly, America is falling behind the Progressive countries that laid [11:42:16 AM] Progressive countries that laid the foundation for gender affirming care. Thank Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have started slamming on the brakes. I'm here to ask that light that you like them. Give it time. Let's encourage resilience. Instead of throwing around suicide against samaritans guidelines and insinuating that there is no other way, where will you be in 20 years? When the children who were shuttled down the gender affirming pipeline by your hand, who would have likely otherwise grown up to be happy, healthy and gay, end up depressed, sterilized, and medically enigmatic, do not implicate yourselves in one of the largest medical scandals to date. Wait it out and listen to the science carefully. Say no to item 64. Thank you, thank you . >> Titus, go. Yes, please. >> Just state your name for the record. [11:43:17 AM] record. >> Hey, all. My name is grant Miller. I'm a graduating senior at UT Austin and a constituent of district nine. This is an issue that screams at my conscience. I was a trans woman identifying that way from June to November of last year before desisting. I use transition as a way to escape my long standing fears of masculinity and to escape my own self-hatred. I was always a very soft, effeminate boy. I liked mermaids and tutus and my little pony and dress up as a butterfly for Halloween. But when I hit puberty, I started to feel increasingly uncomfortable in my own skin. It didn't help that my mom and many of the women in her family suffered from sexual trauma. The priests, the stepdad, the uncle, the ex-boyfriend, all abusive men who left permanent generational scars on us over the years. My shoulders broadened, my voice deepened, and I began to tower of my petite mother. I believe that because I was becoming a man, I was becoming an abuser. Puberty is not a disease, but as a child, the idea of living in an adult body terrified me. I couldn't fathom walking the Earth as a man. The word alone disgusted me. If I had been told as a child that I could simply pause puberty or change my sex to be a girl, I have no doubt I would have taken it up [11:44:18 AM] would have taken it up immediately. It took me so long to come to terms with myself and to claim my own version of masculinity, and to fully embrace myself as a man. The culmination of my traumas led me to identify as a trans woman for half of last year and sign up to start hormones. My spiral of affirmation and self-destruction was itself traumatic, but I was an adult. That's not even what's at stake here. Sb 14 limits so- called gender affirming care for only minors. Make no mistake, your draft resolution encourages medical interventions for children. I speak against item 64 to defend these children, specifically boys and young men like myself, and the right to grow up without permanent adult intervention. Your medicalizing a time of life that is uncomfortable for all people, but especially so for neurodivergent, gender non-conforming, and same sex attracted children like myself. If you put them on puberty blockers, if you put them on hormones, you're robbing them of the right to life. Children are smart, but not wise. They cannot consent, and we don't even let anyone under 18 get a tattoo. Why are we sterilizing them with experimental medicine? Doctors across the country are putting children on blockers and hormones. They are chopping off children's breasts and they're even mutilating children with [11:45:20 AM] even mutilating children with so-called bottom surgery. They are placed in with hard drugs, turning them into lifelong patients, taking the doctors behind these castrations deserve jail, but Texas merely seeks to take away their licenses. There is no such thing as a gendered soul or a trans child, because no child is born in the wrong body. Any belief that a child needs to change their bodies is inherently religious. One and scientific consensus worldwide is finally turning against this new religion. I call upon you today to reject item 64 and thus make a bold step for progress. Thank you. >> Arthur Dixon Morgan share Craig paszkowski Mercedes Chandler. If your name has been called, please come to the podium and state your name. There >> Okay. Hi, my name is ether Dixon. I live here in Austin's third district, and I experienced extreme gender dysphoria from a young age, leading to me coming out as transgender. At 13. I began begging for hormone blockers and testosterone, constantly slept and sometimes showered in unsafe chest binders, started [11:46:20 AM] chest binders, started self-harming and cutting body parts that made me look feminine all before I started seeing a gender therapist as a mid-teen who helped move my family to accept my identity using the phrase do you want a dead daughter or living son? After a routine fight and breakdown, I was finally allowed to start cross-sex hormones just after turning 17. One visit later, I rode the high a gender euphoria, finally getting to further the transition. I had been working all of my life for months into starting T. I was diagnosed with a cardiovascular intolerance, having constant issues with heart regulation and passing out. I continue taking the testosterone causing constant mood swings and later excruciating joint pain. Still, I believe these drugs were saving my life despite so clearly disabling it. A stray thought ultimately asking why am I so distressed in myself and how people perceive me is what began to unravel my world. At 19, I am now 21, still unpacking the trauma that made me want to cut off body parts, dealing with complications of steroid use like vaginal atrophy, extreme joint pain and discomfort from permanently changing my sex characteristics. All for how I identified and was affirmed in [11:47:20 AM] identified and was affirmed in my trauma from a child to adult. The legislation this item is against is not taking away rights or anatomy. It is regulating experimental medicine on children in a non-criminal way, save every kid from the unnecessary hormone complication and lost body parts. Question why kids and adults are rejecting their sexes and give these kids the therapeutic supports they need and deserve to love and accept their selves and bodies? Say no to proposal 64. Thank you. Thank you. >> My name is Morgan. A shear Chris Pratt once said, be the light. That's all I am standing here to be today. A light that shines on potentially overlooked facts about reality. If there was someone in the room with president Kennedy who would have been the light and shined on all the facts that the challenger shuttle was mathematically unsafe to operate in cold weather, we would have six more astronauts today. Concord high school would have not lost their best English teacher, and seven families would still have their [11:48:21 AM] families would still have their father or mother. Their son or daughter. Council members and Mr. Mayor, I am simply standing here to humbly do what the boardroom of Kennedy's advisors would not do. Be light, because truth and reality exceed political affiliation. So what are the realities of gender mutilation? Well, the truth is it starts in the definition of gender, which has been definitely definitionally mutilated. The first cut was the separation of gender from sex because there are some who argue that viewing these as binary is a misunderstanding. The second cut was to separate sex into four basic parts chromosomal, hormonal, non-reproductive organs, and reproductive organs being taught in textbooks. These films are extremely under-researched, unproven, and to be Franck too young to trust. Now consider gender from the grounding truth of reality, written in 2021. In a moment of prayer for mankind to look at their creator and proclaim in [11:49:21 AM] their creator and proclaim in deed your creation wasn't right. Good enough or final is just to repeat the first sin. Adam and eve, in ignorance UND contentedness said, indeed, the tree of life isn't good enough. So when the serpent gave a reason to eat the forbidden fruit from the only tree with a declaration of death attached to it, he spoke to what their discontent was already whispering. God is keeping something good better from you. We know this can't be true because one who spoke the statement to the banishment from the garden and three, the price that Jesus Christ had to pay to write this curse on all of humankind for humans to look upon, created gender and decide it wasn't done right when it was god who knit each person together in their mother's womb is an extension of discontent expression that god has withheld something good and better from us, and we must acquire it no matter the cost. It is a god like action that is rooted in [11:50:22 AM] like action that is rooted in self idolatry and does not love god with mind, soul, and strength, nor does it love others as it brings created reality into question to a life altering point that can cause a lifetime of confusion for anyone . Ungrounded the people who spoke before me, anyone ungrounded upon the rock of ages, Jesus Christ. If god created nature isn't good enough, what can ever be? >> Thank you ma'am. Members of the council and public. We're at 1150, we have a time certain at noon when we take up public comment. And what I. What we will do is we will take that public comment up, the time certain public comment up at noon, we will reset when that is completed. That usually takes [11:51:22 AM] completed. That usually takes about 30 to, 35 minutes. When that is completed, we will recess until 110, and then we will continue with, the consent agenda at that point in time. Sorry to interrupt you, sir. If you'll just state your name for the record, you have the microphone. >> Good morning. >> My name is Craig Paczkowski. As a pastor in the area, it's good to be able to speak with you about transgenderism and our youth today. So I grew up in Massachusetts, and I was bullied as a middle schooler. It was such a painful and impactful time for me that as an adult, I would return to earn a master's degree in school counseling at the age of 30 and work as a middle school counselor for ten years, and then eight more years at the high school level. Just to be able to come alongside young people in the very difficult time of life. So I want you to hear my heart of compassion today, compassion for all people and especially young people, as they learn to navigate life healthfully. How have you all coped with the [11:52:24 AM] have you all coped with the difficulties of life, as we all cope in some way with the sense that something's not quite right in the world? Don't we? Developmentally, this begins around the sixth or seventh grade, when we start to really try to understand who we are outside the small world of being a son or daughter of a particular family unit. So what do we do with this dissonance? The sense that something's broken in the world? As a pastor, I'm convinced that the Christian faith gives the most compelling explanation for what is wrong with the world, and how restoration and wholeness can return to self, and to family and to community. We call it restoring shalom, restoring peace and wholeness and fullness to one's soul. The Christian faith is clear that this can only be done one way, and that is by desiring to know if Jesus is truly god and then to allow Jesus and his truth in the bible to shape you. God's truth is [11:53:25 AM] to shape you. God's truth is also very clear from the first book of the bible that god made human beings male and female. So god's word affirms what science with XX and xy chromosomes as well as human anatomy confirms to us. But we still have a problem. What do we do with this dissonance? The sense that there is something wrong in the world? Is it me? Is it the way others think? Do I just need more education? Maybe I was born in the wrong body. As leaders of our community, we look to provide healthy, life giving, nourishing policies that allow people and our community of Austin to truly flourish in their healthy life, giving answers to life's pain, compassion, and love compel me to ask you to vote no on this resolution to allow young people whose brains are not even fully formed, yet so desperate to find rest for their souls to come to Austin and receive such forever body scarring and skull soul scarring procedures. Our [11:54:27 AM] scarring procedures. Our children are counting on us to lead them well, to lead them in truth and wholeness, to help them restore true shalom. Thank you and may god bless you and guide your work and service to Austin and the great state of Texas. >> Thank you. >> My name is Mercedes Chandler. I'm a member of gays against groomers and I live here in Austin, Texas. I'm also a member of the gay community. Growing up I only played with boy toys. I only wore boy boy cargo shorts and polo shirts. I was the epitome of a boy. I knew I was different from a young age before any of my birthday parties, my mother would get on the phone and call the other parents to tell them to only buy me boy toys. She supported me as a masculine child. What she didn't do is talk about gender, ideology, something that would have confused me growing up. Something that would have made me question my very existence. [11:55:28 AM] me question my very existence. Instead she let me grow up to be me. She let me know or she let me grow up knowing that it's okay to be a tomboy. Because of this, I look back and thank her every single day. If I were allowed to make these irreversible changes to my body as a child, I would have hated who I am today. Instead, I grew up to be a proud masculine lesbian who was ever so grateful to be happy and healthy without any irreversible consequences. Why should being a tomboy come with lifelong side effects? If I were growing up in today's age, I would have not been so fortunate. I would have been allowed and encouraged to undergo medicalization that could have irreversibly damaged my body. Instead Ed as a child, or a decision that as a child I would have been way too young to make. Kids are unable to grasp the concept of what lifelong means, how could they? Anyone under the age of 18 hasn't lived very long in the first place. Therefore, gays against groomers urges this council to vote no on prop 64 because of kids like me [11:56:30 AM] prop 64 because of kids like me who would have been negatively impacted by it growing up today. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Mayor, I think that's all I've called so far. Do you want me to call one more or. >> Yes, please. >> Mary castle. Sofia Sepulveda, are you married? Okay. >> It is Sofia Sepulveda here. Why don't you make your way to the front and you'll be the, our our final speaker on the consent agenda prior to us going to our 12:00 time. Certain. Thank you. Sorry to interrupt you. Please state your name, and it's all yours. >> Good morning, mayor Watson. >> And members of the Austin city council. My name is Mary Elizabeth castle, and I'm the director of government relations for Texas values. But I'm also a resident of Austin, Texas and [11:57:30 AM] resident of Austin, Texas and live in district one. I'm here to speak in opposition to agenda item 64, which is illegal, illogical, and just downright irresponsible. Every time the Texas legislature passes public policy on issues that you do not agree with, or a single council member doesn't agree with because of personal beliefs, the city council retaliate with resolutions to message to the public that they are above the law and simply do not want to comply. It was the same situation with the passing of the Texas heartbeat law, and even the passage of sb 22. The problem of the city council thumbing their noses at laws that protect people has become so severe that the legislature has even considered passing laws to address this particular issue. But today's resolution and agenda item 64 is the most severe example of Austin city council believing that they are above the law. You are greenlighting and advocating for the irreversible damage of children through sex change operations. First, what you're doing is illegal. This does not have to be explained. Secondly [11:58:31 AM] have to be explained. Secondly what you're doing is illogical. Your resolution seeks to have the district attorney ignore enforcement of sb 14. But did you even read the law? Violation of the law to protect children from harmful sex change operations results in a doctor losing his medical license through the Texas medical board. You seek to have power in a place where power was not given to you. Lastly, your resolution is downright irresponsible, but your previous resolutions to undermine pro-life laws, you as a council have already shown your disregard for the lives of children, sex change operations, which includes puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and removal of healthy body parts, only ruin the lives of children. These procedures result in sexual dysfunction, Ann, suicidal thoughts, and even death. Moreover they were irreversible. As a city council, you claim to care about the mental health of people, but you are not even offering this to these kids. Counseling is what they need and it is a proven method to address kids dealing with gender dysphoria. If the council passes this resolution, I can [11:59:31 AM] this resolution, I can definitively say that in Austin, Texas, the kids are not. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good morning, my name is Sofia Sepulveda. I'm the field director with equality Texas, and I'm here to support item 64. Our our community already faced these challenges, so I thank you for bringing the resolution. Who has no legal teeth except to say that Austin supports trans people. I'm 47 years old. I knew who I was when I was four years old, which I will make me a trans kid. Then and again, I'm very happy who I am. I just did a density. Bones. My bones are really okay, per my doctor, and the only reason, the only thing that causes me depression is the bigots who were testifying before me. Also know trans kids are having surgery, but I tell [12:00:31 PM] are having surgery, but I tell you who is 13 year old girls getting breast implants or ten year old little girls being forced to give birth, but they're all quiet about it, aren't they? Let's be honest here. These people who are against this resolution do not care about children. If they did their investigate. Churches and pastors who have been arrested almost daily on the charges of sexual assault. If they care about children, they will come with us to expand medicaid in Texas. In Texas has the highest number of uninsured children in the United States. If they care about children, they will fight to increase the minimum wage. So low income families can take care of their children. If they care about children, they call for a ceasefire in gaza. Now so now the cost report, who has been making this round? The doctor is literally backtracking the report. Doctor Hilary Krauss herself has stated in interviews that puberty blockers and hormone therapy should be made available at different ages based on individual need as well stated, puberty blockers at 15 is too late to have the desired effect in young kids. This is [12:01:32 PM] effect in young kids. This is doctor Cassidy's. They knew this. If they only read, but they are too busy banning books to actually read them. Would, would about hormone replacement therapy. I would not be here. I will be dead. I mean, a new poll you show that people have higher regret of having children or need surgery than having access to hormone replacement therapy. I thank you again for putting this resolution protecting the lgbtq community in Texas, especially in Austin. And I urge you to vote yes on item 64. Thank you. Thank you. Members. >> What we'll do. >> Thank you all. Hang on. Folks, we've got a lot of people that are going to want to testify on a number of things. And so if you can help us maintain some order, we'll get to people in a more timely fashion. And we appreciate your being here. But we're trying to get to everybody in the order that we can get through them. [12:02:34 PM] that we can get through them. What we're going to do now is we're going to go to our 12:00 time certain and we will have the public communication when the public communication is completed. Members. What I will do at that time is without objection, we will recess the city council meeting until 110, and we'll come back in at 110. And we will begin again with our consent agenda. So with that, I'll turn to the city clerk and ask that you please start calling the names of those who are signed up for public comment at the 12:00 time. Certain Gabriella Zeidan. Please call three names, folks, if you could take your conversations, phone. If you could please take your conversations outside the chambers so that we can continue with public testimony after Gabriella is lugo Abu Ammar and Leonora scg. When your name has [12:03:35 PM] Leonora scg. When your name has been called, please make your way to the front of the chambers . I'm sorry I can't. I didn't hear what you had to say. >> The speakers the speakers are not being let in right now. >> Well, when some when I hear you that I understand that. So if as people leave, others will be allowed to come in. If you're if you're in the council chambers, we can't have you blocking. Please clear the aisles. Thank you. All right. Please begin. Sorry for the interruption, mayor. >> Council members, my name is Gabriella Rosie, and I'm here as one of the human rights commissioners that brought to you the recommendation to support a ceasefire in gaza. I am here to reaffirm the need for a call that brings our city together now more than ever. In the recommendation, we called [12:04:36 PM] the recommendation, we called upon the city council to express support for an explicit ceasefire demand, the release of civilian hostages, the resumption of essential supplies, and the urgent initiation of a political process that prioritizes truth, reconcile creation, restitution and a future where the Israeli and Palestinian people are equally safe and free of oppression. Ann. The recommendation also called on the city council to promote values of tolerance and counter anti-semitism, ism, islamophobia, anti-arab and anti- palestinian sentiments. Did we believe that the city council resolution had a direct influence on our government's foreign policy? I am not under such a false illusion, but I do believe that not standing and walling ourselves into silence and not taking action is divisive in our Austin city, and also makes us complicit in moving forward to change. Next slide please. Our city's failure to call for peace is unacceptable, especially to a [12:05:37 PM] unacceptable, especially to a younger generation that is protesting here at the university of Texas and other universities against our country's leaders. Unconditional support for what human rights commissioner organizations around the world have deemed a genocide a moral stance. No different from that of previous generations that protested our protests to our country's foreign inhumane wars for civil rights, and against our country's long history of systemic racism and social injustice. Next slide please bio accusations of anti-semitism for protesting the killing and the starving of a population. It must not stand. Next slide please. Council I am Lebanese, Arab, American and Christian. I am one identity overlooked in our country's census. In discussions of bipoc communities, we are left out and identity that has that. Moustafa bayoumi stated is different enough to hate, not enough to count, but that is not good enough anymore. We have attended [12:06:37 PM] enough anymore. We have attended every single council meeting, many of us enduring the agony of losing loved ones and our homes and bombardments in real time. And despite the absence of our cause on the agenda. Yet we show up and we speak because we recognize that we have a right to be here. Our identities matter, our history, and our culture in a way that we represent ourselves, that matters, and that will not be ignored. So because of this recommendation, it gave us access to the space that we will not leave in a city that we call home. The recommendation meets the aspirations of all involved. The Arab and Muslim communities pain. When we say not to our people, the jewish voices that shout not in our name, and the call for community saying bring their loved ones home, pass a ceasefire. >> Your time has expired. Thank you so much. Next speaker, please. Welcome, sir. You have three minutes. >> Okay. >> Mayor, I wish you were here. [12:07:41 PM] >> Mayor, I wish you were here. Council members. My name is Louis Abu Amara. I am an American citizen, originally Palestinian. I am a husband, a father, and a member of the Austin community for almost 25 years and someone who lost five members of his extended family in gaza. I came to speak to you back on February 1st. Since then, I have been watching the speeches and noticed that pro-israeli speakers have concentrated on vilifying the Palestinian community and our allies in apparent that is escalating in other cities where the example for pro-Israel mobs have descended on encampments and UCLA and showed the viciousness that, emboldened by Israel's impunity in a video, a lady told protesters to go to palestine and hoping that they would get raped, which ties to speeches uttered in this very chamber calling us rape apologists, and one speaker accusing us of distributing stickers saying rape is resistance. This is despicable, and I hope that the city would distance itself from such hateful rhetoric as a [12:08:44 PM] hateful rhetoric as a Palestinian. The best saying that I can apply to this is every accusation is a confession. And let me explain why relating to the accusations of systematic rape on October 7th, I suggest you watch Amy Goodman's interview with staff of the intercept on March 1st, 2024, which is available for free on YouTube. And it's an eye opener debunks the whole ordeal, just like the lies about 40 beheaded babies and babies put in ovens. However, Israel's history however, Israel's history of sexual violence against Palestinians outrages to say the least. I would like to recommend a documentary called tantura about the inception of the state of Israel in 1948. Men as old as my grandfather, boasting and laughing about raping girls as young as 16 years old. Since then, until now, there are countless reports from the un and other human rights organizations of sexual violence committed against Palestinians, especially men, that were ignored in blind support of Israel. The Washington post quoted us diplomats as early as in 1979, [12:09:45 PM] diplomats as early as in 1979, describing Israeli torture to men as extreme form of sexual sadism. Josh Paul and save the children talked of sexual violence, including rape, of boys as young as 13 years old. Haaretz just produced an article a couple of days ago recounting forms of torture exercised on Palestinian men, including piling men naked on top of each other and violating them, putting Abu ghraib to shame. You can read the article for yourself and for more details. Time is running out. There's a rogue entity that's committing some of the worst atrocities known to men. They are talking of letting women and children out of rafah so they can go in and massacre the men. Because you have been conditioned to think that our men are animals. So a pariah state can have its phony victory if you do not act. This regime and its hooligans in the us will get more emboldened. UCLA is only the tip of the iceberg. Your inaction will bring it to Austin. Call for a ceasefire. >> Thank you. Next speaker Lynn [12:10:45 PM] >> Thank you. Next speaker Lynn Laura schiera Abigail Malik speaker Amar, speakers, if you will come up to the front of the front row, the names, can you, call the addition two additional names, please? Yes. Leonora. Shak, Abigail. Malik. Ellie or Amar on deck, please. >> Those three folks on deck could come to the front, line here, the front row. So you're ready to go. And, ma'am, you have three minutes. Welcome >> I am speaking on behalf of Laura sharga. She's not feeling well. >> Video one, could you give us your name, please? >> I'm sorry. You're not allowed to replace someone who's registered to speak. >> We'll take the next speaker, please. Abigail Malik. >> My name is Abigail Malik. I'm a resident of district one, a UT graduate, a therapist, and a small business owner. I'm a [12:11:46 PM] small business owner. I'm a descendant of survivors of the holocaust in Germany and the pogroms in Russia. And most importantly, I am a jewish mother. Jewish safety is on the forefront of my mind, especially as former president trump is running for office again. And I remember the uptick in anti-semitic incidences in Travis county when he ran the first time. And Elon Musk, one of the richest and most influential people in the world, is praising harmful conspiracy theories about jewish people to trump, and musk's rhetoric emboldens hate groups, which makes my family and all jewish people less safe. Anti- semitism is real, and it's scary, and it's alive and well in Texas. But in order to track and curtail anti-semitism, we must get clear about what anti-semitism actually is and what it isn't. The anti-defamation league or adl is spreading the idea that criticism of Israel is hate speech against jewish people, but we would never consider that a valid argument for any other [12:12:46 PM] a valid argument for any other country. We would never say that criticism of the Mexican government is hate speech against all Latinos everywhere in the world. We would never say that criticism of Iran is hate speech against all muslims in every country. So why do we hold Israel up on that bizarre pedestal? Critics ism of governments is political speech protected by the first amendment, not hate speech? The adl's attempt to paint criticism of Israel as hate speech makes it harder to track anti- semitic incidences. And when any government, including Israel, is bombing hospitals, bombing refugee camps, residential neighborhoods and crowded marketplaces, my jewish values demand that I speak out against those horrific war crimes students who are protesting against war crimes and genocide are not an anti-semite attic threat. They are as heroic as [12:13:47 PM] threat. They are as heroic as the students who once protested against the Vietnam war and apartheid in South Africa. Furthermore, the cease fire resolution brought forth by the Austin human rights commission, which includes return of all hostages, combating anti-semitism and islamophobia, and an end to hostilities, is something that can promote safety and peace, both here and across the world. There should be nothing controversial about those things. Returning hostages, combat Singh, anti-semitism and islamophobia and speaking out against war crimes are things that the Austin city council should proudly stand behind. I urge you to pass the cease fire resolution. It is not too late. Thank you, thank you. >> Next speaker. Eliana Amar. >> Kellen. Gildersleeve. Cyrus day. If your name has been called, please come on down and just state your name into the [12:14:47 PM] just state your name into the microphone. >> Where's the mayor? Where >> Hi, my name is Laura Maher, mayor Watson distinguished council members. Good afternoon. I'm here to thank you for holding firm so far and offer my perspective and make a request that I'm the son of a jewish immigrant from Morocco and the grandson of holocaust survivors from Poland and Romania. This odd mix of genes and spices came to life in Haifa, a beautiful mountainous city on the coastline of Israel, also a mixed city where Jews, Christians, muslims, baha'is and druze have coexisted for generations. Growing up, to me that was a given. I've seen firsthand how Israel works to protect its minorities and the rights. I've also seen witnessed the cruelty of our enemies. When busses, restaurants and shopping centers packed with innocent Israelis were blown up by Palestinian suicide bombers and lost people, I knew personally when I came to the U.S. As an adult, I was shocked to learn [12:15:50 PM] adult, I was shocked to learn that my history had been rewritten and the truth completely twisted. The mind boggles at the lies, and I cannot stay silent. I worked on a us college campus for three years and saw how our democratic system is being taken advantage of in the name of freedom of speech. We have allowed terrorists and radicalized minds like the ones we just listened to hijack the public space. College kids are being manipulated into hating their own country and its closest ally, Israel, under the false guise of critical thinking or pseudo research. But what scares me even more is the lack of moral clarity among their professors and academic staff. They showed us in their own testimonies that they simply cannot tell right from wrong. And so, as our elected officials, the burden of guiding the way and setting the tone rests on your shoulders to uphold each and every one of those brainwashed Israel, us haters belong to one of three groups those who are painfully uneducated about the history of the Middle East and the origin of the jewish people. Those who ignore the facts that don't fit [12:16:51 PM] ignore the facts that don't fit with the lies they believe in, out of fear of having to acknowledge our truth and change their mind. And finally, those who are driven by hate and violence so much that they lost their moral compass and all reason entirely. Some fall under all three categories. They also tend to be the loudest. I didn't come here to ask you to oppose or support a cease fire. I've come to ask you to stop this madness. Pass a resolution that the city of Austin will not release any statements on a foreign countries policy. I'm the son of a Moroccan immigrant and the grandson of holocaust survivors, and I owe it to them. I'm proud to live in America and pay my dues to keep our economy strong and our best days ahead of us. Our local community needs you to focus on issues that truly affect us here housing, health care, transportation. I owe it to my ancestors like you owe it to your families to keep our community safe and prospering. Pass the resolution to stay out of this and put an end to this waste of time that fuels more hate. Thank you very [12:17:52 PM] fuels more hate. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you. >> Next speaker, please. Welcome, ma'am. And if you'll give us your name. >> Just proving my point. >> Good afternoon. I'm Kellen Gilbert. Good afternoon, I'm Kellen Gildersleeve from district one. I have served our city as a registered nurse for the past decade. My values as an rn bring me here today to urge you to adopt a ceasefire resolution. Health care is sacred and protected under international humanitarian law. Despite this, doctors and nurses in gaza are under attack, with nearly 500 health care workers killed since October. This surpasses the total number of medical worker deaths in all global conflicts in 2021 and 2022 combined. The health care [12:18:53 PM] 2022 combined. The health care system there has completely collapsed, and 32 out of the 36 hospitals in the strip have been destroyed as a colleague of mine, a pediatrician recently, recently went on a medical assignment to gaza. She told me that before she entered, they told her at the border that she was entering at her own risk, as there is evidence that health care workers have been specifically targeted. A pediatrician should not have to be deployed to areas of conflict. She shouldn't have to choose which preemie to resuscitate because there's only one ventilator available. Her children are a protected class in war. According to the un convention of the rights of a child, Israel's inhumane blockade on medical supplies has decimated the quality of care for kids. They're like children. Pregnant patients have also have the right to care that preserves their health and dignity. Here in Austin, our patients can largely choose low paying births that are safe for both mom and baby. But in gaza, deliveries, [12:19:54 PM] baby. But in gaza, deliveries, even c-sections are being performed without anesthesia. Tragically, there are multiple reports of postmortem c-sections on mothers who have died by airstrike. Such indiscriminate bombing must be condemned by all and especially by our community leaders. I also want to briefly respond to the deeply unserious claims that anti-genocide activists are rape apologists. During my time as a sexual assault nurse examiner, I witnessed how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by sexual assault, ethnic cleansing campaigns inevitably perpetuate inequality and dehumanization. Breeding conditions for such sexual violence, Palestinians of all genders are subjected to sexual attacks at the hands of the Israeli military, especially those who are taken into custody. One year ago, you eu council passed a resolution in support of medicare for all affirming that health care is a human right. Today, I ask, what impedes your support for gaza's [12:20:55 PM] impedes your support for gaza's medical workers? Funding that could be utilized for medicare for all here at home is instead paying for bombs that are being dropped on hospitals. Please use this moment to display moral leadership and call for a cease fire now. And I would also say, as a queer genderfluid austinite, I ask that you support item 64. