City Council Regular Meeting Transcript – 2/13/2025 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 1 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 2/13/2025 6:00:00AM Original Air Date: 2/13/2025 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. [10:01:06 AM] I'll call to order at 10:01 A.M. The meeting of the Austin city council for February 13th, 2025. We are meeting in the city council chambers, located at Austin city hall at 301 west second street, and we have a quorum of the Austin city council present. As has become a tradition around this time of year, I am announcing that on Saturday, February 15th, zo qadri turns 24 years old. With that being said, we will now go to. >> Could I. Could I make a quick comment? >> Yes, sure. You're old enough to speak. >> Yeah. Last year I turned 12 and now I turned 24. I aged horribly because of those. >> Are those. It's like dog years at city hall, so just add it to by 12. And so let let us wish him a happy birthday coming up this Saturday. >> Thank you, thank you, thank you. >> Here's the order of the day. I will start by reading changes and corrections into the record, and then we will go to the consent agenda. Let me note for the record that item number two, the consent agenda item will be [10:02:08 AM] the consent agenda item will be a postponement of item number two until February 27th and on item number 4042, that that consent item will be a postponement till March 6th. We will hear from those who have signed up to speak on the consent agenda. At the conclusion of that, we will vote on the consent agenda, allowing for discussion on the front end. And that will include if a council member has a question of a staff member related to that item, we'll take that up as part of the discussion as quickly as we can. We will get to the time certain of the Austin housing finance corporation and board of directors meeting, and the board of directors meeting of the Austin housing public facility corporation meeting. We have no items that have been pulled from the consent agenda. We do have some non consent items. We will go to those as quickly as we can. Those are items 34, 30 and 35 and 36. Those are items that [10:03:08 AM] 35 and 36. Those are items that come from council committees. We have an eminent domain item we will take up and we have public hearings. But let me, for the record, and for those that are paying attention to this, item number 40 will be the only public hearing where we will take action. Item 41 is going to be postponed until March 6th. If someone is signed up to speak, they may speak on the merits of the postponement. And I've already announced that item number 42 will be postponed until March 6th. At noon. We will have public communication. We will recess at around 1230 to 1235 to allow us to set up and then have live music, and then we have a 2:00 time certain for zoning members. I will now read changes and corrections into the record as indicated. Item number two should be should read. Postponed to February 27th, 2025. Item number 21. Item number 21 is withdrawn, so it will not be part of the consent [10:04:10 AM] will not be part of the consent agenda that we vote on. Item number 41 is indicated when public hearings are taken up, this item will be withdrawn. It will be reposted on March 6th, 2025. Item number 42. Again as indicated in the order of the day when public hearings are taken up, this item will be postponed to March 6th, 2025. Those are all of the changes and corrections we have to be read into the record. So with that members, we will go to public comment on the consent agenda and I'll turn to the city clerk. Speaking on the merits of the postponement. And of item two, we've got Jeffrey Bowen and bill bunch. >> Mr. Bowen, Mr. Bunch, are you here? If your name is called, please go ahead and come forward. If you're going to give comment. If you're not, you just wave us off, Mr. Bunch. >> Good morning mayor. Council [10:05:12 AM] >> Good morning mayor. Council members, thank you for your service to the community. Bill bunch, executive director, save our springs alliance, definitely speaking in favor of the postponement on item 42 concerning the site plan light and the flooding implications therein. I want to just encourage you that when you bring this back, next time you you pay attention to your watershed protection staff and their recommendations and also urge you to bring back with it the flood mitigation plan that the council adopted last year, which had buried in it a provision that basically reverses centuries of nuisance, trespass and Texas water code law. Specifically, section 11.086, which provides all of those, provide that if you change the runoff from your property, so that harms your neighbor, you're liable for that harm. The flood mitigation plan [10:06:14 AM] harm. The flood mitigation plan that this council adopted had buried it. It reversing that standard law of prevention and protection and basically said our plan for lot to lot flooding is to require the harmed party to harden and protect themselves from the harm caused by the flooding next door. >> Is Mr. Jeffrey Bowen for item two here. >> I do not see him. >> Okay. We'll move on to item four. Lauren Pena. Zenobia. Joseph. >> Miss Pena, miss Joseph, are you here for item four? I don't see them. >> We'll move on to item 15. Zenobia. Joseph. Item 17. Zenobia. Joseph. >> Miss. Joseph. Zenobia. Joseph. Miss. Joseph. >> Okay, we'll move on to item 22. Pamela bell. Remote. [10:07:16 AM] 22. Pamela bell. Remote. >> Hello, this is Pamela bell. Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> I'm speaking in opposition to a resolution in support of the Waverly north project. At this time, it's premature to support a project that doesn't have sufficient plans to address affordable housing. The owners met with our neighborhood on January 30th and had no plans. They stated there would be 76 units instead of 91. Most of the units are for families with 50, 60 and 80% mfi. We do have plenty of open housing in our neighborhood for families who meet that requirement. We want the majority of the units to be at 20 to 30%. Mfi to truly meet the needs for affordable housing [10:08:18 AM] the needs for affordable housing for families, we have no site plans. They must comply to our ncc. They don't even recognize it. Parking is inadequate. 14 spaces for 76 or more units. It's unclear how they will meet historic landmark requirements, how they will address trees and there's inadequate infrastructure which causes detrimental impact on the neighborhood. We believe that support for this project at this time is premature. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next in person we have Brenda Mojica on item 24. >> Please call the name again. >> Okay. Brenda Alfaro Mojica, item 24. Next we have Zenobia Joseph, an item 27 Monica Guzman [10:09:22 AM] Joseph, an item 27 Monica Guzman on item 30. >> Miss. Miss. Miss Guzman is indicating she's not going to speak on item 30. Did I interpret your hand gesture? Okay, I'm trying to be careful about her hand gestures toward me, so thank you, miss Guzman. Miss Joseph, are you here yet? Okay. Thank you. >> We've got Matt Gorski on item 31. >> My name is Matt Gorski and the vice president for public affairs of the downtown Austin alliance. We are in support of item 31. I want to thank the mayor, council member, qadri and their teams, especially for working with us over these last few months to start aligning how we as a community, especially downtown with $25 billion or more of infrastructure somewhat happening all at the same time downtown, along with our cultural and music resources and our public safety efforts, how we align those resources and work as a as a team. So we're really excited about this. We're [10:10:22 AM] really excited about this. We're really anxious to get started. So thank you again to y'all and I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Continuing on item 31, we've got Taylor, Nicolo, Stacy, Schmidt, Zenobia, Joseph. >> If your name has been called please come forward. >> Good morning, mayor and council. Thank you for having bringing this resolution forward today on behalf of opportunity Austin and all 400 of our plus investors, we want to express our appreciation for your leadership on this resolution and especially thank you, mayor and council member qadri, for your efforts to bring this together and to bring this great coalition together. While our most of a lot of our work is regional in nature, we recognize that downtown Austin is really the heartbeat of this entire region. And that's why it's important that we work together with many of these other [10:11:22 AM] with many of these other organizations that have been mentioned to solve these challenges that are in front of us, to make our city a great place as we continue to put our city on the map for a great economic and cultural quality of life that we have here. So we look forward to bringing our expertise and working with our other partners on this resolution as we work with the city manager and his staff. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, moving on to item 52. We have a sea Asia Haney. Kirk Anthony sky turn time Brianna Clark, if your name is been called, please make your way to the podium and state your name for the record. >> Please call their names again. >> Asia. Haney, Kirk, Anthony. Sky. Turn. Time. Brianna. Clark. >> I see somebody moving fast in the back of the room. Please come forward. [10:12:24 AM] come forward. >> If your name has been called, please make your way to the podium and state your name. For the record. >> Welcome. >> Good morning. My name is Asia Haney. Good morning, mayor Kirk. >> Take a deep breath. Thank you. Take a deep breath. >> I appreciate that. >> All right. Now go ahead. Please feel free. >> Good morning, mayor Kirk Watson. Esteemed council members and distinguished guests. My name is Asia Haney, and I am honored to stand here before you today as an alum of Houston Tillotson university, where I've had the privilege of serving in various roles throughout my ten year career. Today we gather to celebrate a monumental milestone the 150th anniversary of Houston Tillotson university, the only historically black college and university in Austin and the first and oldest institution of higher learning in this city. The rich history is a testament of hrt's unwavering commitment to education, equity and [10:13:24 AM] to education, equity and excellence. Throughout the years, tx has been home to leaders who have shaped not just Austin, but the nation. Azie Taylor Morton, an alum, became the first African American woman to serve as us treasurer, leaving an indelible legacy of generations to come. Her daughter, who has dedicated over 20 years of service at Houston, Tillotson continues a tradition of leadership inspiring students to pursue greatness. We also honor the leadership of past presidents such as doctor Mary E branch. Whose vision helped chart hrt's course towards success, and our current president, doctor Melva K Wallace, and the past president, doctor Colette pierce Burnett, were able to stand on her shoulders. Today's students at tx carry this proud legacy as future leaders, innovators and changemakers. They will continue to impact our world in ways we can only begin to imagine. Thank you for recognizing Houston [10:14:25 AM] you for recognizing Houston Tillotson university and for your continued support of our mission. Together we stand in union strength, empowering the next generation of leaders to make a difference. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Continuing on item 52, we've got shaquille Dillon, George Sousa, Mary Ann Marshall, doctor Jennifer miles, Leroy Davis, Brittany Morita. If your name has been called, please make your way to the podium and state your name before you begin to speak. >> Shaquille Dillon. Great. Good afternoon. Good morning everyone. My name is shaquille Dillon. I serve as the vice president of marketing, strategy, impact and innovation at Houston Tillotson university. As a three time graduate of historically black colleges and university, southern university and college, where I have a bachelor of arts in political science and a master's in public administration, and a doctor degree from Jackson state university in urban higher education, I see the sense of importance of historically black universities and colleges across [10:15:27 AM] universities and colleges across the nation serving here in the city. It is just amazing to see city leaders and community leaders come together to celebrate this momentous occasion. As Houston Tillotson celebrates 150 years, our sesquicentennial. The try with me sesquicentennial, we take a whole year to learn how to pronounce it. But we're celebrating this momentous occasion, celebrating four different institutions Tillotson college, Samuel Houston college, Houston, Tillotson college, and Houston Tillotson university. So we ask that you join us on our campus next week. We're celebrating homecoming. So it's going to be a lot of events going on. And also Tuesday, which is one of our biggest days. We have a partnership with the spurs to where we will be having a spurs block party on our campus. So we ask that you just come out, enjoy. Connect with our students, our faculty and staff as we advance. Houston Tillotson university from the from the first institution of higher learning Austin, to the foremost institution in the world. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good morning. Morning. My [10:16:33 AM] >> Good morning. Morning. My name is Harris Sosa. And today is a momentous occasion for Houston Towson university. It is a proud pleasure to stand before you and speak of the many contributions that the university has contributed not only to the city of Austin, but to these great United States. As a hispanic Latino from the city of Panama country of Panama City, having been educated at hbcus, I can tell you that hbcus have been a pillar in all communities, welcoming all races of students to receive quality education. And for 150 years, huston-tillotson university has done that very exact same thing here in the city of Austin. So we come today to celebrate this recognition and to say thank you to the city of Austin for continuing to recognize us, and we continue to work with you. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. >> Greetings, everyone. My name is sky turner and I am a student at Houston Towson university. I am a proud student leader at the university, and I serve as our [10:17:33 AM] university, and I serve as our campus activities board president, as well as the W.E.B. Du BOIs honors scholar. He has impacted a lot of my research. I am an English major and my minor is African American studies. It's not simply about the legacy of tt, but it's about the community. They have helped me so much and given so much back to me. And like they said, it is our sesquicentennial celebration and homecoming is next week. He has given me the skills and resources that have impacted my life tremendously and given me amazing opportunities on campus. As a freshman, I got to meet Angela Yvonne Davis, a revolutionary woman amongst her time. I don't think I would have got that opportunity at no other institution. I got to have a face to face conversation with somebody who's impacted me. Amazingly. Without her, I wouldn't be who I am today. So I sit in front of you just giving thanks to the university that gave me everything. Thank you. >> Well done. Thank you. [10:18:33 AM] >> Well done. Thank you. >> Friends, esteemed faculty, spectacular students, proud alumni, honored guests and friends of the city of Austin. Greetings. My name is doctor Jennifer miles, and I humbly serve as the vice president of student affairs at Houston Tillotson university. Today, we celebrate 150 years at Houston. Tillotson, a beacon of knowledge and progress in the heart of Austin. As Austin's did, his oldest institution of higher education, has woven its history and story into the deep and beautiful fabric of the city. Born from the union of Tillotson college in Samuel Houston college, this university has a rich legacy of nurturing leaders, scholars, as you have heard from [10:19:35 AM] scholars, as you have heard from and change makers for generations, Houston Tillotson has been a vital force in east Austin, empowering individuals through education, fostering a vibrant community, and from arts, sciences to business and education, tt graduates have made an amazing Marc in Austin, shaping the culture, economy and civic life. They are entrepreneurs, educators, artists and community leaders all carrying the torch of ts mission to provide an education that transforms life. This sesquicentennial celebration is not just about looking back, but rather it is about looking forward. As we honor the past, we reaffirm our commitment to its future, ensuring that this institution continues to inspire and empower generations. For [10:20:36 AM] and empower generations. For another 150 years. Here's to Houston Tillotson, a cornerstone of Austin's history and a catalyst for its future. Thank you all. >> Thank you. Well said. >> Good morning. Good morning. My name is Kyra Anthony and I humbly serve as the 72nd miss Houston Tilton university. Thank you. H is, as we all know, a gym within Austin. It's a very historic yet just fundamental part of this city in general. First, coming here to H.D, I did not know anything about Austin or tx in general, but I've been able to experience just the beauty of growing and how this hbcu has helped me as I've matriculated through college. I will be a soon graduate in may with a biology degree, so I owe [10:21:39 AM] with a biology degree, so I owe a lot to tx. It's been a great experience and just being able to celebrate our sesquicentennial as a graduate, soon to be graduating senior. It's been amazing and thank you guys so much just for this proclamation of tx on this day. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Hi, I'm Brianna Clark, a sophomore here at Houston Tillotson university. And I just want to say that I'm very proud to be a part of this community and the values and education and hard work that they give to us. I as a student, I'm inspired by the lessons our teachers, our teachers give us. And not just the not just in the classrooms, but the values we live by every day. We are a community that lifts each other up and stands strong in the face of challenges, and that believes in the power of power, in the power of knowledge, kindness and progress. And I would just like [10:22:41 AM] progress. And I would just like to say thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good morning. >> How are you going to follow all that? >> It's going to be difficult. >> Good morning. The honorable curt Watson, members of the council, as well as our district one representative, Natasha harper-madison. I'm Leroy Davis and I am the co-chairperson of the sesquicentennial celebration for the historic ebenezer third Baptist church. And these are some of our members wearing the black the blue sesquicentennial t-shirts. It's hard to believe that our church was founded in 1875, and here in the year 2025, we have been recognized for 150 years of service to not only the [10:23:41 AM] years of service to not only the east Austin community, but the Austin community at large, as well as the state, the nation. And we've also had international impact through the services that we've rendered. Ebenezer has taken a major leadership in shaping not only the east Austin community, but Austin in general and economics, the economic east Austin economic development board was founded by ebenezer members, and we have really reshaped the way that that east Austin is going to be and has been developed in the area of education. Many schools in the Austin independent school district are named after former ebenezer members, including the L.C. Anderson high school, Campbell, and most recently, the general Marshall middle school, and they all are named after members who were part of the ebenezer tradition. In the area of politics. We are proud that Charles erdie, who once was a [10:24:41 AM] Charles erdie, who once was a councilman, is a member of our church and was a member of our church and in the area of, of, of just in general, we have helped to shape the way that Austin looks, and we are very happy to share this moment with huston-tillotson because we are partners and we have helped to transform the east Austin community. So we. >> Thank you. Thank you, and I think I'll see you on Sunday. Yes. >> At this time, all consent speakers have been called. >> Great. Thank you. Thanks for everybody being here and speaking on this. The chair will now entertain a motion to adopt the consent agenda. Members, remember that as part of the consent agenda, item number two will be postponed to February. February 27th. And item item number two will be postponed to February 27th. Motion is made by council member qadri, seconded by council member alter. I'll call now for discussion. Council [10:25:41 AM] call now for discussion. Council member qadri. You're recognized. >> Great. And kind of continuing the theme, just want to congratulate tt on 150 years. I'm not going to try to say that word that everyone has been pronouncing set. Yes. That that not going to try to say it, but congrats on 150 years. >> The challenge was say it three times. Yeah. >> But no, I just want to quickly make a few remarks on item 31. I really appreciate the speakers from the da and opportunity Austin coming in and showing their support for the item, and want to thank the mayor and his staff for their work on the item, as well as my staff working with the mayor's office and working with the stakeholders that that had come in today to speak. Representing downtown is a joy. But it also comes with unique challenges, and I know that this vital initiative will address some of those challenges and create a lot of opportunities for those who work, play, and call downtown home. A vibrant, well planned downtown one that prioritizes, prioritizes mixed use development and improve [10:26:42 AM] use development and improve public spaces, that drives business success and brings people of all backgrounds into the heart of the city as a downtown. That I want to live in, that I want this city to have. So I'm encouraged by this initiative's implementation and optimistic about Austin's future. And once again, I'm really excited to see the next few steps. So thank you, mayor. And that's my time. >> Great. Thank you. Council member. Councilmember harper-madison followed by council member vela and then council member Ellis. >> Thank you mayor. I appreciate it. I primarily just wanted to acknowledge the scholars who took the opportunity to approach the podium today. I know that it's nerve wracking, and the truth of the matter is, a lot of folks don't recognize this, but I'm going to take up space today because it's black history month. And also because we are celebrating two black pillar organizations in the city of Austin today. And as we do so, I want everybody present who looks like me to recognize that I'm [10:27:42 AM] like me to recognize that I'm the only one up here who looks like you. So in the city where we live, the 10th largest city in the nation, you just got me. And I want you to know that I just got y'all. And so when I look out into this audience in chambers, and I see people who look like me, I want to acknowledge and offer my appreciation for what just inherently feels like support and strength. So thank you for being present, and thank you for your contribution to the dialog today. >> Thank you. Council member. Council member vela. Then council member Ellis and council member Laine. Thank you mayor. Again, congratulations. >> To the ebenezer Baptist church and huston-tillotson 150 years is a long time for any institution. Honestly, no matter the type to last. And given the challenges that both institutions have faced, it speaks to the strength, the strength of their members, the strength of their supporters. [10:28:44 AM] strength of their supporters. And just congratulations. And here's to 150 more years. I did have some. Just a couple of questions on the parking code changes for the transportation and public works. >> Right? >> Good morning. I just wanted to ask about a related item, not directly on the item, but the curbside management study that dpw has been working on. What's the status of that? >> Good morning. Mayor, council members, city manager, city attorney Louis Leff, assistant director of transportation, public works. We are in the final stages of finalizing that scope of work for the curb management study. Our intention is to explore the purchasing options that are available to us, and try to accelerate that as much as possible. We anticipate that taking two to maybe four months, depending on the purchasing approach, and that would be about a 12 month process to get that study [10:29:45 AM] process to get that study completed. >> So I guess hopefully by the beginning of 2026, we'll have the results from the curbside management study. >> I think that would be more like the spring early summer time frame, but that's the anticipated timeline. >> Great. And just to be clear, the curbside management study will essentially advise us with regard to what how we should use our curbside space for, again, parking drop off that that kind of stuff. Is that my understanding of the scope of the study? >> That's correct. It's pretty operational in nature relative to the code today. That's more regulatory in nature. So the existing conditions will be assessed. Looking at how we're using the curbside space today, what restrictions are in place, regulations are in place, how we want to facilitate mobility of all modes through the city, and how that interacts with the curbside space, and also looking at access for delivery or passenger pickup, those sorts of things. So all of those activities will be assessed for today. And then look at strategies that we would want and potentially implement in the [10:30:45 AM] and potentially implement in the future. >> Great. I appreciate that very much. You know, the nature of transportation and has changed so much in the last, you know, 10 to 15 years. I mean, you know, 15, 20 years ago, the only thing you get delivered was a, a pizza. And today, you know, you can get virtually anything delivered to your front door. So we have a lot more drop off. Those are, you know, working class jobs. Again, I'm completely fine with with putting the restrictions and ticketing people who violate them. But the question then becomes, where can I stop because I just need to go five minutes to drop this item off and run right back. I do really think that we need to create spaces that people can can get to their work, you know, make their drop offs and not block traffic. We see that a lot in the in the downtown area and honestly, not just in the downtown area, but in a lot of our kind of central city. So I look forward to the results of that and look forward to that study moving forward. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. Council member. Council member Ellis, followed by council member Laine and then and council member Siegel. [10:31:46 AM] Siegel. >> Thank you mayor. I think it's very exciting to be passing item number 26 today, which is the bicycle Laine prohibition. This started because a handful of advocates came to us and told us their stories about conflicts with having to veer out of the bicycle Laine and get into a Laine of traffic reserved for cars. So I appreciate staff's work on trying to get this across the finish line. And definitely second, the curbside management approach. I think that's going to be fantastic information that will help make everyone in Austin a bit safer as they utilize our roads. On item number 29, we are doing a fee waiver for cupid's undie run, which is taking place on the 22nd of February. We are still $236 short if anybody wants to help match that. It is a fantastic program that raises awareness and funding for research for neurofibromatosis, commonly referred to as nf. So we're learning a lot of big words today here on the dais. But I think this is a fantastic organization and just want to [10:32:46 AM] organization and just want to help them as much as I possibly can. And then number seven is the firearm examiners training. We had passed an item in the last budget cycle to help with ballistics testing and markings analysis. This is aimed to help APD clear backlogs of firearm testing and help reduce gun violence in our community. So I'm excited to see this moving forward. There's going to be two folks going through a training program from forensic sciences department. And I'm glad to see this moving forward today. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member Laine followed by council member Siegel and then council member harper-madison. >> So there are so many important things on this agenda, and thank you for your work on it. And while we have these members of the audience here from Houston, Tillotson and ebenezer Baptist church, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as the newest council member from district six. I represent northwest Austin, which is predominantly served by Round Rock ISD, with a little bit of aid and Leander ISD. My background is in support for our schools and our families [10:33:47 AM] for our schools and our families and bringing communities together, and I also wanted to take some space to really recognize the important of both our ebenezer Baptist church and Houston Tillotson, so important to the fabric of our community. And I really welcome an exchange of information, ideas and bringing our communities together across our entire city. And I wanted to say that so that more of you could hear. And thank you so much for bringing this. >> Thank you. Council member. Kent. Yes. Council member Siegel followed by council member harper- madison and then council member alter. >> Thank you mayor. And I guess I would like to be added as a co-sponsor to item 52 honoring huston- tillotson university and ebenezer Baptist church. >> With that, without objection, council member Siegel will be shown as a co-sponsor of item 52. >> Thank you. And thank you, council member harper-madison for bringing this forward. Obviously to you and ebenezer are pillars of our community, both Austin as a whole and specifically the African- American community. Just yesterday, I was spending time [10:34:47 AM] yesterday, I was spending time with a friend, district seven business owner. His name is Raymond walker, who owns original walker's barber shop and was a business major at tcu. And now he not only runs his business, but he gives back as a teacher and has many other ways of giving back to the community. And I was just realizing how rey is just one of many, many people who are building and holding up our community and who got their start at rt. And I hope we continue to. Thank, thank you all for your work. I hope we continue to bring forward similar items that celebrate black history that was created here and still resonates today within the African-American community. And I join with my colleagues in supporting this item and also asking the city manager to figure out how we can enhance Austin's African-American cultural heritage district in the days ahead. So thank you. Couple other comments on the agenda. Just want to highlight item 15, which is funding for rapid rehousing for our elderly community who are living on the streets. This is really just critical work to house elderly people experiencing homelessness. I know there's so much more we want to do, but I [10:35:48 AM] much more we want to do, but I just want to thank David gray and the homeless strategy office for continuing this work and really to Austin residents for funding this work. You know, in an ideal world, we would have more help from the federal government and the state government to combat homelessness. But for now, I just want to celebrate that here in Austin. Through this program and others, we're keeping elderly people off the streets, providing shelter and supportive services. In terms of item 26, the parking enforcement update, I want to say I support this work, especially the goal expressed by my colleague, council member Ellis to protect bicycle lanes. But also want to reiterate a note of caution from councilmember vela that we want to make sure that the aspect of this ordinance that allows parking tickets to be served by mail, by scanning license plates, we want to make this as very limited and as rare as possible. For example, extreme weather or if there is a true threat. But there's a fair amount of risk that that using the program in this way will result in more poor and working class people getting extra fines and fees. And so I'm thankful that we're going to have updates [10:36:49 AM] that we're going to have updates from staff before we really move forward on that aspect. And then finally, I just want to celebrate item 31. Thank you, mayor, councilmember qadri and the other co- sponsors. I really appreciate the wide array of considerations that you're taking into account for, for developing and supporting downtown, all the voices you're including in this process, including business, arts, social services, labor. And also, thank you for including my suggestion that we study green infrastructure as part of this strategy. Thank you. >> Thank you, councilmember harper-madison, followed by council member alder. >> Thank you. It occurred to me that no matter what order I put it in, it's going to be funny to put these two items together. But I want to reiterate my appreciation for our celebration for item number 52 and my colleagues joining on as co-sponsors and coconspirators moving forward. I really appreciate that you brought up the African American cultural heritage district planning and execution process because it's critical. But then I also would like very much to add $100 to your efforts for the Andy run. [10:37:51 AM] your efforts for the Andy run. So yay! And ebenezer Baptist. And also, I look forward to being able to contribute to the effort to bring awareness to a little known disorder. I had to look it up. So thank you. I appreciate your efforts there. Council member. And so. Item number 52, we'll so this one of the things that I want to make sure that we recognize is with the African American cultural heritage district, somebody gave me credit the other day. And while I'd like very much to take the credit for originating the planning process and the thought that goes into and has gone behind the effort, I'm standing on the shoulders of folks who came long before me, and that both speaks to the resilience and commitment of the African American and black community in Austin, Texas. It also speaks to the hesitation, disinvestment and length of time it's taken to make the necessary contributions in the black community and black [10:38:52 AM] in the black community and black assets, and in parts of town that recognize black contributions to the city of Austin. So I'm glad we're moving forward, and my hope is that as we move forward and as we work collaboratively, you know, to council member lane's point, you know, when d6 cares as much about D one, you know, that's that's upwards of cedar park area as folks who are from the east side care about D one, then that means we're doing it right. Because it's all of our concern, because it's all of our city, all parts of it are ours. And so I appreciate that investment. The resolution is calling for. And I really appreciate community members who never backed down and had no problem whatsoever and sending the exact same email at least six times about the need for lighting improvements and wayfinding signage and historic markers and other strategic planning efforts, frankly, that make the district more accessible and [10:39:53 AM] district more accessible and more enriching for all to enjoy. That speaks directly to the community's commitment to being a part of the inevitable growth of our community. I also want to speak to all the folks in the room, especially the ones in the blue shirts, who are here on behalf of your continued and consistent support to your church community, it really does, I think, speak volumes to the level of connection that we still have as a community in this city. I think sometimes it gets overlooked because we're all spread out, but proximity never stops our connection, and I really appreciate seeing that here in chambers. Most especially like to thank you to my co-sponsors, mayor Watson, mayor pro tem Fuentes, and council members. Vela Velasquez. And now Siegel for your support on the item. Lastly, I want to highlight an item, and I appreciate seeing some folks from the deck in the room. I don't see two folks in the room, [10:40:54 AM] don't see two folks in the room, but they are ever present in spirit. I want to highlight how the decisions that we made during our budget process come to fruition, and go directly back into the community. So regarding item number four on the agenda, the downtown Austin community court was able to award the other one's foundation $375,000 to provide bridge housing services, and that was the direct result of team d1's budget amendment, in collaboration with dac staff. I want to personally thank the staff and the back from the deck for your continued service, and we look forward to continuing to support and work alongside you. And thanks again for the tour that my team and I were recently given, and I look forward to that part two. And with that, I'll pass it back to you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you for the thank you. Councilmember, councilmember alter, council member Velazquez and then council member Ellis. >> Thank you very much. Always [10:41:55 AM] >> Thank you very much. Always tough to follow, council member harper-madison, but I do want to offer a heartfelt congratulations on this Escott sesquicentennial. You did. I almost had it. I almost had it. The first go. >> Gave it your best shot. >> I did, I did, I hesitated, really just an incredible, incredible feat to think like one of our speakers mentioned 150 years ago. Thinking about today being a reality. We've come a long way, but we have a really long way to go. So really glad y'all are here representing the institutions today. I also want to fill the gap for council member Ellis. I think there's now 116 $26 left on 36. All right, whatever's left, we'll we'll take care of it out of the district five fund. And last, I would also like to be added to item 52. And I imagine others as well. If it's not presumptuous [10:42:57 AM] well. If it's not presumptuous of me, I would ask that the entire council be added to that. >> Without objection, the entire council be shown as co-sponsors of item number 52, there being no objection. That's what we'll do. Thank you. Thank you for doing that. Council member Velasquez. >> Yeah, so I wanted to thank my colleague and also fellow born and raised otewa on bringing item number 52 and congratulations. As a lifelong east austinite and part a member of the family. 