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Next. Saru Sade drew Doggett. >> Cliff. Cliff. Brian Weldon. If your name has been called, please make your way down and then just state your name into the microphone. Saru Sade drew Doggett cliff Clive, Brian Weldon. >> Thank you. I'm saru I've come here today to share some alarming insights on trending public sentiment over the last six months. Specific here in Austin as it pertains to [12:21:55 PM] Austin as it pertains to individual stances on what seems to be human rights issues with the help of tools like Google keyword planner and social listening technology, I scanned popular social media platforms as well as Google search, and was quite shocked to discover the degree of impact that an issue across the world had on a group of unknown council members in little old Austin, Texas. So I wanted to start from the top. This chart here shows an aggregated combined social media searches for each of you and what you'll what. What's particularly interesting is the substantial spike that you'll notice in in mid-october. Now, if we further break this down, you're able to actually see the sentiment across that volume in both search and social using geofence filtered just for Austin, Texas. And again, notice a sharp rise in negative sentiment towards council members juxtaposed against declining positive mentions, again, this represents a collective sentiment of the [12:22:56 PM] collective sentiment of the whole gang, so I was most interested to know who was holding the team down. I think with my time, I thought it would be most valuable to show actual conversations and with with limited time. I'll start with our man Kirk, which might be in the back room of sorts. You'll notice keywords here, like overdose incidents, brief marriage, hates palestine, ceasefire call, 30,000 children, aipac funds and why pro- Israel, Ryan alter, Mackenzie Kelly, Allison alter I wish I could point you out. I highly recommend you look into your online presences, particularly alarming, it's a little bit more minimal, largely passionate. It resembles that of Kirk's, plus a few additional keywords that include opponent and reelection date. But the numbers are starting to show. Show that there are the beginning of even newer trends that I think you should be aware of, Jose Velasquez Leslie pool and Vanessa Fuentes, flying fairly under the radar, at least, at [12:23:56 PM] under the radar, at least, at least as it pertains to negative attention. Zohaib also fairly under the radar, except for the most recent 45 days, which shows a spike in keywords like zohaib zionist under cover adl, as well as reelection dates. So I'm not exactly sure what is brewing, but just since this morning, it has strengthened. And, it seems that people actually know who you are or care about your beliefs and are actively monitoring your stance. On one hand, congratulations on the fact that you will not be forgotten. And on the other hand, remember that what may be going on here is alarming, and that you should never forget. Regret is poison. I hope you do right by the people that represent you before you don't. Thank you. >> Drew Doggett. Followed by cliff Clive, Brian Weldon. >> Lots of stuff going on, thank [12:24:59 PM] >> Lots of stuff going on, thank you for your time today. >> I would first like to recognize the policy makers who acknowledge the brave students and faculty who peacefully exercised their first amendment rights both across the street and across the nation over the past week. Now, for something different, my name is drew Doggett and I have lived in district three for three years on February 1st, just after 8 P.M, I took a walk outside of my apartment across the street to go valley neighborhood park. A few hundred feet from my door. A stranger attacked me and stabbed me in the arm. I'm thankful for the Austin community, for my Austin community and the first responders who showed up within minutes of calling 911 while I have processed this event, many individuals in my apartment and surrounding neighborhood have cited this very incident for a reason for moving away to a different district or a different city. I am not here to end violent crime, [12:26:01 PM] end violent crime, gentrification, or homelessness, but I do believe in taking measures to ensure public safety. I propose the council allocate additional funds toward enhanced public lighting. A new York study found that increased street and park led lights led to a 36% reduction in nighttime crimes. There's an abundance of academic research showing how lighting encourages residents to be outside, increases informal surveillance, and the likelihood of recognizing any offenders. My neighborhood has seen an increase in car break-ins this year. Vehicle and bicycle thefts are more prone in darker areas. In winter months, it gets dark before 6 P.M. Here in Austin. Our perception of comfort and freedom is affected by our immediate physical environment and the potential for crimes in your handouts, I've provided some guidance on how we can efficiently and effectively illuminate walkways, bike paths and entrances via cost effective led fixtures. But what comes after this implementation is a feeling. A feeling of security to walk your dog, the comfort to finish your run at dusk or dawn, [12:27:04 PM] finish your run at dusk or dawn, and the ability to join a wider community without this feeling of safety. We isolate before any additional trees are planted or benches are installed. I urge the council to consider these safety measures first. Prioritizing wallet parks aligns with the council's commitment to public safety and well-being. No one should feel afraid in their own neighborhood. This is but one step in creating a safer public space for all residents to enjoy. Thank you for considering this investment. Thank you. >> Cliff Clive and then Brian Weldon. >> Good afternoon. >> My name is cliff Clive. District eight this past week has seen heavily militarized police crackdowns on unarmed college students at UT Austin and around the country. Students are demanding their school's financial divestment from companies profiting from Israel' illegal military occupation in palestine. They were non violent. Acts of civil disobedience met with an [12:28:08 PM] disobedience met with an unnecessary display of brutality. The photos will be among the most iconic recorded from Austin during this council's tenure. This is your legacy. So how did we get here? The anti-defamation league's 2023 anti-semitism audit matched the number of incidents in the previous three years combined, but rallies were included simply if a chant like from the river to the sea, palestine will be free was heard, the adl falsely claims this is a call for genocide, but it is explicitly a call for an end to apartheid and recognition of equal rights for all people living in the historic territory of palestine. It is absurd to suggest that the protested crimes of genocide, apartheid and occupation are inherently connected to judaism. These slogans are not ethnic or religious criticisms. They are political. They condemn Israel's humanitarian crimes, well documented in a long list of un resolutions going back to 1948. I want to live in a city where [12:29:08 PM] I want to live in a city where brave students can freely raise their voices and call for justice for crimes against humanity. For months, we've been asking the city council to pass a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire against the genocide in gaza. We know the council can't enforce it. Still, we ask for two reasons. First, recognize that Israel has no viable military solution for its goal of eliminating hamas without the slaughter of tens or hundreds of thousands more civilians, more than half of whom are children. Ann. This is not an achievable objective in guerrilla warfare. In a densely populated urban area, the councils recognition of this will encourage us as a community to focus our discussion on political resolutions to the conflict based on international humanitarian law. Second, we call for a return to Austin's Progressive values as you lead [12:30:11 PM] Progressive values as you lead our multicultural communities, reckoning with this crisis. Earlier this year, a team of lawyers from South Africa and Ireland took Israel to the international court of justice on charges of committing genocide. These two countries role is significant because of their well-known suffering under colonization and apartheid. The oppressed know oppression when they see it. Your continued avoidance of this issue betrays a preference for the absence of tension over the presence of justice and that same cynical moral compass is brought to bear on every thank you initiative discussed in this chamber. >> Sir, your time has came with this, but I believe the people of Austin. Thank you. Brian Weldon. >> Brian, please come to the podium. >> Please come forward to identify yourself. And you have the podium. [12:31:12 PM] the podium. >> My name is Brian Weldon, and I'm a resident of district three. The pain, death, dehumanization and outrage the Palestinian people have had to bear at the hands of the Israeli government over the last 75 years is what compels me to be here today. As a native austinite, I take a lot of pride in the identity of our city as a welcoming, inclusive place that stands up and does the right thing in the face of outside pressure. As our elected officials, you are the stewards of that identity. You make the choices that determine what our city is and what it will be. I ask you today to make such a choice. Put the cease fire resolution developed by the city's human rights commission on the agenda, and commit to joining the 70 other American cities who have already passed a cease fire resolution in the last two weeks. More than 100 students and activists have been arrested, pepper sprayed or beaten for the heinous act of hanging out on the south mall lawn, holding a few signs teaching people about the atrocities happening in palestine and how they can help. A model of peaceful protest. Like many of you, these actions by APD UTPD and dps fill me with [12:32:13 PM] by APD UTPD and dps fill me with a mixture of rage at the violence inflicted upon these kids, sadness about the example we're setting for the next generation, and worry about the future of free speech and free assembly in this city and every other place where the same scene is played out at the same time. I'm filled with love and admiration for these brave actions, standing up for the lives of other people who you probably will never meet under threat of violence is one of the most noble and courageous things a person can do. These kids are doing what councils should have been doing for months, anything within their power to bring an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people. Like it or not, the demand for an end to this genocide has become a local issue. By virtue of these events. And if bearing witness to these students conviction and suffering doesn't convince you of your responsibility here, consider the pragmatic angle is this how we want to use our city resources and taxpayer dollars brutalizing a bunch of harmless college kids? We've been coming before you in this chamber since November 2023. In an attempt to get the hrc's cease fire resolution put on the agenda and [12:33:14 PM] resolution put on the agenda and passed by council in these months. Indeed, in this very chamber, I've witnessed the incredible pain, sadness and anger members of our community have had to bear while their families and friends have been ruthlessly, systemically displaced and exterminated. Like all of you, I've seen the same pictures and videos of children buried under the rubble, hands outstretched for help that will never come. Mothers clutching their babies as they pick through the rubble of their burnt down homes, countless human beings crying out in the anguish of starvation and grievous injury, faces covered in tears and blood. It's not too late to stand with the hundreds of thousands of members of our community who support an end to the Palestinian genocide, to let Palestinians here and abroad know that they're not alone in their struggle to show our community that their voices are heard. If you are unmoved by the prospect of standing up and doing the right thing, I ask you once again to consider the pragmatic perspective. About two thirds of all registered voters support a permanent cease fire and de-escalation of violence in gaza. This is your chance to be remembered as doing the right thing. Don't let your community down. Free palestine, trans rights now trans rights forever. Mayor, that concludes public [12:34:14 PM] Mayor, that concludes public communication. >> Thank you members. That completes all of the people that have signed up to speak for the 12:00 time. Certain public communication. Without objection , the Austin city council will be in recess until 1:10 P.M. It is 12:34 P.M. We are in recess . [12:41:46 PM] . Born. Julissa. Jesse she's an Austin, Texas based soul rock musician and songwriter originally from the big city of corsicana, Texas, she began her career here, her musical journey at a very early age. She was singing and playing snare in her high school's drumline, and eventually she began to write her own songs. After briefly stepping away from music, Cleo moved to Austin and teamed up with collaborator and guitarist Leonard Martinez to release the acoustic EP les Lisa or Lisa, Lisa, Lisa and Lenny volume one in February 2019, kicking off their professional music career, she was quickly noticed by and featured in the Austin chronicle and en cut, performing at the station's show the brakes in 2019 and becoming the station's artist of the month in February of 2022. Since then, Cleo has reigned as a five time south by southwest official artist [12:42:47 PM] southwest official artist supported acts such as the wailers, girl talk, Duran Jones, Adrian Quesada, the black pumas became a member of the recording academy and received a best new artist nomination by the Austin music awards. Her third EP, cold dancer, is slated for release in the spring of 2024. Ladies and gentlemen, chief Cleopatra. >> And I hope that one day you won't have to find out the hard way is by her feet. >> People you call friends that you are won't stick around in the end. And I hope one day you, you know. We had to, to figure out what's wrong with this [12:43:58 PM] out what's wrong with this picture. I hope my lawyer is not worth it, you know, but yesterday that we couldn't work, that I. Hensley we could've worked it out. And I hope that one day you won't have to find out the hard way. But I hope these people you call friends that he won't stick around in the exit. I hope they don't Singh. I hope they don't. I hope they don't leave you like you left me. Yeah, I hope they don't know. Said. I hope they don't. I [12:44:59 PM] know. Said. I hope they don't. I hope they don't leave you like you let me keep my head high. I my head and my eyes. No to the ground. So I know who's around to push me down. Keep my head high and my eyes low. To the ground. So I know who's around to push me down. Push me down. And I hope that one day you won't have to find out the hard way. That these people you caress, they won't stick around. And yes, I hope they do, I said. [12:46:02 PM] And yes, I hope they do, I said. I hope they don't. Oh, I hope they don't leave of you like you let me and I hope that one day that you won't had to find out the hard way. You know that these people, your girlfriend, friends, they won't stick around in the air and Singh. I hope they don't say. I hope they don't, so I hope they don't leave you like you left me. I I hope like you left me like you. I feel. Let me, let me, let me. Other hey, hey I said friends, how many of us have the friends? [12:47:04 PM] how many of us have the friends? Ones we can depend on. Friends how other other. Thank you guys . That was great. Thank you. >> Step over here. Let me, feel free for both of you to come over. Although I messed this up. Hang on a second. Yeah, we'll fix it in a minute. I want you to hang on to that. Hold that up. Are you okay? And let me read this proclamation. Be it known that whereas the city of Austin, Texas, is blessed with many creative musicians whose talent extends to virtually every musical genre, whereas our music scene thrives because Austin audiences support good music that's made by legends, our local favorites and [12:48:06 PM] 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 city of Austin, Texas, the live music capital of the world, do hereby proclaim may 2nd, 2024 as chief Cleopatra day in Austin, Texas. Here. Let's, let's step over. Let's move this microphone, and then we'll step over . Come on up with your picture. >> While they're coming up, why don't you tell us where we can [12:49:07 PM] don't you tell us where we can hear you next and how we can- follow you on social, so we will be, headlining, and towns can come first, Friday. So $12 amount. Also, you can catch us on Instagram. Cleopatra. You can listen to us on Spotify. Apple and, yeah. Give us a follow and, check us out. And, you know, we'll have more shows coming soon. Great. Yeah. >> Mom, are you in? Are you? >> Yeah. Yeah, yeah. And I see, when I see Chris Chen, I kind of . Also, I remember the name. >> Yeah, I was six foot five. >> Look what he did. Nice to meet you. [12:50:08 PM] meet you. >> Sandra and, Lisa Burt at one Ken. >> Thanks, everybody. Thank. Don't run too far. Oh, why don't you make sure you have. Good afternoon, everybody. It's [1:10:35 PM] Good afternoon, everybody. It's 1:10 P.M. On Thursday, may 2nd, and I will call the Austin city council back to order for this regular meeting of the Austin city council. We have a quorum of the city council present. And . We are still meeting in the city council chambers at city hall at 301 west second street in Austin, Texas. With that, we will go back to the consent agenda, and we are. We were when we moved on to a time certain item. We were talking, listening to public comment. So I will turn to the city clerk and ask again that you help us navigate our way through the public comment. Thank you. >> Mayor. We have several speakers for item 64. They're each going to. Get three minutes. I'll call several names in a row. When you hear a name, please. Come down to the front and then state your name into the podium. Alex stringer, Jill ferris, Joaquin Evans. [1:11:36 PM] ferris, Joaquin Evans. >> If your name has been called, please come forward out of respect for the people that will be speaking after you so that we can get to their testimony as well. So and if the microphone is empty, even if your name is not the first one called, feel free to step to the microphone, but just say your name as you begin your speaking and please speak specifically within the rules of the council. >> Good afternoon mayor and council. I'm here speaking in favor of item 64 because the state is trying to erase my identity as a female. And just like my comrades in palestine, I am also a victim of genocide. I'm a beautiful trans woman, and the state is trying to invalidate my existence because Greg Abbott is an actual. He even had the nerve. To say that women like me should not be allowed to teach children in aid. I am a drag queen and a trans sex worker, and I have just as much of a right to teach kindergarten as anybody else. Kirk. Because I'm a role model for children and more people should grow up to be just like [1:12:37 PM] should grow up to be just like me. Okay and we've been brainwashed by the patriarchy because this is what peak femininity looks like. Sorry, I'm on my period anyway. I am just as much of a woman as every single. >> You rarely come down here to provide. Anything serious. >> I am serious, my, my, you're not identity is being threatened by fascism. And I would like to speak because my identity as a woman is just as valid. Okay thank you. And I'm just as much of a woman as every single female on this council. And you need to recognize it. And honestly, after this outburst against me, Kirk, I would feel safer moving to the gaza strip because Texas is a fascist hellscape, and at least hamas would make me fel safe and accepted because they are freedom fighters. And besides, they throw the best rooftop parties for people like me. Thank you and free palestine. >> Are you done? >> I am done now. >> Great. >> Thank you. But I will not be forgotten and I will not be [1:13:39 PM] forgotten and I will not be erased. But acting like a child. >> I am a woman. >> Jill. Jill. Ferris, Joaquin. Evans Bridget. Bandit, please come to the podium. If your name has been called. >> If your name. If your name has been called, please come toward the front. Thank you. >> And please just state your name. >> Hi, I'm Joaquin Evans. Good afternoon, council members. Mayor, my wife and I pastor a church in southeast Austin. District two, 800 congregants. So I represent the voice of many. Not just myself, but I'm in opposition of agenda item 64, I do believe that there is a moral issue, an agenda here, but I'm not here to shout that at this time, I'd love to have, civil discourse with anyone who would like to have that conversation with me. But I do believe that there is a civil and legal issue at play as well. And I believe that our social [1:14:39 PM] And I believe that our social conscience of how we protect our children is the real issue here, and why I believe that adults have the right to make their own decisions. We have the responsibility to protect our children. We've always had legal precedents in place to protect children and like others have said, you have to be18 to vote, to hold public office, even to get a tattoo or simply a body piercing. And while parental consent can change some of that on a minor level, it doesn't change the ability to vote, to drink alcohol or to hold public office and these laws are in place because we recognize that minors are not in a place to have potentially life altering decisions placed on their shoulders. And we protect them as a society as we should. And it's our place to do so. Again, as adults can make their own decisions, it's our responsibility to protect children. And I would ask that [1:15:41 PM] children. And I would ask that we would consider that when we make these decisions, moving forward, again, I have genuine love for all people, but minors should not be placed with a responsibility, as people have testified here today, not everyone who undergoes gender transition, treatment or alterations are satisfied with their treatment or ultimately happy with that decision. As again has been testified here today. And if that is the case, then we should do everything we can to protect minors in their most vulnerable and formative states. Adults can do whatever they want, but minors should not have that decision levied upon them. And so I thank you for considering that. And I pray for all of you for clarity as you make your decisions. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Howdy, y'all. My name is Bridget bandit and I'm speaking in support of item 64. I am a [1:16:42 PM] in support of item 64. I am a local drag performer, non-binary person, and lifelong Texan and austinite. I've lived in the district six area for over 30 years of my life. In the past year has been the most challenging year to be openly queer here in my hometown, especially as a drag queen due to the misinformation spread by far right hate groups, which we've already heard a lot of in this meeting today, we see the effects of their blatant lies and deceit in our state government, which has led to the need for this measure. We have before us to help protect our local trans community. Gender affirming health care is life saving. Access to health care is a basic human right. We have a duty to protect our most marginalized communities. Trans kids deserve to grow into healthy adults. Trans people need to be supported by their community and government, and health care systems. We should trust scientists, doctors, and parents to make the correct [1:17:44 PM] parents to make the correct health care decisions for our youth. And we have the responsibility to combat the increasing hateful attacks of our lgbtqia+ community. The state of Texas may let us down, but I believe in our local community and the city of Austin to take the opportunity to pave the way in leading Texas into a more Progressive and inclusive future for all. Thank you all. >> Ashley Wilson Ann elder Maddie Watkins. If your name has been called, please come on down towards the front and then just state your name into the go ahead, ma'am. >> Just state your name for the record and please go ahead. >> My name is an elder at and I am in favor of, resolution 64. I am here because of my son. I [1:18:45 PM] am here because of my son. I have a transgender son, and although we live in friendswood, Texas, he is going to be attending university of Texas this coming fall. He and several of his friends who are also transgender or non-binary kareithi will be attending U of UT since my child came out when he was seven years old, I have been to the capitol every single legislative year, multiple times to speak up against the anti lgbt, legislation that's been proposed and it has been a hard journey. It has stressed me, my family, my son, and we are just trying to get by and be a supportive parent. So what I am here to do is to ask you to please pass resolution 64 and so that Austin can stay weird and [1:19:47 PM] that Austin can stay weird and not become cruel. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Maddie Watkins, and I'm here to speak against prop 64. I was born and raised in Austin, and while growing growing up here, from the moment I started puberty, I felt the weight of male entitlement to my body. Boys and grown men believe they had the right to see, comment on and touch my body as they would as the world around me reacted to my body. I had a desperate need to try and control that reaction . I resorted to binding my chest, cutting my hair, wearing male clothes, taking on a male name, and even considered drastic surgical measures, all to evade the all to evade the relentless scrutiny and expectations of men. I was a I was it was a desperate attempt to reclaim agency in a world that based my worth on my appearance and compliance. When [1:20:48 PM] appearance and compliance. When I experienced what is now known as gender dysphoria, the concept was not part of the adolescent zeitgeist. By the time it had become popular, I was a mother breastfeeding a newborn and those feelings, fears and hatred of my body were the furthest from my mind. It takes time to realize the problem isn't you, that it isn't your body. What I was feeling in my teens was a reaction to my observations. Being female felt limiting and so and I was so uncomfortable with male attention. To me, the simplest explanation was that my body was a problem, that my body was in the way, holding my firstborn son taught me that my body is pretty amazing. This prop tells young kids that their distress and their observation of gender roles is a medical condition that you are telling them that their reactionary emotions to a world that they are just starting to see defines them. When these kids wake up in their mid-twenties with regrets and realize I was just a kid, will they find your name along [1:21:49 PM] will they find your name along the list of people who put them on and reinforce this path? When a woman who removed her breast before she could even imagine having children finds herself holding a newborn to her chest, unable to feed, or even try to feed them, will you feel that pain? Who pays the price when you look away? We know detransitioners lawsuits have begun around the world. Who will pay when these children hold the city liable for not providing its citizens equal protections under the law, you or the citizens of Austin? Overwhelmingly, the natural course of gender dysphoria in adolescence is desistance they grow up. Find context and resilience. I did, and I'm so grateful that I had the time to realize that I love being a woman and a mother. In closing, I would ask that everyone please Google the Cass report, which was recently released in the uk, who are now completely walking back their practice of medical transition for children. Having found that there is no evidence base to support its safety or efficacy when everyone else is pulling back on practices that [1:22:50 PM] pulling back on practices that permanently harm kids, does the city of Austin really want to double down fix your roads? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Jill Farris, Ashley Wilson, Chloe Wilkinson. Denise saber, Jessica Cohen. Good evening. Council. My name is Chloe Wilkinson, there's been a lot of talk today on item 64 about what religion dictates is appropriate for us, but I would like to make a different case, a different lens, through which we can view the religious thought. I'm a trans person, but I am also jewish, and I'm proud of my religion. I believe that my religion teaches me that I was built in god's image, and that [1:23:51 PM] built in god's image, and that transness is a part of my divine spark. Like Leah's child, Dinah, who she prayed for to be a girl so that her sister Rachel could have a second boy, is an image of transness that exists within the abrahamic religions, and I believe wholeheartedly that we are not flawed humans, but that transness is a part of god's plan. It is a divine spark, just like anyone else, and the uniqueness is an embodiment Swint of the beauty of god. So I ask you to please vote yes on this. And I really, really am praying that this is a unanimous vote. Yes, because I think that this is the right thing to do. I think that we should care for our fellow human because we too [1:24:52 PM] our fellow human because we too were once strangers in a foreign land. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> My name is Denise Seibert. I am against item number 64. I am thankful for the freedom to be heard today. >> Because what all of you do here today affects where I live. You all think you can get away with the breaking of law by not upholding the law that affects all Texans, because now all can pick what laws they follow or don't follow. I call that lawlessness and nobody is above following the law. Nobody Sade especially choosing not to protect minors from irreversible physical damage to their bodies. Sb 14 do no harm, stop the gender agenda. Here are some of the highlights of that bill. [1:25:55 PM] the highlights of that bill. Protects a child, an individual who is younger than 18 years of age. It prohibits provision of gender transitioning or gender reassignment procedures and treatments to certain children by not performing a surgery that sterilizes the child or provides any prescription drugs that induce transient or permanent permanent infertility, such as puberty suppression or blocking prescription drugs to stop the delay of normal puberty. God created us, male and female. You can't change your DNA. Remember, all of covid? We were told to follow the science. DNA is science, sex is immutable, not changeable, immutable in the dictionary says unchanging over time and unable to be changed. These drugs and unnecessary surgeries mutilate and may [1:26:55 PM] surgeries mutilate and may permanently damage or alter a child's normal puberty or body development, and have irreversible effects on that child for their life and health and development. Physically this is called child abuse. A child's mind cannot comprehend the lifelong damage transitioning has on them. Genesis 127 and god created man in his image. In the image of god, he created him, male and female. He created them . We cannot recreate our sex through surgeries or drugs. Transitioning is the lie you tell the children. I advocate to protect the children. These procedures on a child are devastating. Waiting for life. Do no harm and uphold sb 14. Stop the gender agenda. I'm against the resolution concerning the use of city resources for regulation of [1:27:58 PM] resources for regulation of gender related health care. You're making life choices, not just life style choices, but quality of life choices for children. Thank you, Jessica Cohen, Morgan Davis, Leonardo Garcia. >> When your name has been called, please come down. And if there's no one at the podium, feel free to step up to the podium. Just state your name for the record and you can begin. >> Sir. Yes, sir. My name is Morgan Davis. I have the honor of knowing you. Many of you, as my friend and councilwoman pool, thank you so much for nominating me to the human rights commission. The very commission that voted. Please forgive me. I'm nervous. My story goes back to I was an investigator for child protective services. I was asked to go into a home after it was governor Abbott send his [1:28:58 PM] was governor Abbott send his letter about gender affirming care. I loved my job. I loved what I did and I took an oath to protect children. I can tell you as an investigator, everybody would talk to me. Dell children's ama, everybody would talk to me. And they told me the same exact thing. They said the only child abuse would have occurred if a parent had the wherewithal to do this, and they didn't. They came forward. I promise you, the investigation was done by the book. I talked to everybody, even testifying. Good people lost their jobs because they could not morally continue. They said, I had one of my supervisors 25 years experience, and I asked her why she why she came forward and she just had a baby boy. And she said, someday I have to be able to look him in the face. She resigned. By the end, we lost 50% of our personnel because they could not morally continue to the same. Please excuse me. These are good parents. These [1:30:04 PM] These are good parents. These are great parents. The facts that we know not a single surgery has been performed on a child did transition them. Not a single surgery. Everybody here today, I can tell you, has voted . Can you imagine? I can't even imagine that the Texas, the president of the Texas board of medicine came forward, and we called him brave. He was because he said, this is safe. This needs to this is safe. I have seen it. Boots on the ground. Golly, I don't know all this, but I've seen it. Boots on the ground. What it does. This saves lives. I took an oath to protect children. Please help me keep that oath. Thank you so much for your time today. And thank you. >> Leonardo Garcia, Debbie [1:31:08 PM] >> Leonardo Garcia, Debbie luhrmann, Cecilia would please read those names again. >> Yes, sir. >> Leonardo Garcia, Debbie luhrmann Cecilia would. If your name isn't called, just go straight up to the podium and state your name has been called. >> Please just go to the podium. Thank you, thank you. >> My name is Debbie Lockerman, council members, this is the word of god. God created man in his own image in the image of god, he created them, male and female. He created them. Genesis 127. If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18 six. See that you do not despise one of these little [1:32:08 PM] despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my father in heaven. Matthew 1810. For god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For god sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth , he, he that believeth in him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of god. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 316 through 19. I hope you make a righteous decision. >> Thank you. From Austin, Leonardo Garcia Cecilia would. [1:33:14 PM] Leonardo Garcia Cecilia would. >> Marissa. Lana. Connie Sarah. Newman sparkle. Williams Danielle. Skidmore. >> Hello. My name is Glenna sue Williams. That has only been my legal name since December of 2023. My original name was Glenn Higby Williams. I'm a licensed attorney since 1976. November 1st as a cisgendered presenting as a cisgendered male attorney. I was a regional attorney for child protective services for 28 years. During that time, I saw, despite the best efforts of many individuals, that we were doing a terrible job taking care of [1:34:15 PM] a terrible job taking care of trans individuals. In fact, we had two children who are both trans in the year 2017 who were in were in the CPS terminology, children without placement. This meant they were guarded by caseworkers in a hotel room. This is essentially solitary confinement. They were there for 60 days for no fault other than they were. Be true to their agenda. In 2017, I left CPS for the purpose of running for state senate senate district five, hoping to create a more responsive and more more responsible agency by having an elected official. I failed in spectacular fashion and became a private attorney representing children and parents in CPS cases. Unfortunately, the situation has only gotten worse the last two weeks. There was a Texas tribune article which [1:35:15 PM] Texas tribune article which talked about how many children left care trans, isolated, without family, very often without friends, often until employable. It seems IMPD possible to conceive, but it is the case that this very agency in this state, which treats trans children so poorly, and no matter what you think about trans children, I think none of us want to see people treated cruelly and inhumanely, but that same state that would treat these children so, so terribly would have the ability to prosecute somebody who just lent a sympathetic ear to a trans child. I strongly support proposition 64. I think it is essential. It's true to Austin values. In 1981, there is an attempt to amend the fair housing ordinance to allow [1:36:16 PM] housing ordinance to allow discrimination against homosexuals. The citizens of Austin rejected the arguments, and they were very, very gross. I don't need to go into them, but the reference to fairies and how they didn't need to be here in Austin, they can go back to San Francisco, but we rose as a community and voted 63 to 37% to reject that amendment. Thank you . >> Danielle Skidmore, Cecilia wood, Marissa Lang Chacon, Sarah Newman. >> Mayor. Council. My name is Danielle Skidmore. I'm a resident of district nine, and I'm speaking in support of item 64, which transgender Texans live in a state where, sadly, the Republican majority at the capitol has made it their priority to eliminate us from public life. It is literally in [1:37:17 PM] public life. It is literally in their party platform, the platform item states. We oppose all efforts to validate transgender identity. Thank you for listening to actual transgender people and supporting our community and especially transgender children. I am proud to call Austin home. Thank you for doing what is right, even when it is not easy. >> Thank you. >> Steve burnage, Christian Aguilar, Charles Soto. >> Good afternoon, mayor Watson and esteemed members of the Austin city council. My name is Christian Aguirre and I am the vice chair of the lgbtq quality of life commission at the city of Austin and a graduate student at the lbj school of public affairs and a district two [1:38:19 PM] affairs and a district two resident today. Stand before you in my personal capacity to express my strong support for item number 64, the resolution concerning the regulation of gender related health care as an austinite and a proud member of the lgbtq community, I firmly believe in the importance to access an inclusive and affirming health care for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. Growing up queer and undocumented, I have experienced firsthand how policy or lack thereof at city, state, and federal levels can deprive our communities of access to essential resources and support at a very young age. Yes as a child, I often contemplated suicide because of the homophobia transphobia that existed and still exists in our communities. This resolution in front of you, co-developed with our trans community, aligns with our city's commitment to [1:39:19 PM] our city's commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring accessible and supportive health care services. It also sets a powerful precedent by affirming the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals to access gender affirming care. Today, I urge you to vote in favor of item number 64 to send a clear message of solidarity and support to all members of the lgbtq community. Thank you. >> Good morning council. >> My name is Debbie Banach. >> I am speaking in support of item 64. >> I am a trans woman living in district five and I am a parent of a vibrant young child. Being a trans mother did not make my child transgender. They are, however, something I am not a Christian. She believes in god and in Jesus Christ. This influence did not come from within my home, but I welcome it all the same. As a parent, it is my job to build my child not in [1:40:20 PM] my job to build my child not in my own image, but to guide them as they discover and build themselves. It is my job to show them what it means to be a good Christian, a follower and follower of Jesus. To stand with the powerless and the persecuted, the peacemakers and the hungry. I teach her that Jesus stood for what we need here today. Radical love for all people. Understand that the attempts to hypothetically protect children from gender affirming care acknowledges the harm of gender dysphoria, but it is only a concern for children who are not transgender. They alone deserve protection from experiencing it, and at the cost of transgender Texans for whom dysphoria comes from within. It is very real and exists from an early age. It is up to parents, children, their physicians and mental health professionals to determine what is appropriate. Surgeries are not happening on young children. The type of transition that we are talking about for kids is simply changing a name, clothes or pronouns. Puberty blockers may also be prescribed, but they're not always desired and they are reversible. It is not the government's place to determine individualized medical treatment. What a person wears, what a person calls themselves, or how they are allowed to [1:41:21 PM] or how they are allowed to relate to themselves. Sb 14 is an unjust law. It must be disregarded and there is precedent for doing so all around us right now in parts of Texas, it is illegal to drink beer while standing up. It is illegal to sell certain kinds of cheeses on Sunday. You are not allowed to walk barefoot in public without a permit. Likewise, there are large portions of the bible which we ignore. We no longer sacrifice animals. We do not stone people to death. We do not sell our daughters into slavery. Sb14 should be ignored as equally unserious and harmful, pushed dishonestly for political purposes, making Austin a sanctuary city will save the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. It will keep together Texas's most vulnerable families . The city must uphold its legacy as a welcoming refuge to vulnerable Texans. From the widespread intolerance and judgment filed elsewhere in the state. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Sorry. >> Hi, I'm Charles Soto. I'm speaking in favor of resolution 64. I'm in district seven. I've lived in Austin for 35 years, [1:42:23 PM] lived in Austin for 35 years, while I wasn't born here, I am raising a family here, and I first want to thank, the employees and, our representatives of the city and also, really thank the Travis county, particularly the court, for the support they've shown families, it's difficult enough raising a family, you know, even with, the throw on top of that, all of the lies and hate that are that are spread, to some of us, you know, I, I bringing in my, my deeply held beliefs. I'm a pastafarian minister, and we don't have any, any commandments , but we have a list of things we really wish you wouldn't. And it basically boils down to try to be less of a jerk. And the flying spaghetti monster would 100% agree with every single word in this resolution. It uses science based facts. It gets, and it ultimately gets the [1:43:25 PM] and it ultimately gets the resolution, that we can all stand by. Which is be nice to each other, love each other. I'm going to I'm going to turn for a minute to address the other members of our community who I want to say, if you're raising a family like I am, if you're you've been attacked by the hate mongers, some of which are right here in front of us, I feel you. We love you with all of our hearts and we will defend you with every ounce of our strength . Thank you very much. >> Db bannasch or bannock? Chloe Goodman, Maxine Mcqueen. >> Hi there. Good afternoon. My name is Chloe Goodman. I'm from district five. Fellow council member. I'm the contituent services manager for quality Texas, an msw, and I also have another master's in public [1:44:27 PM] another master's in public affairs. And contrary to, I guess, popular belief, I'm neither religious nor do I hate myself. And I'm not sorry for either of those things. And it is because of that that I'm here to support, the resolution on gender affirming care. Because queer Texans are living in a state that is trying to eradicate us by denying access to health care, ripping trans kids from their families, censorship in schools, and now Abbott's proposed ban on trans people becoming teachers, and also erasure of our culture like drag and state officials now are too busy squabbling with the federal government over minimum protections for lgbtq plus people. So so frankly, local government is all we have left. This resolution is just the latest example of the city of Austin's dedication to making [1:45:28 PM] Austin's dedication to making Austin a place where everyone can feel welcome and safe, and it is a refusal to treat lgbtq plus Texans as political pawns because we are, in fact, just people and all indications point to rising political violence and hate crimes against our community. And because I conducted intake on 311 anti lgbtq van eenoo, incidents across Texas in 2023, for reference, in 2022, we had an average of 12.9 cases per month with a spike of 25 cases during pride. In 2023, we had 25.9 cases per month on average, with a spike of 46 in September, which is when children were going back to school and I keep hearing from parents of gender expansive children who are scared because their children keep getting attacked and no one [1:46:30 PM] keep getting attacked and no one will help. And the Trevor project's 2024 survey on the mental health and well-being of queer youth tells us that 46% of gender expansive youth reported that their family has seriously considered leaving their home in order to escape persecution. I hear from these families all the time. Really this resolution, your decision, your vote, this is all we have to keep people in their hometowns and keep people feeling safe. So I hope you will pass the resolution to protect health care. Thank you . [1:47:32 PM] . >> All right. Good afternoon. Council my name is Maxine Larkin . I am a proud trans woman, local drag entertainer, and a constituent of district six. I am here to testify in favor of proposition 64. I've been hearing a lot of dissenting comments in regards to gender affirming health care, specifically for trans youth. And while I am here today, I want to set a reminder that we live in a secular nation with a secular government, religion and bible verses should not have any impact on your decision here today. I have a very simple question to the public here with me. Who gives you the right to decide what's good for the entirety of a community that a majority of you are not even a part of? I've heard a lot of [1:48:33 PM] part of? I've heard a lot of comments today speaking on how our children aren't developed enough mentally to make medical decisions that can have permanent effects. First of all, trans kids are not getting surgeries. They are not chopping off body parts or getting implants at age 13, with the effect of senate bill 14 in Texas, I have seen so many personal friends, some of who are parents of trans kids, having to flee this state in search of safety. Now, I hear so much about us being proud Texans, all of us here today. Yet here we are, forcing our own citizens out of the state in an attempt to spread fear about trans health care. If you truly care about kids in Texas, let the parents of these kids be the [1:49:34 PM] the parents of these kids be the ones to decide what is best for their children. Let Austin be a safe haven for my community. Trans is beautiful. Vote yes on resolution 64. Thank you. >> Hey y'all. How's it going? My name is Jessica Cohen. I think most of y'all probably know me today. I'm speaking as the vice president of the Texas democratic party's lgbtq caucus. This morning, our executive committee met, and we wanted to go on the record as saying we are in favor of this resolution. I myself, as a trans woman, having served on city boards for five years and proud to be part of this process, I wanted to briefly, touch on a few things that I think are important to mention here. One, a lot of these folks have been talking to y'all, talking about their [1:50:36 PM] y'all, talking about their experiences over the past five, ten, 15, 20, 25 years. Well, I'd like to tell you, I have been trans for more than that. I've been trans for 30, and none of them know what they're talking about. My lived experience has shown me to the people I've met who have become transitioned, or who have considered transition, that most of the time, I don't know if there's an actual real number to it, but at least 95 of the time from the folks I've met, no one regrets it. The one regret I do hear more often than anything else is for folks who have reached the age of 25 saying, I wish I had started sooner. That is my only regret. And I'm here to say please, please do something now so that others don't have to have that regret as well. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you. >> Susan Spataro, Skyler corgill, Texas Lamar. Perla Hopkins. [1:51:38 PM] Hopkins. >> Good afternoon, mayor and council, I think you've heard a lot of really compelling testimony today, and I am certainly not a medical professional and can't testify to that. What I what concerns me is the fact that it seems more and more for the city of Austin is looking for creative ways to go around the law, and I think it's not the right thing to do when you all took office, you swore that you would support the laws and the constitution of this state. You swore to it. And it doesn't mean well, I mean, that's just kind of a cool thing. And then you go and you say, you know what? We don't like the laws instead of going to the state. And when I was the auditor, I didn't like some of the laws either, to be honest. And I went to the state and tried to get them changed. Some [1:52:39 PM] tried to get them changed. Some were changed, some were not. But I don't think you have the authority to do that, to just decide that you don't like the laws for whatever reason. And we're seeing a real financial impact of that. There have been a number of cases where citizens have to gather money to hire lawyers to sue their government, because the government is not following the law. And then furthermore, the government is charging citizens for lawyers to fight against them. This is wrong. It is against the law and as far as I'm concerned, I mean the basis of government are laws, because when you take public money, you have an obligation to follow the law with the expenditure of that money. And I think this is a clever way, again, to escape the law. If you everyone always likes to talk about the legislature, and I've testified there are a lot of times. And the truth of the matter is it many of them are tired of us, [1:53:41 PM] many of them are tired of us, the session before last I was testifying on an issue with two other women from Austin. And the people in front of me, turns out, are you from Austin? And we said, yeah. And they go, you know, we are so sick of you people. All you do is mess up stuff. And then we have to pay money. We got to come up here and change things. That's not good. It's not good to not have others in the state support or look positively on Austin, which is the capital of Texas, I don't know if you saw it recently, but the independent came out and, it's a newsletter, by Daryl Slusher, who was a council person, and there's a long list of where Austin has just broken the law and citizens had to sue, and the city was found wrong. I don't want you to keep doing that as a citizen. I want you to look at the law. I want you to obey the law, spend the money in in accordance with the law. And [1:54:41 PM] in accordance with the law. And if you don't like the law, go to the legislature. So I very strongly think that you should vote no. And I am against this resolution. Thank you very much. >> Skyler corgill, Texas Lamar Perla Hopkins. And just state your name on the podium, please. >> Hello, council. My name is Skyler corgill, I live in d1 and I'm speaking in favor of item 64. Item 64 gives Austin the ability to lead where the state is not only failing, but vilifying our residents in Texas. Austin has the opportunity to protect and reassure our vibrant trans community. That the health care, and the health care infrastructure that supports them, that Austin is a place for them, Austin has for decades been known as an oasis for the queer and trans community in Texas, where we can remain close [1:55:41 PM] Texas, where we can remain close to our friends and family and the people that we love remaining in the state that we love, even some of us will try to make the state better, and with the passage of this agenda item, we can preserve that part of our of our cultural community identity. At a time when trans people are scared and their families and friends are scared for them, providers are healthcare providers are scared to provide care for them, we can confidently say through this resolution that Austin is their home and will continue to protect, to protect the queer and trans community, as, working in the legislature and working for an Austin delegation, as part of the delegation helping to protect Austin against the legislature, I want to thank you all so much for trying to protect Austin. Here and also standing up to the legislature where you can, and next session, we don't know what's going to happen, it's already not looking [1:56:42 PM] happen, it's already not looking good, but this is a great proactive step that the city can take, to protect bodily autonomy and the freedom of our of our citizens. Burns to get the health care that they deserve and be the people that they are and deserve to be. So thank you, council. >> Good afternoon, my name is Texas Lamar. I am speaking in support of agenda item 64. I am a proud member of the lgbtq community, a proud austinite and obviously a proud Texan. This is my real name. I'll get right to it. The dedication of any city funds or personnel to the prosecution of trans people seeking health care is a garbage use of my tax dollars. Since Monday, this city has experienced an opioid outbreak, causing roughly 80 people to [1:57:43 PM] causing roughly 80 people to overdose, overdose and four people to die. This city needs to dedicate our resources to actual real health. Crises like the opioid epidemic, not to criminalizing life saving care. Please pass this resolution and protect trans austinites, and especially our trans children, from the cruel politicians in the Texas legislature. Thank you .P>> Members. Before she begins, members and members of the public, we have an agenda. Item that's set for a 2:00 time. Certain, I am sorry, but we're so far into this. What we're going to do is go ahead and complete the consent agenda before we take up the 2:00 time. Certain. I just want to let people know, and what we'll do is we will take that. We will take up the consent agenda, and then what we'll do is we'll go to the 2:00 time certain take it [1:58:44 PM] to the 2:00 time certain take it up, and then we'll come back to the for the public hearings and things of that nature. Thank you. I'm sorry to interrupt. Please. It's all yours. >> Good afternoon. My name is Perla Hopkins, and I am speaking to you today as a public school mom and teacher. Also, UT mom and I have been a Travis county resident for the past seven years as a teacher and a parent of students in public schools. I am more than devastated by the cost that this gender ideology and putting party over children has done to our students in July of 2022, the education commissioner, when asked if was being administered to students in the way of instructional materials and if indeed they were being groomed in our public schools, the commissioner and I want to quote, admitted to this by stating, yes, we have complaints that would appear to substantiate periodic instructional materials problems [1:59:44 PM] instructional materials problems in those areas. Arguably, we have reviewed, in some cases, materials that were made available to students that would, I think the common citizen would agree would be inappropriate. So when you are hearing from parents in this very room, we are vouching and advocating for our children. More than 81% of all Texas lessons are being taught below grade level, and I'm here to ask you to please vote against this resolution, because it was sent to me as the agenda as a whole by members of the lgbtq community and parents of children in the lgbtq community. I told them that I would look into it. It's very misleading. And when I see the two members at the end here chuckling and smiling about during the outbursts, it confirms to me that this has very much to do with kids. The age 25 was [2:00:47 PM] with kids. The age 25 was brought up just now until age 25, children can or adults can start thinking critically, not putting their emotions behind them. Their executive functioning does not develop until age 25, so we cannot be making choices for children because those are crimes against kids. So to elaborate on the speaker that spoke remotely es Una vergüenza Q ustedes cualquiera Latinos estén contra los Ninos quieren superior. Vamos a los Ninos. Este es Barbaria es Una lastima. Espero Q me pueden entender si no Yo estoy siempre disponible para hablar con ustedes en este idiom en inglés. We have a cultural problem here. Again, you're hearing from a parent. All the negativity can be stopped with your politics. Follow the law. Our ISDs have become a circus. This city [2:01:47 PM] become a circus. This city council meetings have become a circus. Our house gallery has become a circus, a circus. Please don't add to it. Thank you. >> Christopher Hamilton. Lindon Merrick, Carrie Smith. >> Mayor Watson and council members. My name is Christopher Hamilton. I am a resident of district ten and serve as chief executive officer of Texas health action, a community informed nonprofit dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment. With an expertise in serving lgbt, Q plus people and people impacted by HIV. Texas health action supports proposed resolution number 64 regarding the use of the city's resources for the regulation of gender related health care, we see firsthand the benefits and improved health outcomes of transgender and non-binary adults who access [2:02:48 PM] non-binary adults who access health care through our programs, kind clinic and Waterloo counseling center. Efforts to restrict health care access to specific groups of people are purely and blatantly discriminatory and inconsistent with the health care needs of trans and non-binary austinites. Health and access to health care are vital components of quality of life. As a health care organization with an expertise in serving lgbtqia+ people and people impacted by HIV, we support and affirm best practice medical care as fundamental to quality of life. Texas health action supports the city in its approach to using its limited resources to address the most pressing issues of its residents, which typically does not include preventing people from accessing or providing legally available health care. We are heartened by the city's commitment to lgbtqia+ people and affirming providers, and hope that the city will continue to find ways to support health [2:03:48 PM] to find ways to support health care as a basic human right. Thank you. >> That's really tall. >> Hello, city of Austin and hello city council and mayor Kirk Watson. My name is Linda Mok. I reside in the city, I'm gonna get a little anecdotal, if that's all right, one of my closest friends is in the graduating class of 2024, he is a little brother to me. Growing up, we both struggled with mental health issues, but he had the added weight of being born in the wrong skin. He received gender affirming care since he was nearly 17, as his mother had the right to take care of her son and supported him. Starting hrt treatment. The impact on his life was tangible. He had never been so comfortable in at home, in his body, and it was the happiest I'd ever seen him. His growth was the most beautiful thing I've had the privilege to see in my life, and I'm so proud [2:04:50 PM] see in my life, and I'm so proud of him. In may of 2023, senate bill 14 passed, and in September, he lost access to the care he needed for three months before he turned 18. This may seem like a really short amount of time, but watching him lose access to the care and the doctors that he needed to take care of himself was heartbreaking. I wished at that time there was anything I could have done to stop the weight falling back on him again. I cannot begin to think about how many kids have struggled and how many parents have had to watch their kids struggle since the passage of bill 14. Item 64 is a great step towards protecting these kids in their parents rights to care for them once more. Thank you very much for your time. Thank >> Harry Smith on deck, Sarah Cohen and then sd Warren, maybe Warner. >> Good afternoon. My name is Carrie Smith and I live in the great state of Texas. One of the [2:05:52 PM] great state of Texas. One of the purposes of law is to protect the most vulnerable among us from harm. As a society, we have always recognized that children are not developmentally the same as adults. As such, our laws do not allow children to consent to sex with adults, to drinking, to smoking, to getting a tattoo, to driving a car or buying a gun. But somehow, in the past few years, we have all collectively lost our minds and decided that children are capable of consenting to sterilizing themselves for life and to having their breasts and genitals cut off and mutilated. I encourage you to read and listen to all of the leaked W path files, while where the very doctors who are chemically castrating and generally mutilating children Ann are caught on video admitting that these children are not capable of understanding what they are consenting to the president of W path, Marci bowers, is even on video admitting that 100% of little boys in tanner stage two, [2:06:52 PM] little boys in tanner stage two, that's around age 11, who they've given puberty blockers to are never able to achieve in adulthood. That's 100. You can watch her say this on camera, chemically castrating puberty blockers are not reversible. I encourage you to listen to the voices of the mutilated children, some of whom were here today. Voices of people like Chloe Cole and Layla Jane, both who had double mastectomies when they were children, who are now in young adulthood, suing the butchers who did this to them when they were kids. Every single country that has done a systematic medical review of the evidence has banned this barbarism against children. And we're going to follow in the footsteps of Progressive countries like the uk, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. And we're going to ban it in all 50 states here in the U.S, the hippocratic oath for doctors says to first do no harm. It is a lie that sterilizing and mutilating children does no harm. In the words of Alexander [2:07:54 PM] harm. In the words of Alexander solzhenitsyn, let the lie come into the world. Let it even prosper. But not through me. I urge the Austin city council not to be on the wrong side of history on this. The greatest medical scandal and atrocity against children in our lifetime . Let the lie come into the world. Let it even prosper. But not through Texas. Thank you. Thank you. >> Hello. My name is Steve Warren. >> Ma'am, can I ask you that microphone a little closer to your mouth there. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and city council. >> I stand before you, reminding you that as elected officials, you represent us, the citizens. Your work. You should be working for the good of us, the people. [2:08:57 PM] for the good of us, the people. So as city council, the affairs of the city should be your main focus. The city council's business is the city affairs. Given more time, I could point out, as earlier this morning you were reprimanded about various issues that you maybe have neglected and I don't want to go there, but there are definitely issues that need tending to. But today our focus is our children, and this is why I came forth today. Our children are not under your jurisdiction in this resolution. You are considering is not your job assignment. You have no authority to be acting on our children's behalf and certainly making our city a [2:09:57 PM] certainly making our city a sanctuary city to protect those that you think you are protecting is not what it is about. Please stop politicizing this confusion that has arisen for it certainly is a confusion. God made each of us, male or female, no confusion there. It was pretty clear. I would like to remind city council once again to stay out of our children's lives. Let the children be children keeping their innocence, to live as god created them for his glory. I ask you to choose wisely and carefully what you are considering. These. These children are tomorrow's leaders. They are our future and we do [2:10:58 PM] They are our future and we do not want our children living with irreparable damage. Not in their bodies, not in their minds, not in their souls, and not in their spirits. I ask you once again to think wisely. Thank you. Thank you. >> For item 64 and 93, Adam Powell will be six minutes, followed by Edgar Handel, also six minutes. Anouche Rosen. >> Hey all, my name is Adam Powell. I'm a resident of district seven and I'm here to speak in support of item 64, the trans protection resolution. My reasoning for this is really simple. >> You signed up to speak on two items. Yeah, yeah. >> I'll get to 93 later. Don't worry. Well, okay. >> I just want to make sure you don't take your because you get six minutes, but. So we need you to speak on the two items. [2:11:58 PM] to speak on the two items. >> Yes, yes I'll get to 93 in just a second, it'll be way less than six minutes to. But you know, my reasoning for supporting item 64 is very simple, which is just that I love our trans community. I also recognize that they are under attack from the Texas legislature, and it's been really painful to see so many of my trans friends move not just out of the not just out of our city, but out of the state entirely and many, many more trans folks I know who are considering that very same option. And I believe in Austin that is truly welcoming no matter what our state throws at us. And this item is that meaningful, important way to show our trans community that they are loved here. So I urge you to vote yes on item 64. And then in regards to items 93, I want to just quickly say I support the formation of a poet laureate program here in Austin. It's a great no brainer way to support artists, the arts and culture in our community. Even just the title alone can do so much for someone's career, and given that so many of our peer cities, large cities here in Texas already have that seems like something we should just go [2:12:59 PM] like something we should just go ahead and do. So appreciate your time. As always, thank you very much. >> Good afternoon, my name is anush rasayan and I live in district three as a social worker and a resident of Austin, I am committed to promoting the well-being and dignity of all individuals, and I'm here in strong support of item 64 to protect the rights of transgender youth, to access gender affirming care, gender affirming care, gender affirming care is life saving for many by making it available, we can significantly improve transgender youth mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Protecting the right of transgender youth to access gender affirming care is a matter of human rights and social justice. We need to stand together, ensure our youth have the support and resources they need to live authentically and thrive. Thank you, council member vela and all the co-sponsors for bringing forth this item. I hope that council can pass this to ensure the well-being of all residents of Austin. Thank you. Thank you. >> Sorry. Hi. [2:14:10 PM] >> Sorry. Hi. >> My name is Edgar Handel. I'm a resident of district district three and a board member of aura , I didn't get to sign up for this item or for, one item 73. But I wanted to mention it briefly that, there's a lot of affordable housing in my neighborhood. And, I mean, we need more in east Austin, but you know, I have. >> I'm sorry to interrupt you, but if you didn't sign up on the item we need you to testify on the items you signed up. >> Okay. Sorry. Okay, well, I did sign up to speak in items in favor of item 64 and 94. I'll start with 94, updating the building code to allow single stair buildings up to at least five stories. I've lived in quite a few apartments, both as a child, before my family was able to afford to buy a single family home as a college student, entirely dependent on financial aid and as a young adult. Many, if not most, of these apartments had limited access to sunlight. Sunlight fresh air, and had constrained floor plans before a current [2:15:10 PM] floor plans before a current home. My wife and I lived in an apartment in east Austin of the four walls, one was shared with the hallway, two with neighboring units and one small side to let in light and air. This, of course, is a pretty typical layout of apartments in Austin, but it doesn't have to be this way. Single stair apartments are easier to design with more sunlight, fresh air, and a variety of more livable floor plans. I sometimes hear people ask why we don't have more multi-bedroom apartments fit for families and this would make it easier to build those two. Nearly the whole rest of the world allows these single Seattle and New York City have it too, and many states are working on it. This is just common sense policy. If it's in really well with how we're working to curb the rise of windowless bedrooms, it improve efforts to legalize multifamily housing types and end exclusionary zoning like the home initiative and equitable transit oriented development, making sure austinites have livable apartments with windows, bedrooms and access to sunlight and fresh air is important. So let's make it happen. I'd also like to speak in strong support of item 64, protecting those who are protecting those providing and seeking gender affirming [2:16:11 PM] and seeking gender affirming care. To me, this is simple. This kind of care is potentially life saving. We should respect the decisions and rights of those seeking care. Their parents and their care providers. I personally know some who are afraid to live or even visit Texas because of policies that work against their safety and freedom. If we want to respect personal safety and freedom as well as parental choice, then we should protect gender affirming care. We've heard from a lot of people today that have more experience in mind than I do in mental health, medical care, and working with children and they this has been so much said that I think that really should make this clear, that this is the right step. Thank you. Thank you ma'am, very brie. >> Yes. >> Could I please ask the speaker? I know you said you had some thoughts on 73 and that pertains to my district. >> Could you send us an email so that we can have your thoughts before we take that item up? Okay. >> Thank you. And you got a big fan club there for item 64 and [2:17:12 PM] fan club there for item 64 and 94. >> Luz Austin lugo six minutes on deck is Barbara Bucklin, and then Katie Brookins. >> Good morning. Wait. Afternoon. Sorry, I was I meant to speak in the morning, mayor and council, I hope you all are having a wonderful day. >> Thank you. Were. Yeah. >> I'm mentally in full 10 A.M. For me. I am Luz lugo. I'm a district eight resident, and I'm here, mainly to speak in favor of family size departments and, and, hopefully an open community here in Austin, I'll speak on 94 first because it's rather simple. I grew up in, well, in separate country of Venezuela to a working class family who was still able to live near a really high amenity neighborhood for a third world country because it was a point access block that was a nice three bedroom, for what? Based on the math I was able to do, when you do the, purchase power parity would be the cost of it would be equivalent to what a one bedroom [2:18:14 PM] equivalent to what a one bedroom goes for here in Austin. Single, single Sara apartments, you know, from six stories like Seattle does to 11. And Barcelona allows families who are, you know, working class who got big families to live here in the central city and, within the city limits of Austin instead of you know, in, much, much further out, like Round Rock and Hutto and other places like that. So that's a very simple one, on 64 for me, it's rather simple, my older brother, is, a trans man and had a very long journey, a very painful journey to be able to get there, they was it was very, very hard at times before they realize, you know, who they were and what they needed. And we were very privileged and very lucky that our family was able to get them the support that he needed and the support that he got. And is now going to Dell medical as a as a doctor for their residency, ultimately, item 64 is just about giving people a fair shot at life and I think it's really important that we do that. So that's it. >> Thank you. Good afternoon, [2:19:14 PM] >> Thank you. Good afternoon, mayor Watson and city council. I'm Barbara Bucklin and I'm here today to speak against, the 64 agenda, and I'd like to just start with a couple of verses out of scripture, it says the word says for god, for god is a holy god. And, he he opposes people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth also, because god is a god who loves them and who cares for them. And since the beginning of the world, god created people who have known the Earth and the sky. They see it. They see everything that god has made. They see this clearly. They know he is an invisible qualities. He has eternal power and he has [2:20:18 PM] has eternal power and he has divine nature. So what we're talking about is people that suppress the truth when they know it. And what I believe god says very clearly, which we've heard here before, that god creates Ed people, humans, beings in his own image, in the image of god. He created them, male and female. He created them. So wisdom tells us not to suppress the truth. Wisdom would tell us to line up with the creator of all things. He created man and woman in his image for his purposes, to reproduce and to multiply. For this reason, and for others that have been stated here today, I'm against this agenda and I noticed how the narrative is so changed this afternoon. [2:21:20 PM] changed this afternoon. Particularly we're talking about adult care. We're or what we're talking about is actually child care and child transformation done through surgery. Blockers, hormone blockers, I, I ran off some copies, which we've made a copy for each of you. And this is testimony that was given in the house senate committee recently, it's full of research and information, that is verified. That's from doctors associations, various experts around the world. And what they told the house committee was that this was a dangerous procedure. That was experiment, on children experiments on children, and that they were not advising it in any case. So it's not a matter of health care for adults. It's a matter of what happens to our children. And I know you care for and love the [2:22:22 PM] know you care for and love the children of Austin and hope you'll make that decision. >> Thank you. >> Blessings. >> Now, folks, we're not going to do that. >> What's good everybody, you're out of order. >> Hang on a second. All right? We're not going to call each other names. We're here. We are at a moment where we're asking for people to recognize that we might not all be the same, and we might come at things in a different way. And so what we're not going to do is at that sort of hearing, call people names and degrade. So we're just not going to do that. So whoever was doing that, I ask you to please stop. >> That's not part of my time, right? No okay. >> But it was really good for your time, so. No, no. I'm teasing. I'm teasing you. You still have your full time, >> What's good, my name is Caleb [2:23:23 PM] >> What's good, my name is Caleb Brookins. I'm a writer, cultural worker, and I live in district two, I'm here to speak in support of item 93, since the 1600s, poet laureate positions have existed in cities, states, and countries to be stewards of poetry in their communities through programs that positively impact Wright the general public. I'm of the belief that Austin could really benefit from a poet laureate program, and here's why. According to the literacy coalition of central Texas, 121,000 adults in central Texas either cannot read or struggle with reading, and for decades, many local organizations, bookstores and individuals have nurtured Austin's poetry scene with little to no budget and no citywide recognition. Yet UT Austin has one of the most nationally recognized mfa programs, Wright and yet Austin poetry slam is tied with Dallas as the longest running poetry slam in Texas. Many comparable cities, including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Seattle all have [2:24:24 PM] Francisco, and Seattle all have adult poet laureate programs, and we do not yet. Austin markets itself as the Mecca for arts and culture in Texas, so having a poet laureate program would simply keep Austin accountable to its promise of being that arts and culture center. And it would assist with improving Austin's unsatisfactory literacy rate. I've created a petition for the Austin poet laureate program, which, as of this morning has 260 plus signatures, including all members of the arts commission. Seven city Texas city and state poet laureates, the president of Austin poetry society, and the founder of Austin poetry slam, which y'all will hear from today. Austin public library has also agreed to run the program. The only missing piece is y'all. So so thank you to council member Vanessa Fuentes and all co-sponsors of this item to you. Others, I implore you to support and pass this resolution and show Austin that you care about poetry, literacy, and uplifting Austin's history and culture. [2:25:24 PM] Austin's history and culture. P.S. I'm so glad to be here on the day that, item 64 is being talked about, I'm 100% in favor of that. As a person who believes in science and human rights and a former, trans kid who is now a thriving trans adult. Thank you. For item 93, Mike Henry, then Chris Gannon and Daniel kehlmann. >> If your name has been called, please come forward and be prepared to speak and feel free to take the microphone. Just state your name for the record. >> Hey everybody, my name is Mike Henry. I live in district five and I'm the founder of Austin poetry slam. I'm here to speak in favor of item 93, which would create an Austin poet laureate position. Now a great city deserves a poet laureate. This is consistent around the globe. It's consistent across the us, and most importantly, it's consistent right here in Texas. As Caleb pointed out, [2:26:25 PM] Texas. As Caleb pointed out, Houston has a poet laureate, San Antonio has a poet laureate, Dallas has a poet laureate. The lack of a poet laureate in Austin is just simply inconsistent with our goals as a city and with our ongoing support for the arts and for artists. I want you to know that this is not we're not asking you to create some ceremonial position where somebody just gets to put something fancy on their email signature and, you know, go to a banquet, right? This is a poet laureate. This is boots on the ground. This person will work tirelessly as an artist, as a teacher, as a mentor, as an advocate for literacy here in our city, they will be in our schools. They'll be at our events. They'll be here for any citizen of Austin that wants to spend time with them. And they will do the job that a poet does. The poets have always done. And that's tell the truth and represent the people now sitting here today, you all have a lot of things to joust with and to try to understand, and you have a very diverse community to represent. We need leaders. We need science, we need you. We need government. I think you all need a poet. Thank [2:27:26 PM] think you all need a poet. Thank you guys very much. Please support number 93. Thank you. >> I think I think that I shall never see an item as lovely as 93. How does that work? >> Good afternoon, mayor and council, I'm Daniel Cappleman, thank you so much for item 94. I'm here in favor of it. I'll keep this extremely brief to respect your time and everyone else is here, I live in a apartment building that is a double loaded corridor, and I just. For some reason, I didn't think about it that much. I live in an apartment that has only north facing windows, and it's really sad and dark in there. And I think that there's some really exciting, innovative things that can happen from, an update to the international building code and how we follow it in Austin, there's some cool projects you see on Twitter. People sharing all the time about like a bunch of, like, moderately priced apartments that have windows on three sides, which is absolutely insane to think about in this [2:28:27 PM] insane to think about in this city because you don't see it, barely at all. So, I really enthusiastically support that, another thing, I think that the, the fact that I'm saying good afternoon and not good morning is a problem. People are talking, taking a lot of time, and it's important that we all respect each other's time here. And this is not about item 94. But I just want to say I hope we all can move to a point in which everybody has a amount of time that is reasonable and that we can keep these meetings, within reason and to respect everybody's time, because I work full time and I slot the morning to come to council, not all day. And so I hope you guys can move forward with that. Thank you very much. >> Chris Gannon, Michael Rhodes, Connor, Kenny, if your name has been called, please come forward . Chris Gannon, Michael Rhodes, Connor. Kenny. >> Good afternoon. Council. [2:29:29 PM] >> Good afternoon. Council. Connor Kenny, a principal at capital a housing, here to speak on single stair primarily, a lot of the reforms that you all have approved, like compatibility and parking, are doing great things for medium and large sites. Single stair is the secret ingredient to unlock small sites. At capital a, we really think that the starter homes and middle class homes and affordable ownership homes of the next 50 years are actually stacked unit small scale apartments that are great on quiet, small streets with 3 to 4 bedrooms and windows on each side. The only way you can build those is single stair, so it really is a critical reform for building a more livable community for our middle class, so I was going to be brief, so that is it, except to say, item 99, agrihood is awesome. Kind of a no brainer. Thank you. Council member harper-madison sunset ridge. As an Austin affordable housing developer, I can't tell you how much time I've spent looking for sites in west Austin. If you get a shot, take [2:30:29 PM] Austin. If you get a shot, take it. It could be another decade before you get another one. I'm very jealous of that site, and then finally, my wife works with a lot of families with trans kids, and the pain that they have gone through over the last couple of years as they become subject to this political crusade, is really awful. A lot of left the state. And so, gratitude for y'all sitting through some of this stuff today and gratitude for everyone who came here and kindness, a lot of our brothers and sisters are hurting, and, anything we can do to help them out, I think is a good thing. Thank you. >> Mayor, I've called all consent speakers. >> I'm sorry I didn't hear you. >> My apologies. I have called all consent speakers. Great. Thank you very much, members. That concludes, the speakers that have signed up for public comment on the consent agenda. I'm going to now invite, Megan Riley to come to the microphone so that she can speak to two of the items on our agenda. On the consent agenda. >> Good afternoon, mayor and council. I am here to recommend [2:31:30 PM] council. I am here to recommend that you approve a settlement payment in the amount of $194,000 to resolve the lawsuit brought by Juanita Lopez and Christina Gomez against the city of Austin as we discussed in a recent communication from the law department, this lawsuit was filed as a result of an April 22nd, 2022 car wreck where the plaintiff sustained serious injuries in exchange for the payment, the plaintiffs will execute a full and final release and will dismiss the lawsuit that's on file in Travis county district court. Secondly, on item number 47, I recommend that you approve a settlement payment in the amount of $250,000 to resolve a lawsuit brought against the city of Austin by the Casias family, as we discussed in a recent communication from the law department, this lawsuit was filed as a result of a June 30th, 2023 car accident fatality where miss Casias passed away as a result of the injuries she sustained. In exchange for this payment, the plaintiffs will execute a full and final release [2:32:30 PM] execute a full and final release and will dismiss the lawsuit that they brought against the city. In Travis county district court. >> Thank you members, any questions of counsel? Thank you very much, miss Riley, members, you've heard you know, what's on the consent agenda. You've heard the consent agenda and the public comment, excuse me, related to it. Recall and remember that item number 49 is on the consent agenda, but it's been postponed. So the vote on the consent agenda will be regarding the postponement of item number 49. Let me ask, are there any items that are on the consent agenda that any members wish to pull? Council member Alison alter, mayor. >> So I don't know whether you want to pull it or just allow me five minutes with Austin water. I would like to pull four through six quickly to hear or to or hear from them, whichever you would prefer for your order, so that the staff doesn't have to stay all afternoon if I'm with you on that. >> And I agree, let's, let's, let's have a vote on let's pull them and then what we'll do is have them come up and do the [2:33:31 PM] have them come up and do the five minutes as you suggest then. Thank you. Is there any other item that anybody wishes to pull not to pull. >> But I want to speak on the Austin water items as well. Yeah. We're okay. Yeah. >> We're going to bring those up as they've been pulled. So we'll bring them up separately because I figured that's what was would happen. That's why I want to go ahead and have them pulled any other items to be pulled. All right then I will, ask for, I'm going to get a motion. And then when we have a motion, I will ask for comments, in advance of the vote as part of the discussion. And then we will have a vote, and then we will go go to the pulled items 4 or 5 and six immediately before we go to our 2:00 time. Certain, so on comments I will recognize first council member Kelly followed by council member Fuentes. Council member pool. Mayor pro tem pool. >> Thank you, mayor, and thank you to my colleagues and especially the speakers who came before us today to speak in favor of item 63. Maddie and Jennifer, who came by to bring this to my attention, which [2:34:33 PM] this to my attention, which turned into a resolution Ann, today, with the passage of item 63, we will have taken a significant step towards recognizing and supporting one of the most overlooked groups in our community our youth caregivers, youth caregivers aren't just children. They're young individuals taking on adult sized responsibilities, often sacrificing their own needs to care for aging, disabled or health compromised family members. This resolution that will pass today hopefully acknowledges their immense contribution and the challenges they face daily. By directing the city manager to conduct a comprehensive study related to this issue, our council will be paving the way to better understand and address their needs more comprehensively. Respectfully, mayor, I would like to voice my opposition to resolution 64, I'm compelled to do that, it really directs city personnel to once again flaunt state law by deprioritize housing enforcement of certain [2:35:34 PM] housing enforcement of certain laws, going so far as to stifle interagency cooperation and communication between state and local law enforcement. And this comes at a time when our police department morale is low. We struggle to retain and recruit officers. To me, this resolution sends an explicit yet confusing message to our law enforcement officers to act in conflict with state law. And I want you all to take a moment and really think about that, how how it could broadly affect our public safety goals in the city. The state of Texas has enacted laws that, whether one agrees with them or not, have passed through the lawful and democratic process and reflect the legislative will of Texans statewide as a home rule city, Austin does indeed have a significant degree of autonomy. However as a political subdivision of the state of Texas, our autonomy should not be construed construed as a license to continually undermine state law. Repeated actions like this by our council not only undermine the rule of law, but also invite significant costs of [2:36:35 PM] also invite significant costs of litigation, which diverts valuable and limited city resources away from other critical services. I understand from our financial staff that we're even projecting a budget shortfall this year. So with that, while I empathize with those in the community experiencing certain medical issues, those matters are simply not within the powers we're granted as a city council. And while I stand firm in my opposition to this resolution, I fully support and encourage the right of every citizen or community member to express their views and advocate for what they believe in. The issues surrounding gender affirming health care are deeply personal and deeply significant to everyone in this room today. They deserve robust public debate and the active participation of all interested parties at both the state and federal level. Those who are passionate, whether in support or against it. Please contact your state representatives or even run for the state legislature. For. While I respect the motivations behind this resolution, I believe it is [2:37:35 PM] this resolution, I believe it is fundamentally flawed in terms of legal authority and fiscal responsibility. So again, I will be voting no. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, council member members I, I jump to speakers and did not get a motion on the consent agenda. Council member Velasquez moves to adopt the consent agenda. It is seconded by council member qadri, thank you. Council member Kelly, I apologize for calling you out of order, but I appreciate your comments. >> You want me to do it again? >> I thought so, yeah. Go ahead. >> Just kidding. Once was enough, I understand. Thank you everybody. Thank you, council member Fuentes, followed by council member pool, then council member qadri. >> Thank you, first and foremost, I want to thank our colleague, councilmember chito, for bringing forward item 64. I think it's important that we as local leaders stand up and protect our community. And I appreciate all that you're doing and providing a safe community for our trans and lgbtq plus community, colleagues, I also want to take a moment to recognize Caleb Brookins, who is a poet and a constituent of district two, and all the work [2:38:35 PM] district two, and all the work that they did to create the proposal to bring a poet laureate program to Austin. Austin is the only major city in Texas without a poet laureate program. And since the 1600s, poet laureate, programs and positions have existed in cities, states, and countries to be stewards of poetry in their communities through readings, workshops and projects that are open to the general public, Austin will benefit from a sociopolitically, engaged poet willing to use poetry as a way to invigorate Austin's arts and culture, and as a way to promote literacy across our city. This program has the support of more than 260 Austin residents and members of the arts community and the city of Austin library commission are also in support. I want to take a moment to thank my co sponsors, council members, harper-madison Velasquez qadri and Allison alter for their support of this resolution and for my colleagues for voting for creating this program here today. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member mayor pro tem followed by council member qadri, then council member Velasquez. [2:39:36 PM] council member Velasquez. >> Thanks, mayor, but I'll wait until we bring the items forward for comment. Yes, please. Thanks. >> Fair enough. Council member qadri followed by council member Velasquez and then council member harper-madison. Great thank you. Mayor, I just want to thank councilmember vela as well for bringing forward item, 64, it's important. And it was something I was incredibly proud to sponsor, and I would also like to thank everyone who came out today, to speak about how important it is for our city to pass this item, I would be remiss not to mention, how incredibly touched I was, by the story from human rights commissioner Morgan Davis. Their testimony, just incredibly touched at their, at the at their leadership. And those of you especially who bravely shared your personal stories. Thank you for being here, while the state has chosen to bully our trans friends, family and neighbors to score political points, the city of Austin will not, to the trans community of Austin, our constituents, our neighbors, our friends, our [2:40:39 PM] neighbors, our friends, our family, you are welcomed here. You are loved. And you and we will do everything we can as a city to help protect you from bigotry. >> Thank you, thank you. Council member. Council member. Velasquez followed by harper-madison and then councilmember Allison alter. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I want to thank council member vela for bringing forward item 64, I am honored to be a co-sponsor and to have collaborated with his office on this resolution. This is absolutely an absolutely necessary step in the fight against the bigotry that we're seeing at our state. Thank you to our lgbtq plus community for their incredibly significant input and collaboration on this item. Thank you for your continued bravery and perseverance during this very dark time and through repeated aggressions. Some of them here today, you remain light and you remain an inspiration. I am proud to be an ally and will continue to do the work needed to protect our lgbtq plus community and the health care rights of all austinites. It has [2:41:39 PM] rights of all austinites. It has been suggested not once but twice today, that as a Latino, I should be ashamed for being in support of this item. Como Latino a NUESTRA comunidad trans les digo los veo Y estoy con ustedes. Gracias >> Thank you. Council member. Council member harper-madison followed by councilmember Allison alter. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate the recognition. I'll keep it brief. I wanted to laugh when my actual, very first realtor, Mr. Ray Whaley, sold me my first house, when he said a part of a part of his appreciation for the ability to speak as long as it takes for our constituents to get their points across, was he essentially alluded to the fact that this space and time is supposed to be for y'all? We're not supposed to sit up here and yammer on. And that used to drive me crazy in the early days that we were in here all day and night and mostly it's because we talk too much. So I really do appreciate that y'all get the [2:42:40 PM] appreciate that y'all get the opportunity to really weigh in substantively and that we as a community get the opportunity to recalibrate and figure out what's most appropriate. I say all that to say the thing that I want everybody to take away from that, because it was implied that council members don't want to hear you out. And I just first of all, I categorically disagree with that. But more importantly, at the risk of sounding like, you know, be unsafe, which I'm clearly not, we're the stars of this show. So when we get here, we're the talent. We're not the ones that y'all need to worry about. You know, when it comes to like, how long we're here, who I'm concerned about are the ones who have to run these cameras. All our audio equipment, the janitorial staff, security guards. If we're here to do this, which it's our job. We're supposed to be here. Y'all keep us here as long as you want to. I just think it's very important that you take into consideration that as we have these conversations, there's never a time where there's a lack of complexity, a part of the complexity with having very long council meetings is that every [2:43:41 PM] council meetings is that every member of our support staff, which means every single person in this building, we're the stars of the show. They don't start till we get here. Everybody else, though, they don't. They shouldn't have to be here all day and night. My hope is that as we as a community are looking at this, these things and, and recognizing it's not quite calibrated perfectly, but none of us have a perfectly calibrated eye. So I hope we're all taking into consideration everything that goes into us being here late, and so I will stop talking there and go into I'm super pleased to see that as we continue the conversations around I-35 again with the complexities, I have not been a single solitary stranger to no white or no higher being. My perspective on our highway, that that said, though, oftentimes as a community, one of the things that we have to do is just know when you got to take the L and stop pushing, because now you're just making a bunch of noise and [2:44:42 PM] just making a bunch of noise and not getting anything done, in which case my focus is moving in the direction of connecting our community. For the first time ever, east and west of I-35 will be truly connected as we're continuing these conversations. Like, now we have this great trail that's running up to Maner. We're looking at all these trails that are happening boggy Waterloo. Then you know, over on my side we have walnut creek. We are eventually going to actually be a connected city, which brings me great joy. So as we're having these conversations about the caps for I-35, I appreciate that we're moving forward there and really look forward to the insights that are going to come out of the connecting Austin equity, connecting Austin equitable mobility study, that's item number 38. I think this study is really going to contribute substantive substantively to our vision around what the caps mean. And my mind's eye, the caps mean greater connectivity, greater mobility, greater accessibility. And then when you really think about it, it really means greater opportunities both [2:45:42 PM] means greater opportunities both around commerce, but more importantly, connections, connections don't happen just because people are in the same room, right? People have things that they, they, that they see eye to eye on ideologically or there are opportunities programmatically that bring people together. So my hope is that as we move through that process, that we don't assume that we get a diverse community by getting a bunch of people who have different lived experiences and smooshing them together. We have to be intentional about programing. And so my hope is that that's what we do with this cap and stitch opportunity. Additionally, item number 65 regarding further exploration and implementation of community engagement initiatives, led by the city of Austin. So this initiative that I wanted to bring forward, I'm mostly bringing forward, like a lot of the things that I'm bringing forward as of late, it's a long time in the making. I started having this conversation back in 2018, when I was a civilian that said, everything that happens at the city of Austin costs too much and take too long, and I [2:46:43 PM] much and take too long, and I wasn't wrong, by the way. And so but one of the things that I realized then, as I made the transition from civilian to policymaker, I didn't understand most of what was happening up here. And sometimes I still don't entirely understand, but I have the opportunity of having direct access to our professional staff to get clarity and other supporters and staff. What we don't have is that same thing for our constituents. And so this item was intended to really recognize that I from start, I realized that there was something inherently flawed, which didn't get better, you know, with the pandemic and distancing, there was something inherently flawed with with our community and constituent engagement, I believe that each of our districts are unique and should reserve the opportunity to really customize our outreach. But I also believe that there's something being left behind when we don't take like, a really robust opportunity to engage with district constituents, they're not being a standard sort of universal unilateral. [2:47:46 PM] sort of universal unilateral. This is how we do it. We don't have that. Just in case y'all don't know, each of the individual council districts up here, we all figure out when we're going to do a town hall, when we're going to engage with our constituents, how we do so, whether or not we do a newsletter, what that contains, there's nothing in the way of uniformity. And I think us not having a standard template protocol, cpio that's those are the people that help us put out information from the city. Their job is to do X, Y, Z. I think a part of that and not to increase their workload. Certainly not without exploring what it looks like to increase supports for them. But I think all council members should be releasing their newsletters with the same cadence, the same frequency, the same or similar content. Aside from what's uniform to your district, I think town halls, especially in the beginning, I came in here so optimistic that we all wanted to make everything better and be nice to each other [2:48:46 PM] better and be nice to each other until I got yelled at and somebody threw something at me. Turns out there are some folks who don't necessarily think democracy doesn't have to be ugly. They absolutely take every opportunity to just throw bombs and start stuff. There was another word I was going to use, but my mom's watching. And so I say that to say, I think if we make it uniform and don't make it a town hall where the formula is, you guys all sit out there. I sit up on a stage and you scream at me and over one another to the point where nothing actually happened. Here. We just wasted an hour and a half on a Thursday night for no reason. My show is on. Why are we here if we're not going to actually do something? So that said, I hope that the city with so many more resources, that's another thing to take into consideration. I know I'm going long, but this is important, with so few resources as council offices, we have small staff, a limited budget and limited capacity. It's not an appropriate expectation for all of us to. In addition, figure out how to answer your public [2:49:48 PM] out how to answer your public information request and answer your calls and answer your emails and be you know, really conscientious about digging into the agenda and all that. We can't do all of that at. And in addition to planned town hall meetings and plan opportunities to meet with y'all individually, I have over 100 neighborhood associations in my 46mi S that I represent, but every single one of those neighborhood associations wants to meet with me once a week. It can't happen. There's not enough capacity. So what I'm asking is for the city to help us figure out how to be more present. I don't think it's appropriate that y'all don't have more access to us, but there's just not enough to go around. When you're one human with 97,000 people that you represent, and it's just too few opportunities to address them, where people's ideological position is the same, in which case there's no back and forth, there's always back and forth and democracy. But we can't go back and forth to the detriment of people who sit quietly in the back of the room and never get [2:50:49 PM] back of the room and never get their questions answered. We can't do so. At the risk of asking people to get child care, these events that I'm talking about, we provide childcare and food and age appropriate entertainment and make this actually fun. Don't lie to me, y'all. Town halls are not fun. You're either the one yelling, the one getting yelled at, or the one listening to the person getting yelled at. And your questions never get answered. That's not what it's supposed to do. It's supposed to be an opportunity for us to exchange information for you to contribute to the process, for us to actually listen to you and for something to get done in a way that we collaboratively move together so that was the point of this item. And it's actually one in a series of items that make city hall more accessible. We should be doing more tours of city hall. I called it snacks students who are looking for I forget exactly what the acronym was, but essentially it's like people need to come to city hall. Everybody doesn't even recognize this is y'all's building. You paid for it. You, you, it's your tax dollars that cover everything that happens inside this building. But not being familiar with how it works, what the language is, [2:51:51 PM] works, what the language is, what the terminology is. There's a lot that we're losing because we're not doing this as a us and y'all together doing it. It's us up here behind the bulletproof dais and you down there. And that's not how good collaborate effort works. We got to figure out a way to work better together, I'll leave you with this. One of the things that I see as a top priority is us moving through, with some degree of humanity in every exchange that we have with one another. I'm no stranger to getting cussed out, so I'm not scared of it. But my hope is that we can actually get something done when we talk to each other. So when we have these meetings like this, where ideological, we're not all aligned, you don't need me to be paternalistic about it, but I really do. So as the parent of a trans kid, my ninth grader is at Mccallum high school watching us and listening to us and how we talk to one another. And I most especially want to pose this to the people [2:52:51 PM] want to pose this to the people who proclaim to be advocates for the best interest of children. They're watching you, too. I want everybody to recognize that we don't have to be the same. The diversity and humanity is a part of the beauty of it, and we all get to have our own opinions. But when it comes to a situation like this, this room, those kids watching us, how do we encourage them to become policy makers of the future? If you're so terrified that you can't sit up here as just I'm just your neighbor, Natasha. That's it. I have neighbors who don't speak to me because of my job, who walk past my house and won't look at me. I'm just your neighbor, Natasha. That's it. We don't have to be ugly to each other. And I really. I can't put enough emphasis on it. Especially as a person who deals with mental health issues. Like so many others, this is the last thing you need. Adding to that [2:53:54 PM] thing you need. Adding to that public discourse shouldn't be the reason that you have an anxiety attack today. Your kindness is free. Don't agree with me? So be it. But don't be ugly and don't you ever do it in the name of my father. God please. I'll end with this. I'd like to acknowledge and express my gratitude for our outgoing interim city manager, who she took on something. Boy, did he ever. He came in and took on a herculean task. We asked him, to do something that was big and he answered the mighty call with zeal. I'd like to thank him for his leadership and commitment to his ability to really seamlessly carry us through this transition, and I'd say we are indebted to his tireless effort, and so on behalf of myself and team Dion and all of district one, we wish you a happy re retirement, and welcome our new city manager. As he's coming on [2:54:55 PM] city manager. As he's coming on with us next meeting Monday. Thank you everybody. I appreciate your patience. >> Thank you, councilmember councilmember Allison alter. >> And then I'm going to, recognize councilmember Bella. >> Thank you, first of all, thank you to everyone who came and spent the day with us here. It was really good to hear your voices, and your passion and, it was a pleasure to hear you and to take our votes accordingly, I want to talk about something totally different, though at the moment, I want to highlight doctor walks and doctor Escott, as well as a district ten constituent doctor, Lauren Myers, who is the principal investigator for the project we have before us. In item 54, I want to extend my congratulations to doctor Myers as the as the principal investigator on the larger award for a pandemic preparedness center. This is going to be the nation's first national network for outbreak response and disease forecasting, and it's going to be housed right here in Austin at UT. I want to thank Austin public health and ammo [2:55:56 PM] Austin public health and ammo for their terrific work that has culminated in this accomplishment. This work is going to help ensure that our community is poised to respond to disease outbreaks as efficiently and effectively as possible. I also want to speak to item 93, launching in Austin poet laureate program. I'm very, very excited to see this item move forward. I believe that poetry adds humanity. Poetry can set the scene and alter the course of conversations. Poetry enriches. I do, however, want to acknowledge that Austin does have a youth poet laureate, as many of you know, my son was chosen as the youth poet laureate, in the fall of 2022, and I got to participate in and enjoy the way that poetry added to many events and enriched the experience of the students who benefited from the programing as part of the laureate cohort, or as part of the group that they reached out to. The youth poet laureate program will be a wonderful partner for the Austin poet laureate program, and I trust that the library will work with them, my son is now a [2:56:58 PM] with them, my son is now a freshman at Yale and in the middle of finals, otherwise, I would have asked him to share a poem with us today, mayor, thank you for your your little poem. I think, I think I think we need to we needed a little poetry, today, in 2023, though, through the course of his time as an Austin youth poet laureate, I did speak with the then state poet laureate about this. So I'm really thrilled that, council member Fuentes and the writers community came forward to make this happen. It was on my bucket list of getting done before I leave. And so I'm very, very excited to be a co- sponsor of it. So thank you. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember Taylor close, thank you, mayor. >> And it's a it's an honor to add you as a co-sponsor to, item 64. Thank you so much for your support. And if the record may reflect, I'm proud to bring forward my office's transgender protection resolution today. Thanks to all of the brave people who spoke in support of the measure, especially given the intimidation tactics used by [2:57:59 PM] the intimidation tactics used by some opponent opponents this morning, opponents of the measure apparently sent armed individuals to intimidate supporters as they entered city hall. That's a very disappointing and troubling, we guns just don't belong at city hall, and violence should not be a part of or even threats of violence should not be a part of our political discourse. Trans people deserve the right to self-determination. Our state has forced them in their medical providers into hiding, and that is wrong. Austin should not be a party to that. Any more than we legally have to be. Austinites do not prioritize criminal enforcement of rules that limit medical decisions made between families and their doctors, whether that's a decision to terminate a pregnancy or how to treat a child struggling with gender dysphoria. Trans people have existed since people have existed and have been present in practically every culture. This is a historical fact. I sincerely hope this resolution [2:58:59 PM] sincerely hope this resolution will provide some small comfort to the trans residents of Austin. We are on your side. We will not support the trampling of your rights, and we are proud and grateful to have you here in Austin with us. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Council member. There being no further discussion, let me ask if there are anyone wishing to be shown abstaining from any item on the consent agenda, anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on the consent agenda. I have council member Kelly being shown voting no on item 64. Are there any other no votes that a council member would like to be shown, voting no. In that case, without objection, the consent agenda is adopted with councilmember Kelly being shown voting no on item 64, thank you, council members. Now, what we will do is we will take up items four, five and six, excuse me. What? I would ask is that. What I would ask is that our professional staff come [3:00:04 PM] that our professional staff come forward and make a brief presentation with regard to items four, five and six, and then I'll recognize, council members for questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. Mayor, mayor pro tem, council members. My name is shay Ralls roalson, and I'm the director of Austin water. And I appreciate your consideration today of items, on your agenda for the water conservation plan. Drought contingency plan updates, and the code changes that support those updates. I'd like to start by assuring all of our stakeholders that Austin water is committed to water conservation in our highest value. Water is the water we don't use. And as we conveyed to city council when you adopted the recent reclaimed water requirements, our community's commitment to water conservation is foundational to everything we do in near and long term water resources planning. We've seen significant success from our [3:01:04 PM] significant success from our water conservation efforts from 190 gallons per person per day in 2006, all the way down to 124 gallons per person per day in 2022. Conservation is why we haven't yet hit the trigger for additional payments to lcra on the 1999 water supply contract. We have committed significant people and resources to long term sustainability of our conservation efforts. We have an entire division of staff focused on water conservation, where industry leaders recognize, advised by the Texas living waters project as the top ranked large city in Texas for water conservation, we continue to ramp up our outreach. Our annual budget for water conservation communication is $800,000, and we've also ramped up enforcement and will continue to invest in those efforts on the communications side, we participate in the J.D. Power U.S. Water utility residential customer satisfaction survey, [3:02:05 PM] customer satisfaction survey, which found last year that we ranked number two in the nation for utilities of a similar size, for the awareness of our customers, of our water conservation program and for our electronic communications. As we continue to ramp up our efforts, rolling out our automated meters, which have already produced significant water savings and give us the opportunity to communicate directly with our customers about conservation. Since 2020, we estimate that those leak alerts and direct to customer messages has resulted in a savings of 720 million gallons and we are focused on reducing our water loss. On the utility side. As we think about our goals for water conservation, it's important that we base those goals on our real world experience. Those goals feed into our water forward plan. So they must be both forward thinking and achievable. If we set goals we can't meet, we run the risk of creating a gap in our water supply plan. We're committed to engagement and we [3:03:05 PM] committed to engagement and we will revise those plans alongside the water forward 2024 plan. And when water forward comes to council at the end of this calendar year, we will also bring you updated water conservation and drought contingency plans, and we look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to make those plans as robust as they can be. >> Thank you, I'll recognize councilmember Allison alter, who pulled the item and then followed by, mayor pro tem pool. >> Thank you, director roalson, so part of the reason I wanted to pull this was for you to have that opportunity to share the commitment, to conservation, and these efforts, by Austin water, can you speak also to the reason why we have this condensed time frame? >> Water utilities are required to submit a water conservation plan and a drought contingency plan to the Texas commission on environmental quality every five years. So those plans across the state are due now, as a firm [3:04:07 PM] state are due now, as a firm customer of the lower Colorado river authority, our drought contingency plan must be at least as restrictive as lcra plan. They updated their plan last month, and so we needed to update our plan to reflect the changes that they made, which includes, a new stage, so a new drought, stage three that would go into effect when the combined storage of Lakes Travis and Buchanan is at 750,000 acre feet today, and the storage is at 848,000 acre feet. So it's important that we adopt these plans now so that in in the next likely couple of months, we will be able to go to stage three. When lcra goes to stage three, we also currently have funding for our, my atx water smart meter program in front of the Texas water development board, and that the water development board requires us to have a current water conservation plan [3:05:07 PM] current water conservation plan in order to be eligible for funding. >> Thank you. So there's a time sensitivity of submitting these plans at this point in time to the state, both so that we are able to invoke stage three this summer if necessary, and so that we are able to finish, our atx water meter program that's helping us to address the leaks, in my conversations with you, we also discussed briefly the commercial irrigation, rate, idea that was brought up this morning. And, and you had some comments on that. Can you share what Austin water is planning with regards to that? >> We are we are currently undergoing a cost of service study and which will evaluate our rate design. And we will be coming forward with proposed rates in our fiscal year 25 budget for your consideration and our rate strategy includes a new irrigation rate for commercial properties, just as was recommended by one of the speakers. This morning. >> Thank you, and we've had a lot of conversations over our [3:06:08 PM] lot of conversations over our water future between water forward and, you know, I created the Austin water oversight committee. I serve on that committee. And, and I think what what I want to leave you with as we, as we vote on these is, you know, we're going to recognize that there are some time sensitivity here, you have promised that you will amend these plans based on further conversations with our water forward task force. I, you know, very much value the opinions and the thoughts and the ideas that come forward from that task force, as do I think all of my colleagues, you know, and part of the reason I pulled this is just to underscore what I think you already recognized. But I think it's important for us to reiterate that this diocese is committed to addressing the drought conditions. We are are committed to furthering conservation as much as we can. And it is our expectation that Austin water is going to move in that direction. We have in motion the update to water forward, we have in motion the opportunities for, different groups, especially the task [3:07:08 PM] groups, especially the task force to weigh in, and we it is our expectation Ann that well, we need to plan based on maybe conservative goals, that we are going to be taking steps that might allow us to overshoot those goals that we need to take the drought, very seriously, maybe we need to relook at it even as a council, you know, and I think that's what the water forward process is about, so I don't want to jump ahead to that. And I think that's what Austin water is taking very seriously, but for our community, who over the years have helped to push forward programs like the original water forward or to help us to be a place that conserves more than average, I think our community just needed us to pause a little bit this afternoon and reiterate our commitment and to commit to communicate our expectations, to Austin water, I appreciate your comments, and I also appreciate the opportunity to commit to you all and to all of our stakeholders that we are heavily [3:08:09 PM] stakeholders that we are heavily invested in water conservation, and we are invested in our, our community, with our stakeholders. And, we are currently developing the portfolios of strategies that will be included in the water forward 2024 update and so we have a series of presentations and conversations planned with our water forward task force on all of the strategies, including water conservation and drought contingency. And as those discussions yield additional changes we can make to our plans, we will incorporate them. So we will bring the revised Ed plans with the updated water forward plan to you at the end of the year, and I assume that there'll be a stop at the Austin water oversight committee along the way for discussion specifically of the drought and conservation plan updates and also water forward. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member, mayor pro tem. >> Thanks, mayor. And I, I just wanted to confirm you all had made presentations to the resource management commission and the water wastewater commission, that is correct. So [3:09:10 PM] commission, that is correct. So these the plans were, were voting items at resource management commission, which voted to approve both plans. 8 to 0 with one abstention. And then at the water and wastewater commission, they approved the water conservation they recommended for your approval. The water conservation plan, 7 to 1 and the drought contingency plan 8 to 0. >> Thanks, I know that water forward is an adaptive plan, and our staff are committed to ongoing conversations, as you reiterated and emphasized with the stakeholders and that also includes the water forward task force in order to strengthen the plans, mayor, if that's it, I, I would like to move approval of items four, five and six. >> I'll take that motion. There's a motion by the mayor pro tem to approve items four, five and six. Second by council member qadri. But, council member Ryan alter, did you wish to speak? You'll be. I'll [3:10:11 PM] to speak? You'll be. I'll recognize people to be heard on the items if they wish to speak. >> Thank you very much. I just want to, highlight one element of this that I think in the how we got here is, you know, have heard concerns both from some of the speakers today as well as people who have talked to me. You know, how we arrived five years after our 2019 goals to where we were today and have a better understanding of what went right and what didn't, and so that when we do our next five year plan, we position ourselves for success so that we do meet those goals. You know, we've had a lot of conversations up here about setting goals and investing and able to meet them. And so I would just ask as part of this process, we look at not only what it takes to get there, but really also that that look back of how did we get here today just so that we can double down on the things that went right. So I really appreciate it though. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member any further discussion motion has been made and seconded to approve items four, five and six, there being no further [3:11:12 PM] six, there being no further discussion. Without objection, items four, five and six are adopted. Thank you. Thanks, council. Thank you very much. All right. That completes, that portion of the agenda. What I promised we would do is go to our 2:00 time. Certain for those , that are keeping track. It's 311, some some days I was taking a different motion at this point, but, councilmember harper-madison, what what is it you want to be recognized on? >> I just actually wanted to ask a quick question. So there's a lot of folks in the room who came specifically to speak to agrihood. So I'm just trying to give them a general idea of when that might come up. If we have if we have any clue whatsoever, it would be nice. >> The only clue that we know the number of people that have signed up to speak on both the zoning consent agenda and the item that has been pulled, and if that number is here or roughly is here, that's going to take at least an hour. Okay. And then we can, we can take, I'll [3:12:13 PM] then we can, we can take, I'll be happy to take that item up at that point in time, if there's what I was going to do is I was going to take it up based upon the number of speakers we had per item after that. So that we would, hit the most speakers and then go on through. For example, ahrq has three speakers, I'm also, as you pointed out in your comments, on the consent agenda, I'm also cognizant of the number of staff we have here for different items and that to try to allow them to go. So I'm trying to manage several aspects of this agenda under these, under these rules. So okay. >> Thank you I appreciate it. >> So that takes us to the zoning items. And, miss Arden, we've been waiting on you all day. >> So, mayor council, I'm joy harden with the planning department. >> Your zoning agenda begins with item number 80 c-1 for 2022 0090, this is a staff requested postponement, to your may 30th council meeting. Item 81 is npa 2023 0015004. This item is being [3:13:16 PM] 2023 0015004. This item is being offered as an applicant requested postponement to your may 30th council meeting. The related rezoning is item 82 c-1 for 2023 0117. Again, applicant postponement request to your may 30th council meeting. Item 83 is c-1 for 2024 0009. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 84 c-1 for H 2023 0137. This item is being offered for consent. Second and third readings. Item 85 is c-1 for H 2023 0136. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 86 is npa 2024 0025.02. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings. The related rezoning is item 87 c-1 for 2023 0056. Again, this item is being offered for consent on all three readings. Item 88 is c-1 for 2023 0047. This item is being offered for consent on all three readings, and your final item is [3:14:17 PM] readings, and your final item is item 89 c-1 for 85288.166 rca two. This item will be a discussion item, and this concludes the reading of the zoning agenda. And as always, this is at your discretion. >> Thank you members. >> What I'll do is I'm going to read the consent agenda and ask for a motion based upon what I read. Item number 89 will be taken up as a separate item, and we will also immediately following item 89, take up item number 73 because it's a related item. But the consent agenda will be item number 80. A postponement to may 30th 81. A postponement to may 30th 82. Postponement to may 30th 83. Consent on all three readings 84. Consent on second and third reading 85. Consent on all three readings 86. Consent on all three readings. The related item to 86 is 87. Consent on all three readings and item 88 all three readings. Is there a motion? Motion is made by council member harper-madison. Is there a second? Seconded by [3:15:18 PM] Is there a second? Seconded by councilmember Allison alter, I'll turn to the city clerk to see if there are speakers on the consent agenda as was read. >> Yes, mayor. >> We do have some in person. I've got on the merits of the postponement for number 80. Pat Greg Dean, followed by Juan Raymond Rubio and then Megan king on 84 and 85. >> Okay. On items that are being postponed, we recognize the speakers and we invite you to, to say your what you want to say, but it will be to the merits of the postponement and not the merits of the item itself. Would you call the names again? >> Yes. Pat did you want to speak on the postponement for 80? Okay then I have one. Raymond Rubio, Megan king, both speaking on 84 and 85 for a total of six minutes each. >> I'm sorry I had trouble here. >> They're speaking on what items? >> 84 and 85. >> Okay, I got you. Thank you. >> Okay. >> They don't want to speak. I do have someone on the line for [3:16:19 PM] do have someone on the line for item 84. Josh brunsman three minutes. >> Hi, council. >> Is everyone able to hear me? >> Yes. >> I mayor, I appreciate your time, I'm just here as I'm watching this get pushed through, I just want to make note again is that, you know, I don't feel like there was adequate consideration made to this project, you know, against owner's wishes on the historic zoning. >> I understand, you know, trying to keep the character, but unfortunately, you know, this this home is in such far disrepair. It really does not make any financial sense to repair this home other than raze it or move it, you know, this was just kind of done off the whim without having anybody come out and walk the property or see the condition that's in buckled floors. You know, the, the, the character of the home is so far gone with, you know, new t111 siding, but, not going to beat a dead horse, I know that we're [3:17:20 PM] dead horse, I know that we're not turning back, so I just wanted to make that clear, that this is definitely against the owner's wishes, and a little disappointed that it went this path. >> Thank you. Sir Matthew Medina, also on 85. Mayor. That's all the consent speak. Zoning speakers. >> Thank you, members. Those are . Is there somebody on the phone? Okay, those are all the people that signed up to speak on the consent agenda, is there any discussion on the consent agenda before we move forward? Is there anyone wishing to pull an item from the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to be shown abstaining from a vote on the consent agenda, or any items on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to recuse themselves from a vote on an item on the consent agenda? Yes. Council member Ellis, I had a question. >> Sorry, I was just trying to pull up the information. I think the speaker was talking about [3:18:21 PM] the speaker was talking about 85. Is that the historic zoning that has a valid petition from the owner? >> They indicated 84, but it's 85. >> Thank you for the question. Is item 84? And out of abundance of caution, I think we would need a supermajority on this item, this did pass. First reading with a supermajority. And, we're back for second and third. >> Good. Thank you. >> Thank you. I'd like to be shown voting no on 84. >> All right, anyone? Anyone wishing to show be shown recusing themselves from a vote on on any of the items? Yes. >> No. 184. >> Councilmember Ryan alter are you there? You are good. I'm not calling you out. It's just that the rules require that I can see you if you're going to vote. Anyone else wishing to be shown [3:19:21 PM] Anyone else wishing to be shown voting no on councilmember harper-madison? >> I'll join on 84. >> All right, well, then we've gotta all join on 84 as well. >> Okay. Thank you, I'm not sure how I got on the consent agenda, we had 82. >> We had two speakers. As this was going on. Consent on 84. >> What I'm going to do is because we don't have the votes to pass item 84, by by a long shot. So what I'm going to do is I'm going to pull, we're going to pull item 84 off the consent agenda, and then we'll revisit what we might do with regard to item 84, after after we vote on the consent agenda. >> Thank you. Mayor. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you all for that. Item number 84 is pulled from the consent agenda. Well let me do it this way. Council member. Harper-madison moves. Moves to amend the motion by [3:20:27 PM] Moves to amend the motion by which the motion to approve the consent agenda as read, so that we would pull item number 84 from the consent agenda that is seconded by council member Ellis% , is there any objection to the motion to amend? The motion to amend is adopted. We will now go back to the main motion, which is adoption of the consent agenda minus item number 84. With that being said, is there anyone wishing to be shown voting no on the main motion, as amended? That being the case, without objection, the consent agenda is adopted. Now we will go back to item number 84. What were you wanting to tell me, miss Arden? Yeah, just. >> Yes, mayor. First we have two speakers that would like to speak. They thought this item was going on consent. As I read [3:21:28 PM] was going on consent. As I read it into the record. So we have two people that they. And they were signed up to speak. And then Carolyn will lay this item out. Historic preservation officer. >> That's what we'll do. Why don't we have, before we have the speakers? I'd like to have the presentation by staff, and then I'll recognize, council members for a motion. And if it gets a motion, then we will have the speakers. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, mayor and council, item 84 c14 2023 0137 the sinnickson house. >> This is district three at 1100 east second street. >> Unit a, this is an owner opposed request for historic zoning initiated by the historic landmark commission after their receipt of a demolition permit application for the property, the hlc determined that the front building on the lot met the criteria for designation and in concurrence with the council approved east Austin historic resource survey staff and the planning commission recommend historic zoning for the historic portion of the home footprint. >> I can't believe these words [3:22:30 PM] >> I can't believe these words are coming out of my mouth, but could you slow down a little? >> I'm honored. >> Yeah, staff and the planning commission recommend historic zoning for the historic portion of the home's footprint. Only as described in your draft ordinance. And this item passed on first reading on January 18th of this year, 10 to 1. Ellis voting nay. All right. Thank you. I'm available for questions . >> Council members, councilmember harper-madison has a question. I think councilmember harper-madison has a question. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. I guess I, I, I do appreciate having had the opportunity to hear the, opposition to the zoning designation. Historically, I don't like to vote for historic designation when the owner is opposed to the designation. So I guess the question I did have, though, was when you were just describing which part of it was designated historic, can you do that one more time and then [3:23:31 PM] that one more time and then explain to me what that means for the use of the asset? >> Certainly. >> Thank you. Council member. >> So, this was kind of a compromise where the historic portion of the building, that small footprint is the only part of this lot and the structure that will have the H zoning applied to it. So the rear half of the building, the rest of the lot, which includes another small structure, none of that will be zoned historic. It will just be the original portion of that front building on the lot. So a footprint that's a little bit smaller than the actual footprint of the building. >> I think that's helpful, but I guess what I'm trying to envision is historically when I've when we've been in this situation and folks don't want the historic designation, it's because they're concerned about what it is that they'll be able to do with the property post designation. I guess I shouldn't ask you to speak for the applicant, but can I wonder if we have the opportunity, Mr. Mayor, for the applicant to tell [3:24:31 PM] Mayor, for the applicant to tell us, like what their concern is with this to your description? Small part is it does it make the rest of it not developable or. I'm just curious what that means. >> Certainly, the part of this lot, which is everything except the original footprint of the building, will not fall under historic design standards because it won't have that H zoning that requires, the more restrictive design standards for historic buildings. >> So the restrictions will only apply to the footprint that's original, of the house was to follow up on her question was the person that spoke the was the person that spoke? >> The owner? >> Yes. He's the owner's agent. >> I'm. I think other people may have had questions, but that didn't quite get to my to the answer to the question, which is [3:25:32 PM] answer to the question, which is I'm concerned or I'm curious what their concern is with the small portion being designated H. If that doesn't require the that they subsequently have to adhere to design standards based on the H. I guess I'm just I'm I would like to know from the owner or the owner's representative. >> The owner called in remotely. >> Oh, thank you, thank you I appreciate it. Thank you. >> What I'm going to do is, is go ahead and have the speakers, and then we'll determine whether or not we want to take a motion at that point. So please come. Please call the names of the two, two people that are here to speak. >> Hello. Good afternoon. >> My name is Warner. >> Hang on one second. We have two people signed up to speak for 84. >> Yes, it was one. Raymond Rubio and then Meghan king. >> Very good. Good. Please identify yourself and go for it. Thank you. >> My name is Juan Raymond Rubio, a member of preservation Austin and a member of the historic landmark commission. I'm here today expressing my personal views. Obviously not [3:26:32 PM] personal views. Obviously not those of the commission. I'll start off by wishing you all a happy preservation month this may. As policymakers of the city, you all have the chance to directly impact preservation efforts that are widely supported across this city. The senate, senate and house is relevant because it's reached an extremely high bar for local historic zoning against an owner's wishes. That's not something we take lightly at any commission level. Our outdated local ordinances and extreme state laws have made preservation efforts harder for the city and others alike. It's not surprising that today our home has a reputation of betraying its old soul. Past councils have neglected what the historic commission deems worthy of saving, so much so that the historic landmark commission and planning commission are often more concerned about their voices being rejected and even chastised for clogging up valuable council agenda. Time preservation is alive in Austin, but it's not extremely well. As an hlc member. I hear from hundreds of citizens who are begging the city to stop tearing down reasonably priced, priced housing units. 70 citizens [3:27:34 PM] housing units. 70 citizens threatened to attend a historic landmark commission meeting last night because the city almost allowed demolition of a historic property by a premier Austin architect. Dozens more have reached out to us continually because the city's code enforcement cannot get it together to protect a house from fire, nor a commercial structure on congress avenue. This inaction is across the city. Austinites will keep expressing their frustrations until those in power use the tools that we have. Will this dais help us by creating local historic landmarks against an owner's wishes? With the full support of the community, I ask you to rethink your personal beliefs and act on behalf of the community. Council has little hesitation to working with developers to allow them more rights and property. What about the rights of the community? We do need you all to consider this extremely important zoning. A well-known children's book says it better than I can. I sat here worried and worried away through the years while my buildings [3:28:35 PM] the years while my buildings have fallen apart. I've worried about it with all my heart. But now, says the once ler, now that you're here, the word of the lorax seems perfectly clear. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else signed up to speak, unless Megan king. >> Okay. >> Good afternoon. Council, I'm Megan king, policy and outreach planner for preservation Austin, and I'm here on behalf of our organization to express our support for the designation of the citizen house as a city of Austin historic landmark. The 2016 east Austin historic resource survey lists the building as eligible for local landmark designation and individual listing in the national register of historic places. The staff report for the case identified its folk Victorian architectural style and historic association with the carpenter and builder Charles S sinnickson as the basis for its recommendation. [3:29:37 PM] basis for its recommendation. Furthermore both the historic landmark commission and planning commission overwhelmingly recommended this property for designation. We've said time and time again that the city must take its surveys and the recommendations of our commission seriously. Surveys tell us about our city, what is important and what we must protect. And if we are not acting on their recommendations, we are failing to steward our rapidly vanishing history, particularly in east Austin. Properties like this house have housed east Austin's working class black and brown residents for decades. With each older and historic home, we lose the displacement of these communities is cemented. Furthermore, in the wake of the passage of the preservation bonus, this property is a perfect example of how an Austin's housing market of today a home like this could be preserved, retaining the integral historic character of east Austin while also preserving the inherent affordability of older homes. We need a strong and effective preservation bonus that makes projects like this viable, and we appreciate this council's effort in making that possible. Not every home that accesses the bonus needs to be a landmark, but this one is one such [3:30:38 PM] but this one is one such property that has demonstrated its worthiness for designation by the criteria set out in our own land development code. We need to act urgently with the tools that we do have to ensure that we can protect what still remains. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you very much. All right, members, those are all the people who signed up to speak on it. This this item requires because it's a this item requires a supermajority to even pass on second reading. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to take a motion and a second and we'll just we'll just vote this out, unless miss harden has something else she wants to say. Yes >> So on second reading, it could pass by six votes on third reading. What? >> I've been just advised by council, but then again, who knows what. Third. Yeah. No, we now have these meetings where everybody's got an opinion. So, tell us your opinion. Council. >> Yes, please do so. >> Well, I did too, but I was just told by council I needed to [3:31:39 PM] just told by council I needed to have a supermajority to pass it on second reading. So I'm going to let council explain herself. >> Miss harden is correct. >> Oh my. Understand I misunderstood the question being asked as the mayor was correct in that you told him that, right? >> Yes. >> The mayor is correct that I told him that this understanding the questions. My apologies. >> All right. Well, then, in that case, we may squeak out a second reading, let's. The motion has been made by the mayor pro tem. It's seconded. I'll second the motion, so on second, the motion is on second reading only. All right. Those those wishing to be shown voting, I raise your hand, please. >> We have six second reading only. >> Yeah, we have more. >> Here he's he's got he's [3:32:41 PM] >> Here he's he's got he's saying item, yeah. Those wishing to be shown voting no. All right. The motion passes on a vote of 9 to 2 with council members. Ellis and Kelly being shown voting no, item number 84 passes on second reading only, and when we bring this item back, we'll have some visuals, council member harper-madison, we'll make sure we have this and we'll be able to better explain. And you'll be able to see, because I think that will be helpful, especially to your question and probably to the others. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, all right, members, that will take us to item number 89. And what we're going to do is we're going to take up item 89. We will finish with item number 89. And then we will have to bring up item [3:33:41 PM] will have to bring up item number 73, after we do that we will probably, go to, the item that was asked about by, council member harper-madison. So, staff, will you lay out and here's the route we're going to take, as, as we have done in the past on contested items like this, we will have staff, have staff lay out the item. Then we will have a presentation by the proponent for five minutes. We will have one representative of the opponent make a presentation for five minutes. Then we will hear from those in favor of the item. And then we will hear from those in opposition that will allow for closing and will then take up the item, as a council. So with that, miss harden, it's all yours. >> Thank you again. Joy harden with the planning department. This is item 89 on your agenda. The sunset ridge apartment [3:34:42 PM] The sunset ridge apartment restrictive covenant amendment located at 8401 and 8401 and a half southwest parkway. The applicant request to amend the covenant to add the multifamily use as a permitted use and increase the floor area ratio to 1 to 1, which is the permitted floor area ratio allowed in Maggio, and that is geo is the zoning classification for this property. The applicant has stated that they are making these requests in order to develop the property in accordance with the affordability unlocked program. They are also proposing an impervious cover of 55. The covenant today states that office use has an impervious cover of 55, but all other uses have an impervious cover 65. The applicant is requesting to maintain the same impervious cover that is allowed for the office use, which is again 55. Staff does recommend allowing the multifamily use and an increase in the far this site is an appropriate site for [3:35:45 PM] an appropriate site for residential and city council adopted the Austin strategic housing blueprint in 2017, and the last annual report 2022 housing works Austin identified that council district eight had only attained 2% of the district's ten year goal for new affordable housing units approving this restrictive covenant agreement agreement would help add additional income restricted affordable housing units to council district eight. Furthering this adopted goal again, the zoning on this property is geo comp, which does not allow multifamily development, but the applicant again does plan on building under affordable, unlocked and has received a certification letter from the housing department, which you can find in your backup documentation. Thank you. Did the, the applicant is going to come up, and if there are no [3:36:48 PM] to come up, and if there are no questions for me, the applicant will do this five minutes and then. >> Well, let's do that. All right, Mr. Suttle, welcome. You have five minutes. >> Mayor pro tem, members of the council. My name is Richard suttle. I'm here on behalf of the applicant. In the spirit of today, I'll say, to be or not to be, not just number 93, but affordability. I know, I know, it's the best I could come up with. >> What this is tonight is asking for the allowance to do an affordability unlocked project. >> That's all it is, it's to amend an old restrictive covenant that that in, in 87 didn't anticipate our housing needs. >> It's not a zoning case. It is not a site plan case. It's not a building permit. It's an amendment to an old restrictive covenant that will allow affordability unlocked on a property that's not zoned for multifamily, but is zoned appropriate for affordability. Unlocked [3:37:48 PM] Unlocked >> It also it also limits the impervious cover to 55% when it could be argued that it would be 65. And it also allows for a 1 to 1 Florida area ratio. What the result of an affirmative vote tonight would mean is that we can move forward with the affordability unlocked for 444 more units, 222 of them would be affordable, 101 of them at 50. >> Mfi, 77% of them, or 77 of them at 60% mfi and 44 at 80, and the rest of them at market. There's a lot of folks that are for affordable, unlocked and affordable housing. >> They're not here today, but common sense would tell you that there is a lot of support for this type of project. >> And with that, I'll close and tell you it's a very simple case tonight. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Subtle, we would take the opposition at this point for five minutes. [3:38:48 PM] five minutes. >> Jason Svatek question on point of order. >> I was also donated three minutes by somebody here. >> The way we do this, you can make a presentation for five, or you can wait and take your three minutes and the three minutes. But what we typically do is we have five minutes and then five minutes, and then we go to speakers. So you can either be one of the regular speakers or you can take five minutes. >> Now for the five. Okay. >> Council, thanks for having me here. You get the slide deck for us. >> You're not counting my time right now. No >> Yeah. >> Thanks for having me here, my name is Jason Svatek. I'm the president of Travis country west homeowners association. I'm here in support of, actually, in opposition to this for a whole bunch of reasons that will come behind me and you'll hear later. >> I'll make it really simple, though. It's affordability is a known thing in this city. We know we have to have it. This is not an opposition to affordable housing in any way, shape or [3:39:49 PM] housing in any way, shape or form. But note that if you pull through the slides, please, there are a lot of organizations, more than 1000 homeowners directly adjacent to this that are in opposition to it, not because of affordable housing. It's because it's not part of the plan for oak hill neighborhoods. We have Travis country, west hoa, we have the iskandariah hoa, Barton creek, southwest hoa, lantana hoa, Escott hoa, oak hill association of neighborhoods and the save our springs alliance who are all in opposition to this. In addition to the fact that we have put a valid petition on file with almost 90% of the homeowners within 2020. Excuse me, 200ft of this community. So it's not about affordable housing. What am I doing standing up here? For those of you who might be going, oh, it's a white guy from west Austin. Of course, he doesn't want affordable housing. That's not the case at all. For context, me and my wife both grew up here in east Austin, del valley. For those people that knew that in the 80s and 90s, that means something to you. My wife is an educator at oak hill elementary school that serves this area. I am well aware of the need of [3:40:49 PM] am well aware of the need of affordability in this in this community in this town is not about that at all. It's about something that's actually much more important. If you're really paying attention to the details behind it. Let's talk about the tracks real quick. You look at the next page. Next slide. District eight is huge, 48.21mi S. Pretty large little blue section you see on the left there is a little bitty tract of land tract 1920. Y'all should have all seen this in your email because I've emailed you all this information multiple times. Track 1920 is merely 3.8 miles. Let's take a look at district eight affordable housing. The blue dots represent the existing deep affordable housing units that exist in tract 1920. The red dot represents sunset ridge, the proposed development. The little squiggly one is another one that's on the docket for you guys for 60 acres to get developed into multifamily residential deeply, deep density at 36 to 54 units per acre. It's huge. Let other layer out the other affordable housing units may not be in 1920, but they're a stone's throw away. You can .33 miles away all of the [3:41:53 PM] .33 miles away all of the density of multifamily residential. In district eight. You're cramming into one area. What's the effect of that? Let's talk about it. What it really is a consolidation of poverty. This has the highest percentage of poverty. This tract of land where you're proposing more deeply affordable 50. Mfi has 19.2, 19.3% poverty versus 3.3% district average. It's a consolidation of minorities. 65% of this tract of land is minorities, versus 27.7% in the entire rest of district eight. It's a consolidation of low household income. The median household income in this tract of land is 64 grand, versus 147 grand for the rest of district eight. It's a consolidation of our disadvantaged children. Oak hill elementary has almost 50, almost 50% economically disadvantaged kids. Kids, my kids go there. My wife teaches there. I'm familiar with the statistics. That's almost double the remaining average of district eight. It's also a consolidation of students that [3:42:53 PM] consolidation of students that are behind in their peers. Right. It's the lowest performing school in all of district eight elementaries. So I'm failing to see how noble as it may be. And as much as we might need more affordable housing, taking poor, disadvantaged students and shoving them into a disadvantaged school district where there's the highest percentage of poverty in the area makes any sense, I support it. Let's find areas where it does make sense to build it, where there's transit, where it's not too much impervious cover, and a million other things that you're about to hear about. So in summary, this is not a vote against affordable housing. I would never want you guys to go on a vote and go on the record voting against that. I want you to vote against something that's even more important than affordable housing. It's a vote against socio economic and racial segregation that's happening in district eight. We did this once with I-35. Let's not do it with our district. It's against confining families who are at or near poverty to the same geography. It's against consolidating already vulnerable kids into an overcrowded, disadvantaged and low performing school. It's against [3:43:56 PM] school. It's against discrimination of low earners and failure to set the stage for success. You're going to hear a whole lot of arguments in a moment that show you all of the other reasons you're setting up these families. We're trying to help and is not setting them up for success. We're going to fail them. So unless you support the ideals above, the only logical choice would be for you guys to vote against this, against the site plan, and against the whole project. Thank you for your time. >> Can I can I ask you to go back? Yes sir. And I just start, go to the slides and flip through them real quick. I just want to go to the next one. That one. Go back to the one just before that. In order to make your argument, that I've seen the emails about referring to this as redlining. Glad you've seen it. Yeah. You're making an assumption that the people that live here are going to be minority, right? >> No, I'm saying that the tract already has a significant number, but you're saying that this is a consolidation of [3:44:57 PM] this is a consolidation of minorities into an area so that you're calling it redlining. >> And my question is, how do you make the assumption that just because this is affordable housing, they're going to be minority redlining? >> Actually, I probably misused that term because it's typically more referred to in the mortgage lending space in terms of that. >> Right I understand. Yeah. Yeah. But I knew what you were trying to say. And my question is why do you suggest that just because it's affordable housing, it's minority, so that you can make the argument that somehow there's a redlining going on? >> Well, look at the average income of all the different races in the city of Austin. I think that would answer your question. Statistically and historically, people of color have have had a lower income. >> So you just making that assumption about this specific development so that you're then in a position to take that ipso facto that there's some sort of redlining occurring. >> So I'm attracting the redlining statement of it. Again, that's related to mortgage lending that was misused. I'm saying that there's already a high concentration of minorities in the area. And historically or statistically, minorities are more likely to be in that that audience. And so [3:45:58 PM] in that that audience. And so there is a reasonable assumption or a reasonable conclusion someone could draw that says we might be adding to that, which is unfair to those families. >> The other question I have about your presentation is, the idea that that because there's already some affordable housing in the area that it houses people below the median family income for the entire district that we should reject affordable housing. Again, just out of out of sight. We ought to just say no affordable housing because there's already affordable housing nearby, help me with that argument, because, it seems to me that that at a time when you say that we need more affordable housing, you suggest you agree we need more affordable housing, that what you would do is you would wipe out affordable housing simply because it's near additional [3:46:58 PM] because it's near additional affordable housing in a district that doesn't have as much affordable housing as some other areas of the city. >> Good point. Yeah so to be clear, it's not a fight against affordable housing. It is against any structure, any structure of this size, scope and density on this piece of land. I don't care what it is. If you want to get it to a 25% impervious cover and like it's supposed to be under savior springs, which we talked about and have a 2.25 to 1 fa like everything else, every other multifamily in the area adheres to those standards. Bring it on. Let's bring them in. But you're talking about taking this monstrosity that belongs in an urban district and shoving it out in the corner away from the way you've argued your case. >> Is not that the whole presentation has been about. Let's do away with affordable housing because there's already affordable housing. >> The very first slide actually articulated, we're against anything of this size, scope and density on this parcel of land. If you want to go back to slide one. All right. >> Thank you members. Anybody else have questions. Thank you [3:47:58 PM] else have questions. Thank you sir. We'll now hear from the proponents, people that have signed up in favor of this item, and you'll have three minutes apiece. >> Castillo Lyndon. Cathy. Lyndon. Okay. >> Call 2 or 3 names. >> Mayor. That's the only one I have listed for four. >> Okay. >> Good afternoon everyone. >> My name is cassie Leyden, and I'm a paramedic with the city of Austin. And I actually live in district eight, I am here in favor of this proposition, we have a lot of employees who would really love to be able to live in district eight and can't afford to do so currently. >> For example, we actually have three ems system or, sorry, three ems stations that are within district eight. And, and, our new employees, it's just out of their reach to be able to live and work that close together, for example, I believe for a family of four, one of our [3:48:59 PM] for a family of four, one of our medics would have to work with us for over ten years to be able to afford to live in the area for the most part, my mom is also a retired school teacher. >> She moved to the area. >> She's on a fixed income, and it took us, excuse me a very long time to be able to find anything close to where I live. For her to be able to afford to live. And so we would love to be able to see some more affordable housing in the area. Also, it's close to the cap metro pick up zone and the number of proposed units, many of them would be at the affordable rate. And so that would be huge for our employees. So thank you. Mayor, I do have one more that just notified us to be in for Louise Austin lugo. >> Okay. >> And mayor and I see you again , I see you too, Louise Austin lugo, district eight resident, I'll be quick about it, since I know you've all been here for a while, I am a I live just north [3:50:00 PM] while, I am a I live just north of, Barton creek mall. It's a wonderful neighborhood that's got great schools, and it's a wonderful area, but an issue that seems to be, haunting this area over and over again is that despite what they claim about. Oh, it's about environmentalism. It's about the school. It's. They'll come up with every single excuse to block and ban any single project that could ever happen, no matter how much harm it causes to our neighborhood, no matter how, so much strain that goes through the schools. Getting a teacher into any school in this entire district or in this entire area is incredibly difficult. We've got people commuting from San Marcos to come work in our district and in our areas because we are, you know, unfortunately by a few loud voices who must either not have jobs or not have family that can tend to or here instead to block affordable housing, which is an absolute nonsense thing to do, I really hope I completely agree with actually the guy presented that we shouldn't just have affordable housing in this [3:51:02 PM] affordable housing in this tract. I hope to have it, right by where I live. You know, Walsh, Charlton's a wonderful area for some affordable housing. Spyglass oak hill, every single part of district eight should get both market rate and non market rate housing because it's something that city needs. And it's about time that we stop blessing. We stop letting busy bodies who don't have anything better than to do than to make other people's lives worse and to make the city , cause the city to be under more strain economically and socially and culturally. It simply has no business in this entire city. And it's that kind of life that causes San Francisco to be overwhelmed with displacement, gentrification, evictions, homelessness, a fiscal crisis that it simply cannot handle, and so, yeah, so I'm all for making any regulations and changes to make projects like this a common everywhere in our entire district. And I would love to see something like this come up in my own neighborhood. And it's rather sad to see that some people decided to spend their free time canceling once in [3:52:02 PM] free time canceling once in theirs. So that's everything I've got to say about that. Hope I'll have a wonderful day. >> Mayor, should I call those that are against now? >> Yes, I have one remote speaker. >> Davina. Do. >> Hi there. Are you able to hear me? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. Fantastic. Good afternoon, mayor Watson and city council members. >> My name is Davina Doerr, and I'm a resident of Travis country west. >> I'm currently out of state and apologize for not being able to be physically present in this meeting. >> But this agenda item is extremely important to me. I'd like to thank you all in advance for your time and attention on this matter. My home is within 200ft of the proposed development. I have zero confidence and many concerns regarding this planned development and the lack of extensive investigations performed to ensure the safety of prospective residents and surrounding communities. I fully support the topics my neighbors [3:53:03 PM] support the topics my neighbors are presenting to you today, but the topic I'm bringing forth to you is related to canyon spring, which is identified as a spring by the U.S. Geological survey. This spring is located on the parcel of land we're discussing today. I have three slides to share, are you able to see my first slide? I'm not sure if it's in order. >> Yes, we can see it. >> It should be okay. Canyon, spring and Karst formations on land parcel. All right, so this spring is in an Edwards aquifer and Barton creek watershed contributing zone. Canyon spring is located on land parcel requesting an increase in impervious cover. The report indicates that there are no critical or undesired environmental features. The 2024 survey shows a clear lack of credibility, as it relies heavily on inaccurate survey findings from 2002. In addition to numerous Karst formations, a known sinkhole is on this land. Construction activity cannot occur without contacting the U.S. Fish and wildlife [3:54:05 PM] U.S. Fish and wildlife ecological services to investigate. The proposal does not provide any balance between the environment and development in this important and environmentally sensitive area. If you can, please go to the next slide. It shows possible spring they've done it. So here are there okay. Great there are two photos extracted from the 2002 environmental survey. The city of Austin is ultimately responsible for the identification of canyon spring, located in the U.S. Geological survey, citing a, quote, possible, spring, unquote, end quote is not sufficient, and an expert effort should be performed by Nico Hort and the balcones canyonlands conservation plan on behalf of the city of Austin, please go to the next slide sinkhole with Karst feature. >> They have shown. >> Okay. Shown here are two more photos from the 2002 environmental survey. The picture on the left shows the sinkhole, described as a pit. [3:55:05 PM] sinkhole, described as a pit. The picture on the right shows a Karst feature described as a void, and the city of Austin is ultimately responsible for the identification of the sinkhole and the many Karst features on this property. Again, this requires an expert effort from the city of Austin to address these inadequacies. Another concern I have regarding the city of Austin watershed protection department's review of canyon spring after inspection is 2014 and again January 2020. For your time has expired. >> Thank you. >> That's all the remote speakers. So I will go into in person and the next several. We have request to speak in a specific order, so I will call on that order, Justin Jensen, followed by Stuart Goodman, Chris Newport, each with three minutes. >> Hello. My name is Justin Jensen. >> I'm the steward of 11 acres at 5415 Chavez cook road. >> I manage this property with [3:56:06 PM] >> I manage this property with respect to my native American heritage and to the prairie band of the potawatomi tribe, with which I have deep roots. >> The teepee in the image is on my property. In the forest behind it is the sunset ridge development site. >> The lots that I oversee are shown in Orange and share a border on the west of the proposed sunset ridge development. >> We call the property wxy, which translates to fox hill from the potawatomi language. The land was acquired with an understanding of surrounding building regulations. The property is an operating honeybee farm, and despite dedicated efforts, it's difficult to keep hives alive. Nearly half of us bee hives are lost every year due to loss of foraging area. We also treat the land as a wildlife refuge. The floor area ratio is 50 times less than the applicant is requesting. I'm very familiar with the dense forest east of our property because I walk alongside it daily. It's inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife. I place the trail [3:57:07 PM] wildlife. I place the trail camera along the fence line at the location indicated by the white circles. Over two months, the camera captured 548 animal images. A sample of the photos are shown here. Foxes coyotes and bobcats are just a few of the animals that happen to walk by my camera. I also recorded birds for just an hour and analyzed them using Cornell's Merlin engine, which revealed 26 different bird species. I recently retrieved the photo of the cat shown on the left from the same trail camera. The photo on the right is an ocelot from a south Texas wildlife refuge. I'm awaiting it. I'm awaiting analysis from the us fish and wildlife department, but the resemblance is undeniable. The area is also a habitat zone for the golden cheeked warbler. Both species are in danger due to habitat loss and warrant further evaluation before any development is approved. The city's failure to notify me of [3:58:07 PM] city's failure to notify me of the meetings regarding this development must also be noted as well as the denial for me to view the site plan. I was able to find the site plan in a recording of a meeting that I was not invited to, and I see why no one was eager to share it with me. The plan clear cuts the forest bordering our property, property and leaves a single tree between us 440 units is too many for this property. Please vote no to clear cutting old growth forests to destroying wildlife habitat, to changing building regulations without proper notice. Thank you, thank you. >> If your name has been called, feel free to come forward. >> Thank you. My name is Stuart Goodman. >> I'm going to talk about impervious cover limitations associated with the proposed restrictive cover amendment, this proposed land parcel is located in the delicate ecosystem of the Edwards aquifer [3:59:09 PM] ecosystem of the Edwards aquifer contributing zone that serves as a habitat for local wildlife and endangered species, as well as importantly, feeding the short springs branch. >> It is also located on a hill country roadway with vistas that are among the highest points in the area, with Karst formations throughout, thereby a very environmentally sensitive area by any standard. >> The applicant is requesting an amendment to restrictive covenants to allow for multifamily development, and an impervious cover of 55% of the gross site area, far exceeding the save our springs ordinance. That limits the development in this area to 25% impervious cover based on net site area as you are aware, the save our springs ordinance was initiated by citizens, the citizens of Austin and enacted in 1992 to protect our springs two heritage trees are dead, [4:10:50 PM] two heritage trees are dead, diseased or injured, leaving a potential for 16. That's 76% of heritage trees that could potentially be removed for this development. A development of this size, scope and density should not be on a parcel of this size. With these beautiful trees, and I suggest you do not and do not go along with the request for the rca. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> After Sheila, Karen Dallman, David Arnold, don Gibson, if your name has been called, please make your way forward. >> I'm Sheila Anderson. I live on fort Benton drive. I'm within 500ft of the proposed development. Last year, on July 27th, for a first time ever in our backyard, I observed and photographed a golden cheeked warbler. My identification was confirmed by a field biologist and it was reported in bird. [4:11:51 PM] and it was reported in bird. This bird is protected under the endangered species act. The esa in Ed to remove their habitat is illegal without proper permits. The balcones canyonlands conservation plan comprises a ten a1b permit issued jointly to Travis county and the city of Austin, and a habitat conservation plan and environmental impact statement approved by us fish and wildlife service. According to the bcp habitat map, this parcel is designated golden cheeked warbler zone two. Mitigation prior to development is required, a bcp incidental take permit must be issued for the applicant to break ground. Only then is the permit freed to begin clearing. For construction, any permits must be posted at the construction site. You can go one more at the construction site from the time the clearing begins until construction is completed. You can see in the image on the right that the. It has not been. [4:12:53 PM] right that the. It has not been. It mitigated according to the bcp map, next slide please. I would also like to address for immaterial concessions provided by the applicant for the rc changes. Section 1693 of the environmental criteria manual stormwater pollutant load has a non degradation requirement that the developer is conceding they will comply with, a one star rating of possible five stars under the Austin energy green building program. Smart housing well applicants really proud of their work provide for public ev stations. Austin code already requires infrastructure for a minimum of 40% ev capable parking spaces. Plus they'll receive up to a $2,500 rebate per station from Austin energy and invasive species management. This is an undeveloped, beautiful natural tract with minimal invasive species at 55% impervious cover. The provision [4:13:55 PM] impervious cover. The provision would enable 11% cover of any one of hundreds of invasive species in the tiny, non impervious areas. A covenant to manage invasive species below 11% is a non-issue. Thank you. I appreciate your time. >> Thank you. >> Oh, sorry. >> It's all right. >> Hi, I'm Karen Dallman and I live on sunset ridge in Travis country west. Although the restrictive covenants prohibit vehicular access to sunset ridge except for emergency access privileges, pedestrian access is not explicitly prohibited. The 438 or 4440 units proposed to be developed in this neighborhood will most likely result in a minimum of additional 1300 people accessing the Travis country west roadways per day. This will create a 150% increase of people using our green spaces. Small playscape and [4:14:57 PM] spaces. Small playscape and nature trails as pedestrians, all of which are privately owned property and subject to trespassing charges. Each resident in Travis country west pays hoa dues to invest in the green spaces, nature trails and infrastructure within this community. The proposed development is nearly twice the size of our community, with a fraction of the space and amenities. This large influx of people using Travis country west roadways poses an unacceptable pedestrian safety risk and incursion into an established community. Currently, sunset ridge is used as a cut through street by numerous commuters every day of the week, creating congestion and child safety risks. Can I have the next slide ? Another important point to consider is that the land parcel in question is the highest topographical point of our region. As we all know, water flows downward and the development environmental studies shows that the developers plan is for the water to flow into Travis country, west, this neighborhood in this, [4:15:58 PM] west, this neighborhood in this, if the city approves this amendment with the requested impervious cover and increased density, then the city will also be improving the flooding of our neighborhood. This is not right and will create future issues that the developer has not proposed a plan to address. For all of these reasons stated today, I urge the city council not to approve the restrictive covenant amendment. Please do not just check the box to satisfy city goals without making responsible decisions to improve the city of Austin, please do not create more problems that will need to be addressed in the future. We are in favor of affordable housing in the right location, but this is not a logical or safe location for our kids. Thank you . >> Good afternoon mayor. Good afternoon council. My name is David Arnold and I'm an interested party to the sunset ridge apartments plan and a resident of Travis country west. [4:16:58 PM] resident of Travis country west. And I also live on sunset ridge. I would like to speak against the amendment to the sunset ridge apartments restrictive covenant as proposed on slide 43, talks about the first submitted site plan indicated a count of 428 distinct apartment units, yielding a calculation of 1995 trips per day, which curiously falls just five trips below the 2000 trips per day. That would have triggered the mandatory analysis threshold established in the city of Austin land development code. Therefore, no traffic study was planned in its effort to serve the people of Austin, the planning commission and the city council have a duty to base this decisions upon accurate and timely information. Recently updated unit counts show both 440 and 444 units. This is a calculation that should trigger a new traffic study plan. For this reason alone, it should [4:18:00 PM] this reason alone, it should also prompt rejection to amending the restrictive covenant, which rides on the accuracy of key data. This development is not located in an area with undesirable site features. City staff cites hill country road rey features of concern such as ingress, egress, roads to the site on the inside of a curve on a 15% grade and with site distances below five 500ft. This puts existing apartment traffic in substantial danger. Turning east blind onto the southwest parkway, traffic subject to the risk of vehicles speeding around the curve, which lately is rampant on southwest parkway. You've driven it recently. Minimum speeds are running between 60 and 65 miles an hour. The same risk applies to pedestrians and bicyclists exiting the complex. History has shown the city of Austin with previous developments, such as the saint Jude property, that [4:19:00 PM] the saint Jude property, that inattention to this factor will undoubtedly result in potentially deadly traffic incidents that are totally avoidable. Therefore, based on the applicant's own submittal, it appears that city staff and council have not been using correct unit data which would compel city planners to conduct a new traffic impact analysis determination worksheet as directed. I implore you, for the sake of safety, to allow additional time for an updated traffic impact analysis to be conducted for these and other considerations before amending the restrictive covenant with appropriate roadway risk updates. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> After don Gibson is Mathias Brossard and Chandler Harris. >> Mr. Mayor, council members, my name is don Gibson. I'm a ten year resident of Travis country, west, I live within a couple of hundred feet of the proposed development, and I'm an interested party. I oppose the proposed development for a number of reasons, which you've [4:20:01 PM] number of reasons, which you've already heard today. But my primary concern is the impact of transportation and traffic, the first there is no public transportation in our area at all, and no stores or services that can be walked to the nearest large grocery store. The oak hill H-E-B is 3.3 miles away. The closest bus stop is 1.4 miles away. A 29 minute walk with no sidewalks. There are no closer bus stops in any longterm approved cap metro plan, and there are no long term plans to widen or build sidewalks in this area for the next 20 years. Next slide, cap metro pickup, though adequate for some needs, is not what most would consider full fledged public transportation. First of all, there's a limited service area. It's not available in the evenings or early mornings, and it's not available on weekends. Next slide. Third south west parkway is a death [4:21:04 PM] south west parkway is a death trap and gets more clogged by the week. It's a six lane road with no frontage road, numerous driveways, and limited or non-existent traffic enforcement. As someone who's been driving 50 years, I can tell you this is a total white knuckle experience. Every time you drive on it. And as my is prior speaker mentioned, the speeds. Although the speed limit is 50, the reality is it's about 65. Several years ago, the city's vision zero initiative to reduce pedestrian and motorist injuries and fatalities designated southwest parkway as part of a high injury network of Austin streets. Austin's high injury network includes just 8% of the city streets, but contains nearly 70% of all cities in serious injuries and fatalities. Does adding another 2000 car trips per day to this road sound like a good idea? No it doesn't. I suggest you drive [4:22:07 PM] it doesn't. I suggest you drive this stretch of highway and view some of the side, the roadside memorials to loved ones that have lost their lives on that road. Next slide. Finally, while we all agree on the need for affordable housing, there's one thing that bothers me about the acronym smart. How the acronym smart housing specifically as it applies to this development. The T in smart stands for transit oriented. This proposal is anything but. I urge you to vote no on the restrictive covenant agreement. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Michelle wossaa. I don't have any slides. Mr. Mayor. Honorable members of the council, I live in district eight, and like many in our neighborhood, I spend too much time at nights, looking at some affordable housing and construction projects and things like that, why do we care? Why [4:23:09 PM] like that, why do we care? Why are we here. I'm sad to tell personally or what I'm caring about the size of this project affects us. Obviously, the destruction of the environment, but also the increased likelihood of polluted water runoff in our neighborhood and our land. There's an increased number of cars that are going to come, and they are going to get through our neighborhood where our kids play. There are limited pathways because of the size of the project within this, the project. So they will as mentioned, they will be trespassing on our pathways. This should have been a restrictive covenant, it should have been a rezoning case. But this is a restrictive covenant amendment before the first one because it's okay to. The first one was about building office or a church. The restrictive covenant. Is there for the church and the office building [4:24:11 PM] church and the office building are not. Now there's a new project. This is going to be affordable housing. So we add we're adding residents, but but maybe maybe the project will not happen. And then someone else can build a unit that are not affordable. It can happen. So what I we were here for the planning commission and this requested that we add the wording of anybody unlocked the entire to the. So currently the rca has proposed does not say affordable housing only. I think the staff will say that they because they could not say legally only affordable housing. For the unlocked they could have added any kind of wording that say yes, you can add that, but only for affordable housing. That's not the case. Also, in the reef sheets mentioned that the planning commission asked for eight, the charging station and not four that's not present [4:25:14 PM] and not four that's not present in the current proposal. To be clear, this project is not just about affordable housing. The one of the reason it's so dense is because the adding also 100% additional units that are market rate. And if you look at manifold's website, there are luxury residential, and class a infill office specialists. So which thing, which part of the project do you think they are interested in? This is the affordable housing one, or is it the one that has the better views that is where the parking is closer to the road. The swimming pools. >> Thank you sir. >> Reviews. Thank you Chandler Harris. >> And he has time donated by Lee Ziegler. Are you here? Just raise your hand if you are six minutes following Chandler is Bobby Levinsky and then Jared Kirk. >> Hi. Great day. My name is Chandler Harris. I'm a resident [4:26:15 PM] Chandler Harris. I'm a resident of Travis country west. I appreciate you guys taking the time to listen to this. As I've learned about these processes, I've become very impressed with what you do for a living and it's extremely interesting. Thank you so much, I'm going to pivot a little bit because I think a lot of what I was going to say is a matter of public record, and you guys have it in your backup, so the first thing I want to say is may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart fall eloquently on you in this moment, I'd like to apologize for the way I'm dressed this afternoon, I saw the change to agenda item number 73 this morning. I was on a walk in our neighborhood greenbelt when I received word that we may need to show up at ten after the initial switch. I've been here with you since that time, please note that this happened on February 27th. Planning commission meeting, it was indeed postponed, but we were told to show up after we were told not to show up. And so we showed up, but then it was [4:27:16 PM] showed up, but then it was postponed. Mayor, I want to clarify that the city of Austin has drawn a correlation between brown skin color and affordable housing. I honestly was never convinced that was true. But after seeing the track 19.20 statistics sourced from the city of Austin website, I have to agree with the city today. I'm grateful for being called to these chambers early this morning, as I was humbled and compelled by the conviction, education and knowledge expressed in the 21 minute segregation commentary that was offered by miss Joseph. She specifically mentioned our district eight housing policies. In that moment, I genuinely felt like I was a part of history and maybe we all are. This morning, miss Joseph so appropriately inquired, she said, if you're poor and I'm poor and we're poor, how do we get out of [4:28:17 PM] poor, how do we get out of poverty? This statement is a clear quandary experienced by many third world countries lacking in resources and this is not in line with the direction of our great country in which we've progressed in the last 50 years. For over 15 years, I've mentored children as a career. I've worked with some of the poorest and most adversely affected children pro Bono and some of the wealthiest children in the entire world. At the highest premiums. And I mean that some of the wealthiest children in the world I have personally worked with, and I have personally worked with children whose one parent murdered the other and I charged one a lot, and one I did for free. And what I would like to know is, is when miss Joseph echoed the same exact sentiments that Mr. Svatek echoed, why did you not question her in the same manner as mayor Watson? >> I will let you use your time [4:29:17 PM] >> I will let you use your time to present to us my time to answer that question. We're not. We don't. That's not the way this operates. But there's a there's a reason. Thank you for letting me continue with my time. >> So what I would say is, the way that we got here today is this was a zoning case slide. As per the city of Austin, on December 8th, there was a zoning change sign that was posted haam. What we've come to find out is that the case has evolved and it's become deeply affordable. When initially it was not this this was a this was meant to be residential and commercial. And as that started to get struck down, I know the attorneys on the panel understand that the applicant had this land under lease and then had to pivot reasonably. It's a lot of money involved. I totally get that. You know, all respect. It's outside the scope of my understanding. But I know children, and I know statistics and I and I know, I know the truth. And the truth is we [4:30:17 PM] truth. And the truth is we haven't been given fair notification or shakes, as evidenced by this morning. Next slide. That's a case number. With this process, it's interesting. We have not been given the opportunity to have a valid petition, even though 85% of the residents within 200ft have signed a valid petition, it's an rca. You should not decide on this today. It's unfortunate that you could vote on this today. Zoning cases require three readings before a vote. Next slide. We're getting a lot of notifications. It was going to be administrative approved. I it had a deadline of January 10th. And when we called the city everybody was told this project's years out. And that's unfortunate because I had already seen the application from manifold investments that that indicated they wanted to break ground in September of 2024. That's this year. And [4:31:19 PM] 2024. That's this year. And every interested party that called in, they were on our Facebook neighborhood page. It's all a matter of public record. It's all there for history. They were like, oh, don't worry, the city said, this is not going to happen. For years I have a recorded conversation with mace cone with the site plan from January 3rd with David Arnold, and he told me I could record that conversation, and I hammered him six times before he relented and said, yeah, you should probably get those interested parties signed up, and I said, that's a problem because you're discouraging interested parties from having a voice in this matter. So slide. Numerous city codes and ordinances are being being trumped by affordability unlocked, which was the one case that was not struck down in the four recent cases. In December of 2023. The applicant clearly saw that that was going to happen. And then now they're latching on to affordability unlocked because it's all throughout our master comment report. It must be 20 times. It's impressive. Thank you so much for your time. I could talk [4:32:22 PM] much for your time. I could talk about this for hours. >> He's pulling up the document and I want to share Bobby Levinsky, save our springs alliance. >> We are opposed to the case, but I'm taking a little bit more of a pragmatic perspective on this, and really, what I'm going to try to speak to is truth and advertising. So this is being sold as an affordable housing project. So I just wanted to give you some language. Could we get to the second page. Is there a way to click that? Yeah I just want to give you some language to actually make this a sorry I lost my voice last night. My I've been up all night. My dogs not doing well, but, on this case, there is language that you could do to make sure that this is an affordable housing project. I think that's what the collective of the council will do, and so I want to give you that, that language that you could use right now, the [4:33:24 PM] could use right now, the restricted covenant would allow other uses, including office. So if this site plan went away, they could come back and build an office and not respect the city's current code. So if you just tie the restrictive covenant to residential only, they could still do other uses under their zoning. They would just have to build under current code if they want to do affordability unlock, though, they can use this restrictive covenant. So tie it only to residential. That's what gets you the affordable housing on this project. That guarantees it . Otherwise, you might get an office or some other use or some other loophole that's been drafted into the restrictive covenants that we deal with all the time with these. There's 800 acres in the oak hill study area subject to these restrictive covenants that are they're [4:34:24 PM] covenants that are they're grandfathered. They're almost 40 years old. They're almost as old as I am, actually. They actually are as old as I am. They're not the continuation of a project. We need to be able to enforce our code. You all want to do affordable housing. So let's make a win win here and require the affordable housing and not keep giving them everything that they want with these restrictive covenants. Thank you. >> City council members, thank you for this time. My name is Jared Kirk. I live near the proposed development. I'd like to share my support for the council for increasing affordable housing in district eight. I do have serious concerns with regards to the scope and density of the proposed development. The location selected, I do not believe that the developer has adequately engaged with the surrounding neighborhoods, all of which oppose the development. I have concerns with the [4:35:25 PM] I have concerns with the suitability of this location, given the density of the planned development. The proposed development is situated along a portion of southwest parkway with a steep grade and a curve impairing visibility, resulting in decrease in public safety. William cannon drive is located not far from this development and the road has become more dangerous, driven by increased traffic from development in the area and construction along the road. The city has been working on adding traffic signals to that corners of rialto and Vega for a year, and the completion of these improvements have been delayed time and time again. There are regular accidents on the corner of William cannon and rialto, but the city has failed to construct simple traffic signals to improve safety, yet is able to fast track approval for an allocation of almost 9 million of funds. For this development. I'm concerned with the safety of the surrounding neighborhoods. If over 2000 trips per day are added to southwest parkway and the surrounding roads. Furthermore, this is not a safe location for this type of development. There are no sidewalks, shoulders, or pedestrian paths. There's no [4:36:25 PM] pedestrian paths. There's no public transportation in our grocery stores nearby. There is no employment opportunities within a safe walking distance of the development. These factors impair the safety and make this site unsuitable. I urge you to consider the safety of residents by voting no, and supporting the local residents and community and keeping keeping the roads safe, I do I believe that this development will put a strain on oak hill elementary school. I have four children who have either graduated from, currently attend, or will attend oak hill. And we have enrolled our children in the dual language program. We love the value of the diversity of the school, my oldest son is also attending liveli middle school in the dual language program as well. My family has observed that oak hill has become more and more strained as development has increased and we've observed a decline in the academic rigor and the academic achievement of the school of the students and [4:37:28 PM] the school of the students and the individual attention our children has received as teachers are focused on bringing many students up to grade level, I believe this development will put strain on the school, and that should be considered. I think that, that the city's resources could be used. There's a decision on, on some funding for this financing this project to be used to develop more affordable housing and better suited locations within district eight, there's thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Mayor. That concludes all the speakers for 89. >> All right then, the way we'll close this out, the way we've been trying to do this is, sir, since you opened on behalf of the opponents, you'll have three minutes to close, and then we'll call upon the applicant to have three minutes to. Absolutely close. >> Thanks for the heads up. I [4:38:30 PM] >> Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware of the process, so I appreciate you explaining it to me again. Counsel Jason Svatek Travis country, west hoa, as you know, I don't have anything prepared for this. I think really what you boil it down to is go look at the facts of the case. You asked me earlier, mayor, about the tracks and whether it would be a problematic to have that many that close. I would go back to you and say the district is 42, 48.2 miles. Why are we taking the time to put so much energy and effort into concentrating it into one teeny tiny area? That is not the goal of affordable housing. Shouldn't be anyway. It should be diversification to provide equal opportunities to our children's, to our families, to allow diverse individuals to be amongst other individuals, not consolidating them all into the area where the brown people are. So the other white people don't have to deal with it. That's effectively what's happening here. In addition to if this is deeply affordable, I know the 80% mfi, those guys, they might have cars. We start talking in the 50% mfi. I think [4:39:31 PM] talking in the 50% mfi. I think public transit, being able to walk down the street safely to take your kid to school or to a bus stop, or that should be important if you haven't driven those roads, they are treacherous, two lanes wide, no shoulders and nothing but trees lining it. I mean, I can't tell you how many times I've almost accidentally hit somebody coming down out of the back of our neighborhood because there is someone walking it. These are all things that should be assessed and understood, and those if we are going to build it, those costs should be borne by the developer, not not after the fact, by taxpayers, because we didn't do our due diligence to understand the real nuances and implications of what's coming here. We have ramrodded this through as fast as you could humanly do it. This was- initially meant to come from planning commission to council in ten days. Sent me a couple other projects that I've done that and frankly, I'll be candid based on what I've seen kind of response today, I'm pretty confident this was all pre-baked and deals were done before we showed up. I think we gave our best effort, but I think you [4:40:32 PM] best effort, but I think you should really look back and be able to look at your constituency after this and say, you know what, I didn't vote against affordable housing. I voted against all of these other terrible things that are really, really bad for our community, and we're going to work hard with you. We'll support you in finding an appropriate use and appropriate location, or an appropriate density of affordable housing in district eight. I genuinely mean it. I told you earlier, I come from the background of this. I probably couldn't live in the area I live now if I hadn't luckilly bought there 15 years ago. I get it. I know the teachers that drive from Kyle and Buda to my wife's school. I get it. Let's find the right location where it's actually serving the families we intend to help, not handing taxpayer dollars to a for profit institution, hoping they figure it out. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Mayor. Members of the council, Richard settle. Again. What? We're. We're not asking you to vote on the project [4:41:33 PM] you to vote on the project tonight. We're not asking you to vote on the site plan. You're not being asked to vote on zoning. You're being asked to an amend and a restrictive covenant that will allow the opportunity for an application to come in under affordability. Unlocked this tract is zoned geo. It's office geo normally has a 1 to 1 fa. This one is limited by the covenant. We're asking for geo fa so that we can do the deep affordability that is required under affordability unlocked. I think one of the speakers says, you need to guarantee it's going to be affordability unlocked. It is guaranteed because the only way you can do multifamily under geo is to do affordability unlocked, again, because it's not zoning, there is no valid petition issue, there was one person that talked about, consolidating poverty, you know, in Austin, Texas, in, in 2023, I think 50% mfi, the, the salary I think was like 40 or $41,000 for [4:42:36 PM] think was like 40 or $41,000 for a family of one. We're talking lots of people can use this kind of housing. And we have a lot of the 50% mfi. So with that, I'll close. I'd be happy to answer any questions. We've got all the staff here. We still have to go through the site plan process. We still Ave to go through the building permit process, and the issues you heard tonight were mostly site plan and, and building permit issues. One last thing. I want to thank the neighborhoods again, as we did at planning commission, although we differ on this project, they have been professional and courteous in their presentations, and we appreciate that sort of discussion as we, as this project has gone on. Thanks. >> Thank you. Councilmember Vila , Mr. Settle or staff actually, either way. But I was looking at the restricted covenant. The only thing that we're doing, in other words, all of the building rights that the restrictive [4:43:37 PM] rights that the restrictive covenant and the zoning grants, the property, are already there. They are just they have to currently build an office building in order to get the 55% impervious cover. And some of the other, you know, options that they have. The only thing that we're doing then is instead of saying, you can only build an office building with those limitations, we're saying you can actually build residential with those same limitations. In other words, that that's is that is that the correct understanding? >> Essentially it you're adding a use, you're adding residential use to it. And you're saying that we're going to instead of doing 65% impervious cover, which for other uses that would be under the applicable laws, we're ratcheting that down to 55. And you're giving us a 1 to 1 Florida area ratio and save our springs, ordinance still applies to the area. All the other environmental considerations with regard to the other city codes and ordinances still apply. >> This property predates sos. [4:44:37 PM] >> This property predates sos. So what we are proposing on this site is, although we can't meet the sos impervious cover, we're proposing to meet sos water quality on this site. >> Okay. And again, that is per the restrictive covenant that was signed, those restrictions would were part of the prior restrictive covenant. >> Well, some of that you're going to have to ask your law department about. >> Got it. And I see staff approaching actually, if they could clarify right quick, good afternoon, Liz Johnston, interim environmental officer with the watershed protection department. So the restrictive covenant does. So this was a different set of regulations that were, set forth prior to the sos, ordinance. And so what this does is require current code on for everything, with the exception of impervious cover. So it will [4:45:39 PM] of impervious cover. So it will be providing sos water quality treatment standards, which is a priority for the watershed protection department and meeting all of the other current code. >> All right. So the so in other words, the restrictive covenant was signed prior to the sos ordinance, correct? Okay. So they have grandfathered rights that would go, you know, potentially above and beyond the sos. Ordinance. >> They have a different, applicable regulations. Got it, got it. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> I was wondering if I could ask a quick question of dsd. >> Keith Morris, assistant director of development services department a comment. >> Thank you. Keith, a comment was made about the trees and what was proposed and not proposed. As Mr. Suttle mentioned, we still have to go through site plans. So when we [4:46:40 PM] through site plans. So when we talk about heritage trees or what they're proposing to do, you know, someone can propose eliminating all the heritage trees, but we have our rules in place that might require either a redesign or something of that nature. Just because someone proposed it. I guess my question doesn't mean that's what we're going to see because of our regulations. >> That that's correct. Under current code, the heritage tree, we're protected and heritage tree ordinance would apply. And there are provisions of code of how, how removal will be granted. And then the largest trees, as mentioned under again under current code would have a public process. The request removal. >> Okay. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Any other questions of staff before we, in that case, I'm going to recognize, council member Ellis for comments and emotion and so that I don't make a walking motion, I will move approval of this item as proposed by staff and planning commission. >> And then I do have some comments. If I have a second, I'll the seconded by mayor pro tem. >> So council member Ellis moves approval of the item is seconded by the mayor pro tem. And I'll [4:47:43 PM] by the mayor pro tem. And I'll recognize council member Ellis for comments. Thank you. >> Mayor, I want to start by thanking the neighbors and city staff and the applicant for giving us some time to be able to work through some of these issues and at least talk about them and understand the reality that we're dealing with is with these restrictive covenants, there's been many conversations taking place over the past few weeks, and I want to extend my gratitude for the time commitment and the understanding that that folks have really put into this. I can tell the neighbors care a lot about, their neighborhood and the families that they live near. And I really appreciate that passion, this restrictive covenant is from 1985, 1986, it contains many tracks of land that allows that allowances granted at the time predate the sos ordinance. Many of these regulations cover southwest Austin, and they're the result of long standing legal settlements and agreements, much like some of the other rules around city governance. We may agree or disagree with them, but at the end of the day, they are legally binding documents, and there's just some nuance in [4:48:44 PM] there's just some nuance in southwest Austin that makes makes our land use regulations and projects very tricky to address as city staff, as you can tell, is very familiar with these restrictive covenants and all the amendments that have taken place over the last 40 years. This particular site was slated to be an office building, with the 55% impervious cover limit. And in fact, there was already a site plan filed with the city. Previously, the amendment were being asked to consider. Today does not want us to weigh in on the issues of impervious cover or other issues addressed in the restrictive covenant, but the amendment only asks us to consider whether residential use can be allowed, and that that geo allowances with the fa can be met. This will allow the property owner to utilize affordability unlocked, which is one of our most successful affordable housing programs, and it means 107 units at 50, mfi 69 units at 60% and 44 units at 80. Mfi this tract of land, as you can see in backup, is already within the [4:49:48 PM] backup, is already within the cap metro pick up zone for north oak hill. For those unfamiliar with that, pick up service zone and what they mean there on demand shuttle service that can take customers anywhere else in the pick up zone, like the brand new HEB ACC pinnacle. When it opens, back up the park and ride located there at ACC, ymca and county offices and a whole host of other places. If the owner were to decide to do multifamily in a different manner, we would have to be talking about a zoning case. But for today, this is amending the restrictive covenant. This request has been approved by the environmental commission as well as the planning commission, and is recommended by staff. District eight routinely ranks last in the city in availability of affordable housing units, and I want district eight to be an active participant in welcoming more teachers, nurses and medics into our community and into our neighborhoods. I want more places for seniors to be able to age in place near the neighborhoods where they have built their support network, and I want caretakers to be able to live near the families that they serve. Again, I want to thank [4:50:49 PM] serve. Again, I want to thank the neighbors outreach. We've been able to have some meaningful conversations over the past few weeks, and their continued involvement through this process. I know there's been a lot of energy and personal time and resources invested into this case, and I don't want that to go unchallenged, unacknowledged. And I also want to thank staff's diligence on their work with my office and with the neighbors to make sure that we are understanding what issues are ahead of us and what the options are for us to be able to move forward. So I will be supporting this case today. I believe it's our first affordable, unlocked project that's ever been proposed in southwest Austin, I would love for us to be able to pick and choose as a community exactly where the best place is to be able to balance all of the needs of southwest Austin. But the reality is, I've had a number of different people come to me and say, I really want to build affordable housing because it's something that I believe in, and I think I can do it on attractive land in southwest Austin. And time and time again they don't pencil out and they get pulled off the table before [4:51:49 PM] get pulled off the table before anything is ever able to move forward. So I don't feel like I'm in a position to say no to these when they can pencil out, but I really appreciate the creativity and the passion that has gone into trying to make a project like this work and look forward to continuing to work with the neighborhood to direct and address any sort of traffic impacts, any sort of light signalization, sidewalks, other sorts of safety, and road issues that that people experience out there. Because I do agree that southwest parkway is kind of its own beast for people who have been out there and have to drive that road every day, so I will be supporting this item today, but I really appreciate all of the hard work and the conversations we've been able to have over, over this length of time. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Further discussion. >> Councilmember Kelly, I'll be abstaining from this vote today, but I do look forward to it coming back with a site plan to council and further approval. Thank you. >> Councilmember harper-madison, thank you. >> I well, thank you. I [4:52:49 PM] >> I well, thank you. I appreciate it. I don't know that now is the appropriate time to express my support or if, as opposed to, council member Ellis was trying to avoid the walking, motion. So are we talking on this one? Or when she does the we have a motion and a second to adopt item number 89. >> So I'm calling for discussion on item 89. >> Thank you I appreciate it. I thought there was going to be some additional measure placed towards item 89. But is that not the case. Thank you. >> You may be thinking of 73, which will be taken up after. >> Thank you. Got it. So, I just wanted to say congratulations. Burns. If this if this happens, if I'm not mistaken, this is the fourth ever, in district eight affordable housing project, which I think is pretty amazing. I also just want to point out that on the same agenda we're district one is receiving $50 million in affordable housing investments, and hundreds of affordable units have been [4:53:50 PM] affordable units have been funded, in my terms, in office. You know, we get that that document where they show affordable housing by district. And it's a pretty unfortunate way to present the information because it's a line graph. And a line for d1 is always this. And everybody else is probably right about here. And then there's some that are flat lined, so I personally am really grateful to be able to, to practice what we preach. We've been saying for five plus years, you and I, all parts of town for all types of families, all housing types is where affordable housing should go, and so as the council member who has the distinct honor of having the most affordable housing and consistently every single year producing the most affordable housing, personally, I'm really excited that we get to, as a body start talking about being a more diverse and less, economically segregated city. I appreciate the conversation earlier. I'm going to resist the urge to dig in too much, but I do want to say I don't think more often than not, [4:54:50 PM] don't think more often than not, the assumption is somehow affordable housing and brownness are unfortunately made synonymous. I think poverty in brownness are made synonymous, and that is, that's too bad for everybody involved in the conversation, because we never actually get to start talking about, candid ways that we can appreciate where one another is coming from and how we can, recognize when we're in the same spot and don't look anything alike, but have the same needs, so I think that's, I'll stop there. Thank you, the other thing I wanted to say about this particular step is that I. I have had the distinct, opportunity to make difficult decisions so many times, or it's like if we do nothing, guess what happens? Something ten times worse than what it is that you anticipated could potentially happen. If we do this, then, you know, so, so frequently this job is about making the most difficult possible decisions. And the [4:55:51 PM] possible decisions. And the truth of the matter is that, you know, when folks are upset with the decision you had to make, even when you know you made the best possible decision, it makes you second guess yourself. So I just wanted to say I'm really proud of your leadership. On taking the opportunity to be the one leading the charge on us practicing what we preach. So I would like very much to have the opportunity to support this item . >> Thank you. Councilmember. Mayor pro tem. >> Thanks, mayor. And I just wanted to say a few things. First, I appreciate the neighbors coming to share their concerns with us today, as well as those who wrote in and spoke with their support. I am reminded with this case of another important zoning case for affordable housing in my district. Back in back in 2017, there were quite a few similar concerns that were voiced about a variety of Karst features and a creek as well as about increased traffic in the [4:56:53 PM] increased traffic in the neighborhood. We are fortunate that, for the most part, misconceptions about multifamily and as a housing type have been debunked and the value of housing choice in every neighborhood across the city is recognized. As you can probably predict, the development from 2017, in district seven was built, families moved in at all income levels and with time, the single family neighbors began to see that complex for the community benefit and as the community benefit that it truly is. We're fortunate in district seven that we have gained hundreds of affordable units since that time, but that's not the case everywhere across the city. Land cost and other factors present major obstacles to affordable housing development, particularly west of mopac. These opportunities don't come up every day as as has been noted here today and [4:57:54 PM] has been noted here today and when they do, I do hope that we all will do what we can to support them. Thank you. Thank you mayor. Thank you. >> Any further discussion on the motion and the second to adopt item to approve item 89, there being no further discussion without objection, item 89 is approved with council member Kelly being shown abstaining, members, I'm going to take us now to item number 73, without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 73, and I'll turn to the city clerk. >> Thank you. Mayor. >> We currently don't have anyone remote, but I have several in person. >> First up is Richard suttle, Kristen Jacobs, Karen Dallman, your name has been called. >> Please come forward. >> Mayor, members of the council . My name is Richard suttle. I'm here on behalf of the applicant. In this case is related to the one we previously dealt with. [4:58:55 PM] one we previously dealt with. And I'll just say we're in favor. Thank you. >> Thank you. If your name has been called, just make your way to the microphone and, state your name for the record. >> Kristen Jacobs. I guess my question would be, how can we approve funding without having an idea of what the site plan looks like? So again, I encourage you all to come out to southwest parkway, come out to this track of land before any money is allocated to this development. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I'm Karen Dorman, and in light of today's topics. Oh, what a pity it would be to grant tax credits for item number 73 for without a site plan, how can we proceed to is a mistake to utilize taxpayer dollars without he'd well done. >> Stewart Goodman followed by Jason fethke, Chandler Harris and then David Arnold. >> If your name has been called, [4:59:58 PM] >> If your name has been called, please come forward. Thank you again. >> My name is Stewart Goodman. I'm an interested party in the proposed sunset ridge development, we'll have other presenters, subsequently speak on the serious concerns we have regarding the exemption to the concentration provision of the Texas department of housing and community affairs, 2024 qualified allocation plan. But first, I want to focus on a broader issue and defect of the draft amendment under consideration. The city of Austin and the applicant are seeking an exception of the de concentration provision based on section 11.3 d2g of the qualified allocation plan to qualify for such an exemption and be eligible under the plan, the following is required. The governing body, where the development is located, has, by vote specifically allowed the construction of a new development located within one linear mile or less and in accordance with the Texas government code, the city council is required to hold a [5:00:59 PM] council is required to hold a hearing at which public comment can be made of the proposed development. It's critical to note that on April 12th, the applicant withdrew the sunset ridge plan, to date, no subsequent plan has been submitted to the city of Austin. And the applicant status, the application status is shown as withdrawn. This can be independently verified and, on the text, the Austin, Texas dot gov website. Additionally, to our knowledge, no new proposed development has been filed and certainly no notification has been provided as required to affected property owners of a new proposed development. No city council public hearings have been held or either previously on either the previously filed proposed development or new proposed development. As we just discussed, it was only the restrictive covenant and not the proposed development, as mister suttle made abundantly clear, thereby the proposed amendment [5:02:02 PM] thereby the proposed amendment pertaining to the sunset ridge tax credit simply has not met the minimum legal requirement and cannot be considered by city council at this time. Only after a plan has been submitted to the city of Austin, affected property owners properly notified and sufficient time been provided to affected residents to review and comment on the proposed development. Can such amendment be considered by the city council? Thank you. >> Thank you. If your name has been called, just make your way to the microphone. >> Thanks for all the facetime. The more I get up here, the more I get comfortable. It's great. Maybe come up there and sit up there with you one day, I just wanted to kind of talk in general about this consolidation thing. All of his points are right. The city can't move forward on this agenda today because they haven't met the legal qualifications of it. It's fine. We can punt it down the road. I just got thinking a little bit about why would legislators put such a clause in there that prevents the very [5:03:02 PM] there that prevents the very consolidation that I just talked about a little bit earlier? That's exactly what this is for. The one one mile, three year rule is you shouldn't be placing all of the affordable housing in the exact same zone right next to each other. It doesn't breed good things when you do that. The ideal is, again, how do we spread this out? How do we better utilize the limited resources that the taxpayers generously donate to the city every year, to the right causes and so what happens with this when this is ignored is exactly what I showed you earlier. You run into instances of poverty and segregation, discrimination, schools that aren't performing up to standard, and there's no plan to expand. By the way, oak elementary is at full capacity, and all the taxpayer dollars that went there in the bond are just security measures. Not all the improvements that the other white schools enjoyed. So I think these guys should really consider that next time this comes around, about the one year or one mile, three year plan, because it's the real deal. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Council Dave Arnold again, I [5:04:10 PM] >> Council Dave Arnold again, I rose earlier to speak to the issues of traffic and safety. And I will only speak to this item to say that as a taxpayer, I want my money to be managed by the state, to go to projects that are well thought out, well managed and approved based on accurate data and facts. I find the whole process, since being first notified back in December, as an interested party to be confusing, filled with missing data and generally rushed to bypass required procedures and city processes. I do know that I want due process adequate and timely information and representation and communication from my representative from district eight. More frequently. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi, council and mayor again, my name is not Vanessa Fuentes. [5:05:13 PM] my name is not Vanessa Fuentes. My name is Chandler Harris. Is it my turn to speak? Okay >> Name has been called. You can go ahead and speak. Yes, sir. Fuentes who is joining us? >> Virtually. Okay. My apologies, I'd like you to know that I grew up in a well- to-do family, it wasn't all that always that way, when I was a small child. But my father was among the first in his family, his generation, to graduate from college. And he went on to become a doctor of medicine. And it definitely saved me numerous times. If you're poor and I'm poor and we're poor, how do we get out of poverty, I would say we've come a long way, but we have a long way to go. I'm proud to say in April of 1968, my mother's mother, Patricia bowman, chose to March with doctor martin Luther king junior in the name of human rights and in support of local Memphis, Tennessee, garbage workers on strike the day before he was assassinated, she marched with her husband of the time. I never knew him. His name was Carol bowman. Carol was a philosophy professor and a pastor who spent [5:06:13 PM] professor and a pastor who spent time helping African Americans register as voters in Mississippi. Today, I want my two daughters who are slated to attend oak hill elementary, to know that I am carrying on a tradition of supporting adversely. Adversely affected people and populations. Please do not approve the misappropriation of our tax dollars to fund this project. Any vote to fund the proposed sunset ridge apartments discussed in agenda item 89 would not be a vote for affordable housing. It would be a vote against the intended merits of affordable housing policy. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you mayor. >> That concludes all the speakers for 73. Thank you, members, that concludes all the speakers on item number 73. Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 73. The chair will entertain a motion with regard to item number 73. Council member Ellis moves. Approval of [5:07:14 PM] member Ellis moves. Approval of item number 73 is seconded by council member Ryan alter. Discussion with regard to item number 73, council member Ellis I think I'll just ask. >> I'm not sure if, Mandy or Brendan Kennedy may want to come and just kind of briefly, briefly explain what is this item and how does the process work? I know that these are for the housing tax credits through the state. And so I think there may just be some clarification about what is being approved today or what are we being asked to approve today. >> Mandy Demayo, interim director of the housing department, and I may phone a friend, which is Brendan Kennedy, and I see him in the back, yes. This is the developer has submitted or will submit an application for a 4% low income housing tax credit, project, that will be accompanied by private activity bonds that are going to be issued by Travis county housing finance corporation, as a component of the tax credit application, the [5:08:14 PM] the tax credit application, the governing jurisdiction needs to provide this resolution. The resolution acknowledges various things that are true in our community, which is one of which is that we have two times the state average of tax credits. We do that with every single. This language is standard, that we provide to applicants, provided you all, support the project. We submit that provide it back to the applicant, and they submit it as part of their actual application. >> Thank you for that. And so one of the speakers had said that we cannot move forward today. Is that not staff's interpretation? >> That is not our interpretation at all, nor laws, what is required is a, public hearing which you all are conducting now or have just completed, conducting the public hearing, and then you are now considering the resolution. Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you, council member. >> Further discussion or questions with regard to item number 73 members, the motion has been made and seconded to approve item number 73. Without [5:09:16 PM] approve item number 73. Without objection, item number 73 is adopted. So, folks, here's the way I think that we will go, for the remainder of the evening. And again, as I indicated earlier, I would do I'm trying tobase this on what I believe to be the number of speakers. So the order we will go in is we will go to item number 99 when we conclude item number 99, we will go to item number 76. Then we will recess for the Austin housing finance corporation board meeting. Then 69, 74, 77, 71, 72 and 75. So 9976 aafc 6974 , 77, 71, 72 and 75. Unless something weird happens, that's [5:10:17 PM] something weird happens, that's what I'll try to do. And without objection, that's what we'll do. And we'll go to item number 99 on. Item number 99, I'll recognize, councilmember harper-madison as she would like to briefly lay it out. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The speakers. >> Yes, I'd love to. Thank you, I appreciate it. So item number 99 is an item. We're calling agrihood, for lack of anything else to call it, because it is, in fact, called an agrihood, so what we're looking to do is approve a resolution related to the policies supporting Singh, single family multifamily and mixed use communities built with a working farm or community garden as the focus, otherwise known as an agrihood, we recommended it at the housing and planning committee and are bringing it before the body today. >> Thank you. Council member, I'll turn to the city clerk to, start, recognizing those that [5:11:19 PM] start, recognizing those that we, have signed up to speak on this item. >> Thank you. Mayor, no one has called in remotely, so I will begin with in person. >> First up is Tiffany Washington, then pliny Fisk, eighties0 wheeler. >> Good afternoon. Council. My name is Tiffany Washington. I'm your local black farmer here in Austin, Texas. And I'm about with me today. A professional basket of carrots that I did harvest from my farm in east Austin on the corner of Maynard road and rocky lane, where they do call the community murder corner. It pains me to even have to stand here in front of this council to say and let you know how offensive the term agrihood is to marginalized communities of black farmers, growers and producers who have been overlooked and underserved in Austin for nearly 200 years. Council member harper-madison. [5:12:20 PM] Council member harper-madison. In 2021, resolution item number 2021 0304 67 stated which you sponsored, that the city was built on black agriculture. It is time that the city stop using trendy California terms such as agrihood, as an excuse to neglect its duties to compensate black agriculturalists to provide access to land for education, training and economic advancement in our local food system. You might as well just call it a Agro ghetto. I don't know what else to say, I don't I did not hear any of the people who have these beautiful spaces with their native heritage trees. Once with their affordable housing and agrihood. I don't think that miss Paige Ellis, you're going to say to my face, hey, come over here and farm this agrihood in district eight. I don't think, mayor, that you want to talk about the [5:13:20 PM] that you want to talk about the agrihood that I farm every day, or the farm where I have people getting shot at my house has been shot at bullets have gone into my home where we're supposed to live in affordable housing just down the street from the green gate farm, that is this community's village. Tiny home. I think it's offensive. I think it's disrespectful. And I think it's the most racist thing that I have seen the city do when they have not even addressed what hoods are. So to call it a agrihood call it a ghetto. Just pick some people from off the street to go farm it. Who are going to farm these agrihood? Who are we creating a green workforce from? Who? What people? Are there any other black farmers who own a farm in this city that the mayor that that that Natasha harper-madison I'm sorry that you have come to my farm with their children. So I wasn't even invited to say [5:14:21 PM] I wasn't even invited to say that I'm offended by the word agrihood even being used. I'm really against it, but I'm really neutral to it as well, because I think that we need to have these opportunities to talk about agriculture and giving black people the opportunity to come back to these communities where farming was, was genocided . Thank god. >> Pliny, pliny Fisk, come on up. And then Tessa wheeler and then skip Connett. Good day, mayor and city council. I am pliny Fisk. I co-direct the oldest nonprofit in the country doing sustainable architecture, planning and policy. And we are on the corner of decker lane and 969, just below green gate farms and green gate farms started at our place on that corner. What, 20 years ago with skip and Aaron [5:15:24 PM] 20 years ago with skip and Aaron . So to give that background is important because we've done many projects that, in essence, have given unbelievable experience in this field. For example, we were hired by the meadows foundation and the U.S. Department of agriculture to do the state demonstration farm that farm in Laredo, by the way, was so successful that it took over, was taken over by the community. And it cannot be called an agrihood because nobody lived there. But they lived all around it and used it extensively for the last 25 years. The unbelievable thing also is that we believe that this should be reaching into policy. So this building did the Austin green building program. We did the rating system for here. We did the rating system down the street for the public library. We have done many buildings throughout Austin area, we've also, by the way, done many isads. And the fact is [5:16:26 PM] done many isads. And the fact is that what is being handed out here is one project that we're proposing for our own nonprofit sitting on that corner, that is in cooperation with skip and Aaron and other agrihood efforts in our region. But the most important thing in data terms is that we have 1% of all our food produced here in central Texas, that we eat. We also have a situation where our agriculture in general is 35 times any other land use category that humans delve in. We sort of do our rating systems, we do all the things that we do, and we've been very involved with that all the way to the us Pentagon. But the fact is that if I look at what triggers all sorts of other things jobs, community, water, health could be a simple thing called an agrihood, an agrihood [5:17:29 PM] called an agrihood, an agrihood existed a long time and had become very successful in many places. Few times has it ever been proposed in a place like east Austin? So we are totally supportive of this effort in any way we can be. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Hello, I'm Tessa wheeler, and I'm here today to educate you a little bit about who lives at an agrihood. And then also my experiences since I'm a resident there currently. So first I'll tell you about why I chose to live in an agrihood. I was living in affluent north Dallas area in Plano, Texas, and as a work at home employee executive, I decided I wanted to change lifestyle and I spent a good 6 to 8 months researching across the whole United States where I wanted to live. I went to north Carolina, Massachusetts, new Hampshire, Colorado. I kept coming back to what Austin, [5:18:29 PM] coming back to what Austin, Texas had to offer, but specifically the agrihood that's in Austin, Texas. I mean, no offense when I say that word, so I won't apologize if that's offensive and absence of knowing what the word to call it. I'll call it an agrihood today until we decide what other name we can, we can call it. But when I was trying to figure out what lifestyle I wanted, it was only that one place that you guys have here that's so special. And if you haven't seen it, you need to come see with your own eyes. It's 20 minutes away. Mlk and decker. But that's where I chose to live in your district. I could live anywhere in the whole United States because that agrihood kept drawing me there. Where do I want to spend my time with my community, where I want to give my time to my community? So that's when it kind of let you know, first, I want to talk to you about something that's really close to my heart and that is the community well-being and health. Since moving to village farm in October, I found a sense of belonging and a connection that I've never experienced before. It's not [5:19:30 PM] experienced before. It's not just about sharing space, it's about sharing our lives, our dreams, and our values. We gather for meals, we plant trees together. We go take care of the ducks and the geese. We have collective experiences and living here has a positive impact on my mental and physical well-being. My stress level has been greatly reduced. I have many days like what you all have today. If you can imagine at the end of the day you walk out into a farm and you can breathe for the first time. The picture that you see up there, that's where the agrihood that I walk my dogs in every day. First week there, I started taking pictures because I wanted that picture in my home. Because every day that warms my heart and the stress goes away. Secondly, village farms has offered me a sustainable lifestyle that I didn't think was possible. While today we don't grow our own food, we have the farmers who have organic food that's available to us. We do have some pop up gardens where we get food for free, and soon we'll have [5:20:30 PM] for free, and soon we'll have our own garden beds. We can start growing our own food. This not only saves money, but it fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and resilience. Living sustainably isn't about saving the planet, it's also about saving money and living a more fulfilling life. And last, I want to talk about the freedom of financial freedom. I have as a 56 year old empty nester. I've lived in many places, and nowhere have I found a sense of financial security coupled with community living. Living in agrihood has reduced my living expenses. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Next speaker after skip Connett, we have Lisa applebroog, Aaron Flynn, and then Katie gay. >> Mayor and council, thank you for this time. My name is skip kunet. I'm the co-founder of green gate farms, and I've helped create the village farm and agrihood in east Austin. First, I want to commend council member Madison Harper for harper-madison for her insight and foresight on the needs for having agrihood in central Texas . Village farms is one of the Austin's best kept secrets. It's [5:21:31 PM] Austin's best kept secrets. It's a modern, organic hybrid of affordable housing and local food production. This resolution will go a long way in making sure that agrihood have the attention they deserve, and assuring that they take root here. 20 years ago, I had a dream job in Atlanta writing speeches for the director of the CDC. My wife Erin, across the street was doing high level pr for the American cancer society. We watched with increasing alarm at how our nation's health was heading in the wrong direction, and how much of the rise in preventable diseases could be attributed to two interlinking risk factors our diet and the built environment. I felt called to do more than just write about this emerging public health threat. I needed to get out into the field literally with the mission of growing not just clean, fresh food, but a healthy community to reap its benefits. We gave up our careers. We said goodbye to our friends and family, and in 2005, we returned to Austin with visions of green fields, the making of village [5:22:32 PM] fields, the making of village farms is a result of many hands working long and hard together. Green gate farms, Robert communities, tbg partners and Austin's office of sustainable city village farms is far from perfect, but it's a good first start and a start I should add. That has been eight years in the making. That said, we cannot afford to wait that long for other Haggar hoods to develop here. This resolution, like village farms, is groundbreaking and I urge you to support it. This is the kind of innovation that will put Austin out front in meeting two of our most urgent challenges how to make housing and local food more affordable and accessible. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share this timely success story. >> Hi, my name is Lisa berg and I am moved to village farm, [5:23:33 PM] I am moved to village farm, Austin a year and a half ago. Moving to the village farm agrihood. And I agree with Tessa that if we want a new name to be less offensive, I would support. That is one of the best decisions my husband and I have made in our lives. Not only am I participating in and learning how to farm and grow my own food , which is a lifelong goal that is hard to achieve in this day when we're so removed from food production. But in the month of December, I challenged myself to eat food exclusively from the farm, and by my estimates, I was able to achieve having 70% of our meals come from the rows of crops not more than 12ft from my front door. Talk about hyper local. One other thing I'll add is that I was recently watching the blue Zones docu mentary on Netflix blue Zones, in case you don't know, are a part of the world where people are organically living for decades longer than the rest of the world and their final decades are filled with are very healthy and active and not filled with [5:24:34 PM] and active and not filled with doctor's appointments and medical visits like we so frequently see in our communities. It occurred to me that our agrihood already has the infrastructure to be a blue zone. We have the fresh produce, we have the active and engaged community where if you don't want to be alone, you don't have to be alone. And we have trails for walking and regular activities like yoga on the farm. I would argue that neighborhoods like ours have the ability to increase the health of our communities and combat the epidemic of loneliness that can prevail in our busy lives. Thank you. >> Good afternoon. My name is Erin Flynn and I'm the co-founder of east Austin's green gate farms, which is in Dion and a consultant for the village farm agrihood. I couldn't encourage you more to support the agrihood concept and the issue. Item 99 today. When I spoke here last week, I shared how agrihood or farm centered [5:25:34 PM] how agrihood or farm centered communities foster healthier and happier living for residents who have just mentioned that. But it also provides much needed opportunities for farmers. We need more farmers and this is an incredible design that can facilitate that. Today, I'd like to share the wider ripple effect of a well-designed agrihood not only do residents benefit, but so does the community around it. Our agrihood has become a hub that produces much more than food. It's a place where hundreds of neighbors volunteer to learn how to garden and where new farmers are mentored. It's also an incubator and a funder for musicians, artists, microenterprise and local businesses. And it's a living lab for researchers and an outdoor classroom for students. Typically, agrihood farm stands are open to everyone, and village farm is no exception. [5:26:34 PM] village farm is no exception. Our farm stand and community supported agriculture shares of food and flowers, which you can see being prepared in these pictures. This food is available to all and I'll just point out this is when we decided to put in an orchard and the residents helped put that in in front of the tiny homes, so because our food is available to all neighbors, this is increased access to organic food and a part of town that does not have nearly enough fresh food, grocery stores or restaurants. Because we make the farm stand available to others, new businesses have blossomed and our beekeeper now has a place to sell his honey and tiny home residents sell everything from baked goods to gifts and natural bug spray. Additional income also flows to chefs teaching cooking classes, health coaches leading seminars and yoga instructors leading weekly classes. Having a community farm stand also means that larger businesses like coyote creek feed mill and callahans feed [5:27:36 PM] feed mill and callahans feed store benefit as we purchase eggs and meat and other supplies weekly. Because our agrihood farm also provides a welcoming space for the community to gather, we regularly host numerous cultural events. This includes the month long east side event series that we created, which featured the east side kings and other local gospel and blues musicians. We've also showcased artists by being a destination during the Austin studio tour, hosting regular artisan fairs and making the farmhouse available as a gallery space. Partnerships with groups like the tinkering school also generate revenue for creative nonprofits, so thank you very much. Thank you. >> After Katie Guay is Zenobia Joseph and then Bobby Levinsky. >> Katie, you have to leave. >> Okay? Okay >> Zenobia Joseph and Bobby Levinsky, Bobby Levinsky, silver springs. [5:28:39 PM] springs. >> Council member harper-madison office reached out to us on this item to be a stakeholder. We appreciate that. Reach out. We're a-girl could curious, can't say that I know all the details on it, but it sounds like a really great idea. I really appreciate your leadership on it, I come from a little bit of the conservation world, on the private side too, and it seems like a really great opportunity to for some innovative tax incentive, structures that could help support that affordable housing as well. So, if there's anything that we can O to help, just reach out and we'll we'll love to be involved. Thank you. >> Yes, yes, as a matter of fact, Mr. Levinsky, you'll be hearing probably next week from our chief of staff. >> Sharon, we were talking about you yesterday. We were talking about water specifically. So today, some of the commentary about items on our agenda. It was super timely because those are things that specifically that we were talking about. So we'll be reaching out. Thank you [5:29:41 PM] we'll be reaching out. Thank you . >> Mayor, all the speakers for item 99 have been called. >> Thank you very much. Members, all the speakers have have completed on item number 99, I'll recognize, council member harper-madison to make a motion with regard to item number 99. >> Mr. Mayor, I'd like to move that. We bring item number 99 forward for the city manager to help us become the biggest, most prolific agrihood developer in the country, council member harper-madison moves approval of item number 99 with some and council member Velasquez seconds that motion. Any discussion without objection. Item number 99 is adopted. Congratulations. Councilmember mayor. Members that will take us to item number 76, which is posted as I'm sorry . >> Yes. Sorry. You look so fast. I had sorry it does not change the outcome of the vote and I'm very happy. I just wanted to say a few remarks because I really appreciate council member [5:30:43 PM] appreciate council member harper-madison leadership on this and really seeing a creative idea, seeing something working and trying to make that happen as much as we can in the city of Austin. And so it was a great presentation for housing and planning. When we did our joint committee meeting on April 23rd. If you want to see a little more about it. But I'm very excited. >> Thank you. Council member, that will take us to item number 76, which is posted as a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 76, and I will turn to the city clerk's office, to help us with the speakers. >> Thank you. Mayor, the first speaker for 76 is Sharon Blythe. She has time donated by Susan Spataro. >> I just want to make sure Susan's here. Thank you. >> Six minutes following Sharon is Daniel Zelle. >> Please begin. >> I've got a presentation. Yeah. Thank you. My name is Sharon Blythe. I'm a president of the mountain neighborhood association, where this, dam project is going to be taking [5:31:46 PM] project is going to be taking place. Very, very close to it. The, as well as, staging area that they're trying to use for that project, next slide, to build this project in the valley behind my house, you're going to have to take down thousands of trees, including 13 heritage trees. We have never, ever had a public hearing from watershed about this, they're going to take out 13 trees. But I understand that that city ordinance, we have to have to have a public hearing about that. We have never had any, opportunity to, as a community to express our our horror of this, project. Next slide please, this is a view from my backyard yard. If they build this project, my backyard will become lakefront property with no trees in behind it. And, this is what it looks like, except [5:32:49 PM] is what it looks like, except they put a bunch of cement down there and build basically a public skate park. Next, next slide. Then all of a sudden, this, habitat restoration sign showed up down, down there and they say, no, no cutting of vegetation. Well, how can that be when the city is going to take out thousands of trees plus 13 heritage trees? It's really contradictory, in your backup, there was an incorrect map showing that bull creek ranch, which is a community across the road from the project, is in the floodplain. It is it is, that is incorrect. Map. The next slide will show you. Next slide, please. Next slide. That bull creek ranch, according to the Austin floodplain maps, is not in the floodplain. It's not. Bull creek does not run through that valley. There is no flood flood risk in that valley at all . Next slide please. Our canyon will be destroyed if the project [5:33:52 PM] will be destroyed if the project goes forward, next slide. Oh. Land passes. Canyon has little flood risk. Damage risk? Little flood risk, this is a picture I took on January 22nd of this year when we had a major rainstorm, it's just a small, small trickle of water through the canyon. There's no no problem with that canyon. Next slide, please. The planned restoration will destroy endangered species habitat. Springs are present where this jollyville salamander lives. Most runoff is from the springs. Bull creek does not run through the canyon in the canyon has caves where the other endangered species live, the backup water will destroy the natural habitat by covering the springs. Next slide please. The actual greatest flood risk is in the canyon. Next. Next door, up [5:34:53 PM] canyon. Next. Next door, up spicewood springs road where it bull creek is. Does flow. And they're not even addressing that at all. Next slide please. We're asking that our watershed change the Dan restoration plan to not destroy the canyon. And, address the triangle staging area. Next slide please. The triangle staging area for the dam is across the street from my neighborhood. This is a very same property where the water treatment plant for tunnel runs through. The shaft side is on top of it. They're going to be running big trucks over there trying to put all their equipment for that construction. On the shaft side. It's a great possibility that shaft site will, implode into the tunnel and then you will have a much worse problem over there because [5:35:55 PM] worse problem over there because of this shaft site, my neighbors and I and sos sued the city of Austin. We won on the third court of criminal appeals in 2010 on the shaft site. We have unknown, there's unknown safeguards that, that they'll destroy that shaft site, there's just unknown risks for this shaft site because the water treatment plant tunnel runs right through there. There's no difference. That's where it was built. Next slide please. If you had one, one, proof of that lawsuit. This is this is a front page of it where we sued the city. Next slide please, there was a new mou, agreed to by the parks department, as well as watershed, where they're going to play, the park watershed is going to play parks department, [5:36:57 PM] going to play parks department, $70,000 to take our trees down, trees to the decker lake area. So children can play on that wood. This is a half baked idea. It is wrong to tear up our canyon and parkland and use the money somewhere else, so east side can use the downed trees that the triangle should not be used as a staging area over a sensitive water treatment water treatment plant. Ford shaft. The track trucks could collapse the shaft and there's going to be too much traffic along spicewood springs road, endangering the cars and the school children, and the environmental damage has not been addressed. Thank you very much. >> Daniel zo. >> Mayor. >> That's all the speakers for 76. >> Can I get a watershed to come down real quick before we close the public hearing? I worked out pretty well. Got a lot of people [5:38:04 PM] pretty well. Got a lot of people all fast. Yeah. You just heard the testimony. First of all, this item does not address this. The building of the dam, it addresses a staging area. And that's all right. >> That's correct. So, Jorge morales, the watershed protection department, this is an item that we need to bring before us so we can actually go through the process of using that sliver of the parkland. And we do have staff from parkland that can speak to that process, this project is a dam repair project from damage that occurred in 2010 that we have to do, and we can speak to that. >> Well, that's what that's where you anticipated where I was headed. So even though this doesn't relate to the specific dam process and some of the concerns that that were just mentioned, tell us why we have to have a staging area. Why is what is the reason that watershed is doing work on the dam? >> So the reason for the work is in 2010 during the, tropical storm Hermine, this this dam was damaged. It's listed on the tc [5:39:05 PM] damaged. It's listed on the tc list. I think it's number three of projects. We have to do repairs to it to be able to access the project. We need a staging area and this is areas right across the street from there. So we do we are asking to use this site to be able to facilitate that construction. And we did hear the concerns, and we are taking that into account as we move forward through the actual construction. >> And if you and it's my understanding that the speaker has been at meetings that have occurred and, have you had the opportunity to visit with the speaker about those concerns? >> Our staff has not me directly. And yes, we've had public meetings with the community about this, and, and so the second yes, we have the other thing I'd like to ask you about is, are we in violation of any court order as a result of using this strip of land in the parkland? I cannot speak to that, mayor. And so I don't know if somebody from law can speak to that. Did you have information? >> Yeah. Okay well, you heard what she was saying about the [5:40:06 PM] what she was saying about the third court of appeals, and I. And I don't know whether that case applies here or. But have you taken into account whether or not the staging area is over the shaft site? >> There is a shaft there. And yes, we've taken that into account in our partners capital project delivery services will will help us with this project managing it. And they are actually help manage that project as well. So that we're very familiar with the shaft and the location, and we'll be taking that into account. Thank you sir. >> Anybody else have questions? Okay. >> Councilmember Kelly I don't have questions. I just have an amendment I'd like to bring forward. >> We're going to do that when we have a motion. Great. Thank you, thank you. Any other questions of staff? All right. Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 76, and I'll entertain a motion with regard to item number 76. Is there a motion I. >> I'll motion to pass 76. >> Okay. Councilmember Kelly moves adoption of item number 76. It is seconded by councilmember Ellis, members, we have a motion on the floor you [5:41:06 PM] have a motion on the floor you have in front of you, and it's been handed out earlier today, councilmember Kelly has a proposed amendment number one to item number 76, and it's labeled amendment one. Council member Kelly, item number 76, I recognize councilmember Kelly for a motion to amend. >> Yes. Thank you, mayor, I motion to amend line 25 to read as follows I won't read it. It's up on the message board, but I would like to speak to it once I get a second. >> So motion has been made to amend item number 76 by councilmember Kelly. Seconded by councilmember Allison alter. Councilmember Kelly, you're recognized on your motion. >> Thank you very much, before I talk about that briefly, I just want to thank watershed, and the other city departments who've come out to my district to hold meetings with our public and to really do a deep dive into what really needs to be done with this, dam modernization project. Our community risks 30 different homes in bull creek ranch flooding as a result of the damage done to the dam. And as I mentioned at Tuesday's work [5:42:08 PM] mentioned at Tuesday's work session, there are a lot of scars in the community based on what happened when the lift station at the site of that park where the staging equipment will be, they still exist. They they are very big in the community. And I haven't just heard from miss Blythe. My parents, who live nearby, remember that we had a conversation at dinner over the weekend about it, neighbors have talked to me about it. They've brought those concerns to us at these meetings, and so I plan to alleviate those concerns with this amendment, which is viewable on the council message board has to do an environmental resource inventory on the parkland as well as traffic control during pickup times at the school. Because it is a small road, we want to make sure that that traffic isn't impacted. When this happened, with the lift station I was in high school, I vividly recall riding the bus home and being impacted by that traffic. I know there are parents who worry about that as well. Now on Tuesday I laid out an amendment, but there was a piece of it that I will call back to order the city council meeting of the Austin city council at 5:57 P.M, and we will take up item number 69 members. Item number 69 is a [5:43:08 PM] but there was a piece of it that is not included in this version because I did talk to staff to make sure that these changes were okay. It's my understanding that they are. However, I do plan on bringing forward an ifc on may 30th to direct the city manager to come back to council with a cost estimate for amenities in that park, so that I can move forward to request that in the budget. Perhaps. So that is the only part that's missing from what I laid out on Tuesday that we are reviewing today. Thank you mayor. >> Great. Thank you. Any further comments or discussion on with regard to the proposed amendment, number one by council member Kelly, hearing none without objection. Amendment number one is adopted members. That takes us back to the main motion on item number 76, which is to approve item number 76, as amended. Any discussion. Hearing none without objection. Item number 76, as amended, is adopted without objection, [5:57:28 PM] 69 members. Item number 69 is a related to the city charter amendments being placed on the ballot, having, having heard of the work session, the suggestion has been that there needs to be more time for the council to, to figure out where it wants to be on that. So the recommendation would be that we the motion that, that I would accept would be a motion to postpone this item number to item number 69 to may 30th of this year. But what we'll do is first see if anybody has any questions of staff, and then we will have anybody that is signed up to speak on the item. We will hear from them. If council wishes to have a discussion. Now, all I would ask is that you recall that we have a number of other items left, and we will be postponing this for further opportunity for discussion. Does anybody have any questions? Yes. >> Councilmember Allison alter, so I'll be quick and it's sort [5:58:29 PM] so I'll be quick and it's sort of a question comment. >> So my understanding is that there are several recommendations from the charter review committee that we can accomplish by ordinance rather than a charter recommendation. And in the backup, you shared that for what our recommendations one, three, five and six, correct, correct, Neil fowler from the law department. Thank you. And yes, that's correct. We've identified a number of policy objectives that ou could achieve through either an ordinance or resolution without a charter amendment. Thank you, so, colleagues, just as a suggestion for when we move forward of how to organize ourselves and our conversations, I personally think it would be better if there are mechanisms that we can use to not do a charter amendment, that we do those by ordinance, I think that, my sense is that at least two of the four have no [5:59:32 PM] two of the four have no controversy, and two of them, we might want to have a little bit of conversation over, but we should plan to try to do those by ordinance which don't have the time crunch of, being placed on the ballot for August. And then there are three that we need to discuss, and I don't know that. And so I think we should focus our discussion on those three, and then we need to determine if there's any of the substantive staff amendments that we have any concerns about, and so I would just say that in terms of I think that would help us to limit what we need to be thinking about, and, you know, we'd benefit from some conversations over theirs, over those. We have different recommendations from the charter commission. They've recommended them, but they have different amounts of, support. >> Yeah. Along those lines, members, what I would recommend is that that if we in fact postpone this to may 30th, that [6:00:32 PM] postpone this to may 30th, that that sort of, description and thought process that we, we put, we start doing that on the message board and give, give our back and forth with regard to those thoughts so that we can comment on when she when she indicates there are three, and I know what three she's talking about. But but what I'm saying is let's put that up there and then have any discussion that we can have prior to the may 30th meeting when we might be able to do something definitive with it. >> And I'm not and I'm not sure on how much time we would have on the 14th, between the work session for ldc and other possible briefings, but it would be possible to potentially have a short conversation on that day, well, we're looking at, but I don't know. I don't know how I don't know how full that agenda is for that. >> Yeah. And there's other things that we're working on. >> Exactly. [6:01:32 PM] >> Exactly. >> I'm just saying if it's not totally full, then we might be able to do it. Yeah. >> And, mayor, we had planned to come back to council on may 30th anyway, so there's no objection to that. And we can certainly follow up with all the council offices individually to see if they have any concerns. >> Do we have people signed up to speak? Yes, let's hear from them. >> Speaking on the merits of the postponement, bill bunch, Joe riddle, Monica Guzman and Bobby levinski, if it's just a postponement, postpone. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Riddle, Mr. Rydell, good evening, council members. >> You know, if you're going to postpone it. Yeah. Sorry. My name is Joe riddle. Thank you, if you're going to postpone it to the 30th, I wish you would set it as a public hearing so that somebody doesn't come here at nine, at 10 A.M. In the morning and wait all day, okay? There. You haven't had a single [6:02:32 PM] There. You haven't had a single public hearing before or after you pass the resolution a year ago. Whether you could hear the public's ideas about what should be on a charter review, just so that you'll know if we're voting on an item there is the opportunity for full public comment. >> So if this is posted, there will be that opportunity. But there's no way to guarantee, particularly now, what time of day that might occur. >> Okay. But but I'm saying if on the 30th you'd set a public hearing, I'd at least have an idea when I should come. >> When, maybe I don't know what time you thought you were going to get to talk about this today, but. Sorry. Yeah. Okay. Let me get into the merits. >> I want you to know I attended all the hear all the meetings this year of the charter review commission. It was seven meetings. I've heard all the pros and cons. These are. You have directed them, and they did . They followed through to come up with some bad proposals, some anti-democratic proposals that make it harder for people to exercise personal, political [6:03:35 PM] exercise personal, political rights and I can't go into the details. I don't have time. I sent you a memo this morning. The critiquing four of the particular, proposals, I would say the process has really been a disappointment to me. The, there was limited public input before the charter review commission. They did do a survey, and sure enough, only 22% of the surveyors, responded, agreed that there was some need, that it was a good idea to increase the thresholds for the petition. Burns, people commented they were allowed to comment. And those 3343 comments were overwhelmingly against making it harder for people to exercise their democratic rights . I do want to talk about one thing. At the work session the other day, Mr. Alter said that [6:04:36 PM] other day, Mr. Alter said that historically there had been a 25% threshold requirement. You got bad information. That's not 25% of the registered voters. It was 25% of the number of people who've cast the most votes for a council member. And back then, the council members were all elected at large, so that I did the numbers, took an election and that 25% of the highest votes worked out to be about 10% of the registered voters. Even back then, as to proposal number four, the petition having the petition elections only in November of even number years. >> Thank you. >> Did your questions count on my time, and I apologize for that. How much time you got left , less than a minute. >> Go ahead. >> Okay, okay. >> Having them only in even numbered years. You wouldn't even know that from reading the proposition, because it's spoken [6:05:38 PM] proposition, because it's spoken in times of additional municipal general election dates. This this proposal would delay elections from 6 to 18 months. Right now. And it could mean four years between charter elections rather than two. And I've cited in the document I sent you a state court case and two attorney general's opinions that say two years means full two years. Okay and you're not going to get around that. It's part of the constitution that two years, the law department needs to step up and show us the wording for these propositions, because right now, what's on, what's in black and white, particularly from the commission, is not precise. It doesn't explain how the law would actually change things, doesn't tell you what it is now. So that you understand what the new way would be. >> We gave you another minute. So okay. Thank you. No, no, [6:06:39 PM] So okay. Thank you. No, no, we've already given you another minute. Okay yeah. >> Well, I didn't get to say I'd ask you to put on the ballot. >> And you're not going to get to. So thank you. Thank you. >> Mayor. All the speakers for 69 have been called. >> All right, members, those are all the people that have signed up to speak on item number 69. The chair will entertain a motion to postpone item number 69 to may 30th. Made by the mayor pro tem, seconded by council member Ryan alter. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Without objection. Item number 69 is postponed to may 30th. We will now go to item number 74. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 74. I'll turn to the city clerk for, helping us get through that. The one remote speaker did not call in, so I just have Zenobia Joseph for 74. >> I do not see her. That's all I have for 74. Mayor members, that concludes all the people [6:07:39 PM] that concludes all the people that signed up on item number 74. Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 74, and the chair will entertain a motion with regard to that item. Is there a motion to approve made by council member qadri, seconded by council member Ryan altar discussion open without objection. Item number 74 is adopted. We will go to item number 77. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 77, and I'll turn to the city clerk. >> I have one speaker, Dave Anderson. >> That was the best thing you've done all day. Well done. That concludes all the people that have signed up on item number 77 to speak. Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 77. I'll entertain a motion. Mayor pro tem moves approval, seconded by council member qadri. Is there any discussion, hearing none without objection. Item number 77 is adopted unless you are opposed to it. Mr. [6:08:40 PM] you are opposed to it. Mr. Anderson, you just won, that'll take us to item number 71 members. Just as a reminder, if you're wondering why I'm jumping around, it's because we were trying to do this in the order of people that I. The number of people I thought were signed up to speak. And, there was there was a method to the madness. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 71, and I'll look to the city clerk. >> I have no speakers for 71 members. >> There's no one signed up to speak on item number 71. So without objection, we'll close the public hearing on 71. I'll entertain a motion council member Velasquez moves approval. Seconded by council member Ellis . Any discussion? Hearing none. Without objection. Item number 71 is adopted. Item number 72. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 72. City clerk I only have one Zenobia Joseph. >> She's not remote either. Mayor. >> That that concludes all the people that have signed up on item number 72 to speak, without objection, we will close the [6:09:41 PM] objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 72. Councilmember Velasquez moves approval, seconded by the mayor pro tem. Is there any discussion? Without objection? Item number 72 is adopted. We'll go to item number 75. Without objection, we will open the open the public hearing on item number 75. And I'll turn to the city clerk. >> I have no speakers for 75 members. >> There are no speakers signed up on item number 75. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item 75. Councilmember Velasquez moves approval of item number 75, seconded by council member Ryan alter. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Without objection. Item number 75 is adopted. Members unless I'm mistaken. In somebody cries out real fast. I think that concludes all of the action items on the agenda. With that being said, I just want to make sure I'm looking at making sure, but with that being said, the, city council will now go into a closed session to take up two items pursuant to section [6:10:42 PM] two items pursuant to section 5.51071 of the government code. The city council will discuss legal issues related to item 78. In rey, the city of Austin et Al. Cause number d1gn 24 001064. In the 53rd judicial district of Travis county, Texas, consolidated with dirty Martins et Al. Versus mayor Kirk Watson et Al. Cause number D one dn 23 008105. In the four 55th judicial district of Travis county, Texas and item 100. The confidentiality. Confidentiality of police officer personnel files. Is there any objection to going into executive session on the items announced? Hearing none. The council will now go into executive session at 6:11 P.M. For the members of the public. When the council, finishes the executive session, I will come out in open session and announce that we have completed the executive closed session. And if there is no objection, we will adjourn the meeting of the Austin city [6:11:42 PM] meeting of the Austin city council. At that point in time, we are now going into executive session at 6:11 P.M. Should not take longer neither narrow nor amigos de la [7:03:46 PM] neither narrow nor amigos de la guajira. >> Me so they are my wallet. El sol de umma. Pamela Anderson, Juanita . >> I'll call the Austin city council back to order at 7:04 P.M. We've been in executive session, but we've included. We've concluded our legal discussions in the closed session on items 78 and 100. [7:04:47 PM] session on items 78 and 100. And, without objection, the Austin city council is now adjourned. On may second, 2024 at 7:04 P.M.