150 years, it is a thank you for all the beauty, strength, and grace you bring to our city and to east Austin. And as my colleague and my chito vela said, I look forward to another 150. >> Thank you. Council member members, let me ask, is there any item on the consent agenda [10:43:58 AM] any item on the consent agenda that any member would like to pull on? Item number 24? I want to be clear what the motion will be. Item number 24, as it's posted, needs to have an edit. And I want to be clear about what the consent motion is. So I'm going to read the entire posted item. Item 24 authorized negotiation and execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement with Travis county for the city's provision of public health services for a seven month term beginning on October 1st, 2024, in an amount in an amount not to exceed $4,095,973 to be paid. Delete the word by the city. Just delete the word by and add the word two to be paid to the city. It's different. So now let me read it again so that we'll be clear on [10:45:00 AM] again so that we'll be clear on what the consent agenda will have in it. On item 24, authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement with Travis county for the city's provision of public health services for a seven month term beginning on October 1st, 2024, in an amount not to exceed $4,095,973 to be paid to the city. Is there anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on any item on the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to be shown abstaining from an item on the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to be shown voting no on any item on the consent agenda? Without objection, the consent agenda is adopted. Thank you and thanks to all of you all for being here. Congratulations on 150 years. Members. Without objection, we [10:46:01 AM] Members. Without objection, we will recess the meeting of the Austin city council at 1045. 10:46 A.M. I will now call back to order the Austin city council meeting at 10:53 A.M. On February 13th of 2025. Members. We will now go to the non consent items. Item number 34 is an item that comes to us from the audit and finance committee. The audit and finance committee voted 4 to 0 with council member Kelly absent on December 11th, 2024, to recommend staff's revised version of the bylaws [10:54:14 AM] revised version of the bylaws amendments. The staff version is what council has before you on both item 34 and 35, which we'll take up in just a minute. Item 34 is the bylaws, and item 35 is the code amendment. As current chair of the audit and finance committee, I will move adoption of item number 34. It is seconded by the vice chair. Council member alter. Is there anyone signed up to speak? >> We have one person signed up, but they were remote and they are not in our queue. They have not called in. >> Wright members. There are no one signed up to speak that is prepared to speak on item number 34. Let me ask, is there any objection to item number 34 or discussion without objection, item number 34 is adopted. That will take us to item number 35. Again, this was voted out of committee on a vote of 4 to 0, with council member Kelly absent. On December 11th, 2024. And it is to take the staff's version of what council staff's [10:55:14 AM] version of what council staff's recommendation on the code amendment. As chair of the committee, I will move approval. It is seconded by the vice chair. Council member alter is there any discussion? Is there anyone signed up to speak? >> There is no one signed up to speak on 35. >> Council member duchen. >> My understanding is that the gas contract is up for renewal next year, so I just wanted to make sure that there was a way for us to investigate what other Texas cities are doing, or their approach to making sure that we can have potentially lower rates for their their constituencies. That's all. >> Well, I'll let somebody there's two, two things. One is we have in previous instances related to public hearings on this, the council has asked for additional information from staff as we go along on those that I think is responsive to your question. So I think you're consistent with what the council has already asked for. We do have some issue with regard to [10:56:15 AM] have some issue with regard to what our regulatory authority actually is. And while some in the community want or believe us to be able to do more in regulation with regard to these items, we may not have as much authority as some believe. So, actually, it's probably good for us to be looking at those so that we can provide clarity about what the extent of our power might be. But I think you're consistent with what this council or a configuration close to this council was asking for last year. >> And I would just maybe missing information. Thank you mayor. >> Great. No problem at all. Thank you. Motion been made. And second on item number 35. There's no one signed up to speak. Without objection, item number 35 is approved. That will take us to item number 36. Item number 36. I want to recognize councilmember Fuentes. >> Thank you. Colleagues, I'd like to make a motion to postpone item number 36, which is a reappointment to the board of health. [10:57:15 AM] of health. >> Item number 36 came from the public health committee. The mayor pro tem is the chair of that committee. She is moved that that item be postponed. It's seconded by council member alter. Is there discussion? Is there anyone signed up to speak on item 36? >> No speakers on 36 members. >> There are no speakers on item number 36. Without objection. Item number 36 is the motion is approved, which is to postpone item number 36. Thank you, mayor pro tem members that will take us to item number 37. Item number 37 is an eminent domain item. And I will entertain a motion with regard to item number 37. Motion made by council member alter seconded by council member qadri to approve item number 37. The motion that is being voted on is because item number 37 is a nonconsent condemnation item. The motion is. The is that the city council of Austin authorizes the use of the power of eminent domain to [10:58:16 AM] the power of eminent domain to acquire the property set forth and described in the agenda for the for the public use that's described there in. Is there anyone signed up to speak on this motion on this item? >> No. Speakers on 37 members. >> There are no speakers that are signed up on item number 37. Again, the motion is that this is a non consent condemnation item, and the motion is to the effect that the city council of Austin, Texas authorizes the use of the power of eminent domain to acquire the properties that are set forth and described in the agenda for this meeting, for the public use that's described there in, without objection, item number 37, and that motion is approved. We will now go to item number 40. Item number 40 is a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 40. The public hearing is now open. I will turn to the city clerk. >> There are no speakers on item 40. >> Members. We have no one signed up to speak at the public [10:59:16 AM] signed up to speak at the public hearing on item number 40. So without objection, we will close the public hearing. The public hearing is now closed. I will entertain a motion to approve the resolution set forth in item number 40. Council member harper-madison makes the motion. It is seconded by council member Ellis. Is there discussion with regard to item number 40? Hearing none. Without objection, item number 40 is adopted. Members. Item number 41 is postponed to March 6th. Item number 42 is postponed to March 6th. Members. We do not have any items to take up until a time certain of 12:00 pm, which will be public communication. At 12:00 we will take up public communication. I anticipate that will last until about 1230 or 1235. >> Mayor, we do have people signed up for 42. Are they able to speak on the merits of the postponement? >> I suppose they could, yes. Then we'll open it. Members. Without objection, we'll open the public hearing so people can speak to the merits of a postponement. >> First we have bill bunch with [11:00:17 AM] >> First we have bill bunch with two minutes donated by Monica Guzman. Are they present? >> I, Mr. Bunch, are you still here? Mr. Bunch? William bunch. >> Did miss Guzman want to speak on item 42? >> Really? >> Up here? >> Yes we do. >> Thank you for allowing me to speak, even though I donated time. Just thank you for the postponement. I have heard a lot of concerns and complaints and hopefully, you know, by postponing that, council will take the time to listen to the experts at sos alliance as well as residents who are involved in this. So thank you again for the postponement. >> Thank you. >> Next we have. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Sharon Blythe Roy Whaley, Tanzania Kareem and Craig Naser speaking on the merits of the postponement of item 42. [11:01:19 AM] postponement of item 42. >> I have a presentation. Is that it? Yes. Please state. >> Your name for the record. >> Just to the merits of the. >> I know it, I know it I understand that okay. >> Don't need to get. >> I'm opposed. I'm opposed to the postponement because people come down here, they have presentations and they and all of a sudden they find out there's a postponement. We I was not told that by the city clerk about that. And if I could just run through a few slides, I would very much appreciate it. >> Do whatever you want to do. You got two minutes. >> In the valley behind my house. We have thousands of trees being have been removed by watershed for an unnecessary project. This is what our valley looked like before the project started. We tried to stop it, but there was no absolutely no. Interest in it. Started another picture of our valley. This is what it looks like today. [11:02:19 AM] what it looks like today. Thousands of trees have been removed, including 13 heritage trees, because of an unnecessary project. It's going to cause more flooding. All of this is going to be covered by cement, and it's going to flood bull creek ranch on down bull creek. And no one seems to care about the city. We have made several approaches to council member Laine to talk with her. She has refused to talk to the people that are affected by that and neighbors. She continues to refuse it. And she said the other day in her press conference that she was all for it. She gets one side of the story, doesn't understand the other side of the story, and this is going to be a disaster for this whole area. And you can see the pictures. It has been ruined, it has been destroyed. And all you environmentalists on the city council, I hope you can step up and understand this and come out and visit and look at this thing. It is ridiculous what they're doing and it's going to be more watered down [11:03:21 AM] going to be more watered down bull creek, it's going to destroy the salamander habitat. Springs. Krista Laine refuses to meet with the district people that are involved with this. And you own the project Krista you own it now. >> Thank you. Speaker. >> Your time. Your time has expired. >> All speakers for item 42 have been called at this time. >> Members. That concludes all of the speakers on item number 42. Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 42. The public hearing is closed and this item will be postponed until March 6th, 2025. We have no other business until a 12:00 time certain. At 12:00 we will take up a citizen public communication. I anticipate that will take till 1230 or 1235, at which point we will recess for live music, and we will then reconvene at the 2:00 time certain. So when we recess at [11:04:22 AM] certain. So when we recess at 1230 or 1235, we will be recessing until 2:00. For those that are watching and paying attention. With that, and without objection, we are. The city council of Austin, Texas is in recess at 11:04 A.M. Until promptly at 12:00. I'll call back to order the [12:01:15 PM] I'll call back to order the Austin city council. It's 12:01 P.M. On February 13th. We will now go to our 12:00 time certain which is public communication, and I will turn to the city clerk and ask that the clerk's office start calling names. Folks, if you're here to speak during the public communication, you probably already know where you are on the on the list of folks. So if you'd make your way to the front of the chambers and if there's an empty microphone, please go to that microphone and just identify yourself. >> First speaker is Nava berg with Javier Perez Salazar on deck. >> Are is your name or please come forward. Alright, say that again. >> Nava is sick. So she is not going to be here. >> Great. Thank you very much for that. Letting us know that. Yes, please just use that and all you need to do is identify yourself and begin speaking. >> Oh, man, I can hear my voice. Sorry. Yeah, my first time being [12:02:15 PM] Sorry. Yeah, my first time being here. >> All right. Welcome. >> My name is Javier Perez, engineer at the university of Texas at Austin. I'm part of eudemocrats. I'm the health care caucus chair. I'm also a part of sds, and I'm just here to. Here in front to speak for the hispanic community here in Austin. Those who don't have a voice, especially with all these like fear of ice and, you know, this hostile narrative that the trump administration brings to our hispanic communities. And I think personally, talking with my friends at the Democrats or just other students in general or the general student body, we think that the city of Austin Austin can be doing more where there's like a statement of like sanctuary or providing statistics when it comes to like, who's like detainees, like just having like a hard number to go refer to. Because when I go to the federal website, there's no nothing for Austin. When I try to look up something, there's nothing for Austin [12:03:17 PM] there's nothing for Austin about, like how many people are being detained and where here in the city. And also just like encouraging the hispanic community in general and like my minority communities in general, the trump administration, he like, cut down like there's no black. They don't recognize black history month. They recognize like these cultural events anymore. And I think, yeah, I think the city of Austin can be doing more specifically when going with like the those three points with the statement, I know like it isn't is not actual policy. Like nothing's like really happening, but it just gives us like hispanic communities more confidence and, you know, not to live in fear than knowing that the city of Austin is standing with us when it comes to statistics. Again, I was at the protest happening this weekend, on this Wednesday at the university, at the capitol, and I think it's so crucial. Luckily, I have like anecdotal evidence from like other of my peers talking about like their experiences with like ice or like, you know, just [12:04:19 PM] ice or like, you know, just these nasty narratives in general. But a hard number would be nice. So I hope, like the city of Austin can like, work on, you know, I know it's like like the federal government. But if you can somehow, like, work together or, you know, get started on that to have like a hard number because like, that's the biggest thing we have in our arsenal is like the facts. Right? So I think that's very important. And then going to like cultural encouragement. Yes. Again, fighting against those nasty narratives that, you know, other people have against us. And, you know, to show that it's not true and to be proud of who we are. And that's all the time. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker will be remote Teresa Rivera. Miss Rivera will have Spanish interpretation. >> Senora Teresa recuerda hacer las Posas, por favor. >> Hola. MI nombre es Teresa Rivera, resident del codigo postal. Cinco del distrito [12:05:21 PM] postal. Cinco del distrito cuatro. >> My name is Teresa Rivera. I'm a resident of zip code 78753. District four. >> You hablar sobre lo dificil. Qué es vivir en el condado? Travis. El cost de sobrevivencia es interesante para personas en general. Myers Q no tienen las mismas oportunidades de trabajo. >> I want to speak about how difficult it is now to live in Travis county. The cost of living is too stressful for people who are, in general, elderly, and who don't have the same job opportunities anymore. >> Es para las cuentas de incrementando mas Y el salario sigue siendo el mismo. Eso las families mueven un Lugar pensando Q va a ser favorable, por ejemplo, de un apartamento. Qué es muy Caro a Una home propia, Pero se Miran con otros desafios como gastos extras [12:06:24 PM] desafios como gastos extras porque no es también instalados reparaciones por Su cuenta. Ahora también tienen textos locales altos in ciertos cases. >> It is difficult to pay our bills, which are increasing every day while salaries stay the same. This means that our families have to move, for example, to more affordable places like moving from an apartment that is now too expensive to buy a mobile home. But then this increases challenges and extra fees, and they become a problem because mobile homes, sometimes they don't have enough insulation. You have to pay for your own repairs, and now we have to pay local taxes, which are very high in some cases. >> Sara mejor si tenemos el apoyo de la ciudad. Un cambio de enfoque radical es mas transcendent, ayudar a Cada Una de nuestras Vidas para mejorar. Our resilience to face difficult events will be improved if we have the city support. A radical [12:07:24 PM] have the city support. A radical change, a transcendent change will help us improve our quality of life. >> Forma de Vida sostenible el crecimiento de la ciudad es parte importante de este programa. Estamos viviendo, por lo tanto, Una solucion a Esta resiliencia. >> The uncontrolled growth in the city is part of the problem we are facing, and it must be addressed for our lives to continue to be sustainable. Because of this, we need a solution to remain resilient. >> Escott un llamado para apoyar a los residentes escuchado sobre sus necesidades a invertir para Tener viviendas accesibles para otros condados pueden vivir de Una Forma aqui en NUESTRA ciudad. >> That's why today I'm calling to ask you for support, to support the residents and listen to their needs, to invest in affordable living solutions so [12:08:24 PM] affordable living solutions so residents don't have to move to other counties and can continue living with dignity and having a happy life in our city. >> Gracias por el tiempo de expresar un Dia. >> Thank you for giving me the time to express myself and have a good day. >> Gracias. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Aman Odeh. >> Hello. My name is Ayman Odeh, and I'm a pediatrician here in Austin, Texas. For the past year and a half, I have actually, I was one of the firsthand witnesses in what has happened in gaza. I was on a medical mission last year taking care of newborns. When I came home, I realized that what happens outside of Austin truly affects us here. When I came back, I witnessed what happened to our [12:09:28 PM] witnessed what happened to our students. The near drowning in Dallas. The six year old that was stabbed and I promised myself that I would make sure that Austin continues to be safe, especially with the reports coming out saying over 70% increase in the anti-palestinian racism and islamophobia. So when I saw that our the American academy of pediatrics is actually advocating and released statements advocating for us to deepen our understanding and islamophobia and anti-palestinian racism, in addition to antisemitism, I want to ensure that all of us understand that. Is it upon us to make sure that we do deepen our understanding. We do support our students. We do support our children. We don't want to see any victims because we say we feel the pain. We feel unsafe. But then some people are [12:10:28 PM] But then some people are actually unsafe. And I got to meet the family with the six year old and the three year old that almost drowned in Dallas. And I just want to make sure that we this type of thing never happens in Austin. And I would love to collaborate with you on programs that would make our city, our beloved city, as safe as possibly can be. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Carly Hibbs with Eliana Rodriguez on deck. >> Do we have an issue with the [12:11:35 PM] >> Do we have an issue with the slides? I think I have. >> It. Have you? Oh, no that's not. You need to click the link. Oh, sorry. My name is Carly. I'm a multi- generational. >> Texan austinite and a fourth generation longhorn. As the world awaits to see if the much needed ceasefire in gaza holds, humanity continues to grieve at the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people, both in gaza and the militarily occupied west bank. Video evidence after video evidence showing the continued indiscriminate bombing and or demolition of hospitals, schools, residential buildings, refugee camps, evidence after evidence proving the suffering and theft of innocent and indigenous men, women and children. Account after account of violent and vile Israeli [12:12:36 PM] of violent and vile Israeli settlers attempting to take what does not belong to them. All made possible primarily by the American tax dollar in conjunction with the American military. Normalizing such evil on the global stage. As we all witness these horrors, we are reminded that continuing to associate ourselves with the zionist project will forever and always be a drain not only on our collective humanity, but on our tax dollars. And at a time when American communities are in decline. Let's not give money to genocidal religious fanatics. These are for female Israeli soldiers apprehended on October 7th, who spent 16 months at the mercy of the al-qassam brigade, all for appearing quite healthy and well fed. This is Ibrahim Mohammed Khalil Al shawish, resident of north gaza, arrested December 10th, 2023. Recently released by Israeli terrorists, tortured by starvation, electricity and dogs. His entire body is covered in evidence of [12:13:37 PM] body is covered in evidence of torture. Y'all, I'll admit I take up arms. I take up arms and I would violently defend myself if such evil was thrust upon me and my community. As I plugged this suffering of palestine into a larger historical context. I begin to realize how convenient it must be for the European person that whenever they want to invade and conquer a space of primarily black and brown people, whenever they want to torture and kill, to maintain that false power, god is always on their side. Yet how on Earth can these primarily European people be the rightful stewards of the holy land? Look how they have poisoned this place that is precious to billions of people across planet Earth. Bear witness to the wickedness. Look how they poison the holy land with apartheid, with white phosphorous, with strategic starvation, with punitive, with systemic pedophilia. These things are deeply, deeply deviant. Nazareth. Bethlehem. [12:14:37 PM] deviant. Nazareth. Bethlehem. Jerusalem. I grew up learning about these places in catholic catechism, and at the time they were almost mystical to me, barely real, and to grow and to learn that not only do these places exist in palestine, but under this current state of occupation at the hands of foreign supremacists and my own tax dollars, it's been deeply disturbing. I implore this newly elected council to financially and diplomatically disassociate. >> The inhumane entity of Israel. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Elena Rodriguez, who will have Spanish interpretation. Monica Guzman and Francisca Acuna. >> Elena Rosie. >> In the bookspring for. >> Hello. My name is Elena Rodriguez. I have lived in dove springs for 16 years. >> I know manejo como Yo a muchas personas Solas mayores de [12:15:37 PM] muchas personas Solas mayores de edad. Veteranos cu Vivian in me vecindario in Caso de algun disaster. Knows area mas pastel algo en Lugar de. Refugio de Refugio in NUESTRA comunidad. >> I am a single mom and I don't drive. Like me, there are other people that are elderly veterans that live in my community. If there is an emergency or disaster, the easiest way would be to go to a shelter in my community. >> I ahorita como estan las cosas? Si necesito de algun Refugio tendria salir de MI casa en el bus a las cuatro para llegar a las 6a1 algun Lugar de. No conozco. Quizas no hablen me [12:16:38 PM] No conozco. Quizas no hablen me lengua. You know me CULTURA. Me santeria in intimidad sin la confianza de pedir ayuda para escribir me. >> The way things are right now. If there is a disaster, I will have to leave my home, take a bus at 4 P.M, arrive at a place at 6 P.M. In a place that I don't know where. They maybe don't speak my language. They don't know my culture. I will feel very intimidated in a place like this because they don't know me. I don't know the people, and I will feel I'm not going to have enough confidence to register in a place like this. >> The después de un Lugar no conozco con personas Ken no conozco a estoy aqui para decir. Los refugios de variant de estar [12:17:40 PM] Los refugios de variant de estar en las comunidades donde vivimos if they when they star equipado listos para abrir. In an emergency con todos los permisos in regla. Gracias. >> Then they will send me to another place where people that I also don't know. So that's why I'm here. To let you know that shelters should be located within the communities. That way, people can have the shelters close to them. They should be ready and equipped to be open and everything before there is an emergency. And with all the required permits. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next we have Monica Guzman. >> Good afternoon. I'm Monica Guzman, policy director at Garza. Go, Austin. Austin, we [12:18:41 PM] Garza. Go, Austin. Austin, we are tired of seeing zoning changes that only benefit rich, rich developers and displaced low income communities of color in Austin's eastern crescent. We urge you, mayor Watson and council members, to create an equity anti-displacement overlay through a community based process in order to protect communities vulnerable to displacement. Delay the granting of entitlements within areas at risk of displacement for any zoning changes on the agenda today, as well as in the pipeline to align with the implementation of an equity anti-displacement overlay supported by over 40 community organizations. It is not enough to study the feasibility of an equity overlay after zoning changes are passed. The purpose of the equity anti-displacement overlay would be to protect and preserve existing affordable housing and produce housing that is truly affordable in neighborhoods in which residents are vulnerable to displacement. The overlay should be crafted by [12:19:43 PM] The overlay should be crafted by community members who are directly impacted by displacement, low income home owners, tenants, and unhoused residents, as well as frontline organizations. The protective overlay should cover all of the neighborhoods identified as vulnerable in the UT uprooted report. Based on the map of most vulnerable census tracts throughout Austin. Census data and a community based process can also be used to consider the addition of neighborhoods to the overlay based on neighborhood vulnerability. The overlay should encourage truly affordable density rather than incentivizing market rate. Unaffordable development, which accelerates displacement, drives up housing costs, and incentivizes demolition of existing affordable housing. Right now, community members are working tirelessly to fight multiple zoning cases to prevent affordable housing from being destroyed, such as the December 12th zoning case. While the Riverside tenants negotiated an agreement with the developer, it [12:20:43 PM] agreement with the developer, it was not enough. The process needs to change to ensure equity is considered in all the cases happening in vulnerable communities. We are requesting and recommending for the community development commission to be involved in making recommendations for zoning cases in the eastern crescent, to ensure equity is considered in decision making. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Francis Acuna with Mirna Rodriguez on deck. >> Did Barbara Altman withdraw her name? Okay. Thank you. >> Good afternoon. My name is Francis Acuna. I'm. I'm here to speak on the resilience hubs and on the disaster preparedness plan and some of the gaps that we still need to be put in place in order for the response to be sustainable. We can be proud of all the commitments, advances [12:21:45 PM] all the commitments, advances that the city has done in all, but without the structure in place, it would not work. And I'm here to ask that Hissom a homeland security emergency management must identify which sites are available, have resources and have designated sites as overnight shelters in advance of an emergency. There needs to be communication to the public, of which sites are designated so that people can get to their nearest resilience hub. Transportation should serve within neighborhoods for safety and efficiency. Going from one neighborhood to one Texas center and then to the hub can be. Traumatizing and demeaning. These sites need to be able to serve. As overnight shelters. Assigned city staff points of contact to black captains and [12:22:45 PM] contact to black captains and community based organizations so that emergency plans can be activated and implemented. Black captains are trained residents to support each other, organizing their neighborhoods, and pass down information from the neighborhoods to the city and the city to. To the residents. Next slide please. So city manager must ensure that staff and contracted partners at these sites have adequate permissions, training and resources. City council must ensure Austin public health budget includes funding for them to be resourced and trained, and also have funding for community health workers to support in these sites. Community health community health care workers are trained with seven core competencies. We have [12:23:46 PM] competencies. We have communication skills, interpersonal skills, service coordination, capacity building advocacy, organizing skills and knowledge base on specific health issues. Contracts with community based organizations must be in place to serve specific needs, and they should be with a level of understanding of the liability, standing orders, points of contact, and their ability to act on a plan of response. Any public facing staff needs to be trained in trauma informed community emergency response. Thank you. We recommend the. >> Thank you. Your time has expired. >> Appreciate your time. Thank you for being here. >> Myrna Rodriguez, miss Rodriguez will have Spanish interpretation. >> In English. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. [12:24:48 PM] >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> Hello. My name is Myrna Rodriguez. Quiero hablar de MI historia en la tormenta de. Yo estoy en la escuela de voluntaria. En Esta tormenta. En muchas cosas. Porque no habia un plan de Esta. No habia un acuerdo. Entre departamentos Eid Esta by Jorge morales. Morales en la ciudad. Al distrito diferentes personas para poder. El plan de respuesta es todo un caos. >> Good afternoon. My name is Myrna Rodriguez. I came today to speak about my experience during the winter storm uri. I was at Mendez middle school during the storm and many things fell during the at that time because there was no emergency response plan in place and no agreements between groups and departments at that moment. Jorge morales was calling the city, the district and different people to create a response plan because [12:25:48 PM] create a response plan because everything was chaos. >> Como resident leader. Activist. MI comunidad por qué no un liderazgo todo era un control los residentes tenemos cocina limpiar repartir ayudar utensilios de NUESTRA casa pudiera ayudar a los Demas la ciudad tarde con agua, comida Y mas. >> As a leader, resident and an activist in my community, I felt sad and devastated with the lack of leadership. We residents had to cook, clean, distribute, bring items and utensils from our own homes. Anything that could help at that moment to help others. The city arrived late with food and water and other supplies. >> Como. Como resident hoy pedimos Q no se vuelve a repetir. Queremos algo la ciudad tenga. Listo los artistas los arreglos las personas los [12:26:49 PM] arreglos las personas los recursos los espacios Ken también entrenamiento a grupos de voluntarios para Ken pueden ayudar a responder in emergencia, la ciudad de Tener enfoque total Antes de la emergencia. >> As residents today, we are asking that this experience not to be repeated. The city needs to have the contractors, vendors, staff, resources ready to respond to an emergency. The training for the volunteers. The city needs to take a proactive approach before emergencies. >> Satisfy you that you MI comunidad Pero también consentimiento de tristeza estrés tanto caos respuesta de la ciudad. Mucha falta de préparation porque la ciudad no established de la comunidad de Toda confianza. Esperanza afecta en todos los aspectos mas emotional, porque en la emergencia la salud mental de muchos de los nervios tanto en la ciudad. [12:27:51 PM] la ciudad. >> So I was a volunteer and I felt satisfied to help my community. But at the same time I felt very sad because I saw the lack of leadership of the city and the lack of resources that we had. And this affects the community very much, especially the emotional well-being and the mental health of people. >> Yo, Yo. >> And this is the moment also where trust is affected and people start losing hope. >> La emergencia contratos en la ciudad. Distrito organizaciones comunidades. Teniendo un plan listo para cualquier emergencia. >> I ask the city to be better prepared before an emergency arrives, to be prepared with the contrast groups and organizations for any emergency. >> Cada Una de las entidades lugares suficientes muy preparados con multiples estaciones de informacion recursos de emergencia en todos los sentidos necesario para la comunidad de los mas importante, la unidad entre todos, entre todos Y la comunicacion enfocado [12:28:53 PM] todos Y la comunicacion enfocado en lo mismo. >> Each entity should have enough places with enough space, multiple information stations, resources for each emergency. All groups need to be coordinated and the most important thing they need to be coordinated with the to the same purpose. >> Comunidad pedimos a la ciudad de empiezan a trabajar en un plan estratégico funcionan cualquier emergencia, trabajando en la comunicacion. Qué es lo? >> Today, on behalf of my community, I ask the city that to start working on an emergency strategic plan to heavily focus on communications. Because this was fell during winter storm uri. >> Mexico. Yes, sir. >> Yo quiero agradecer a las personas de me distrito estuvieron ayudando a la tormenta. Quiero decir la ciudad Ken no tengo para agradecer [12:29:55 PM] Ken no tengo para agradecer porque Mucha gente sufrio Yo soy Una de Cinco hijos de muchos residents. >> I want to thank my community, my people, because they were the volunteers that helped during the winter storm uri. I cannot thank the city because at that point many people cry. I was one of the people that cried and I have five children and we suffered a lot during this winter storm. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That concludes public communication members. >> That concludes the people that have signed up to speak in public communication. The time certain at 12:00 pm. So with that, and without objection, the Austin city council will be in recess until 2:00 pm. We will have our live music will set up right after this, and we'll have our live music. But the Austin city council will be in recess until 2:00 pm. It is 12:30 P.M. We're recessed. Thanks, everybody. >> What's that? [12:38:09 PM] >> What's that? >> Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. >> Are we ready? Oh, yes. >> Welcome, everyone, to the city hall sessions. We have a real treat today. Promqueen from district four. She. They is a second generation queer Vietnamese American based in Austin. Built on authenticity, vulnerability. Through being, natural quirkiness and cultural pride. And artist under Eckhardt Austin's first and only Asian American label, promqueen writes music for herself, her family, and for other Asian Americans who have ever struggled with not being Asian enough while simultaneously not being American enough. Sounds like a Latino problem to following a 2024, which included an acl [12:39:09 PM] 2024, which included an acl festival performance and being named artist of the month for may. Promqueen is anticipating her awaited season three coming early fall. Promqueen, please take it away. >> Awesome. Thank you so much, chito. It's great to be here. We're excited to be here. I want to thank you so much to Greg and Rainey and Pierre for helping facilitate and bringing us here today and welcoming us into your space. With me right here, I have my producer, friend, manager, founder of Eckhardt, the Asian American label in Austin, Waverly, and myself. I'm promqueen with that wonderful introduction from chito. This project is really special to us. I get to share stories about my parents who are immigrants from Vietnam, and me being an immigrant kid here. So it's quite special. And I'm also very excited that today is promqueen day. So my rule is council members, you have to call each other queen when you address each other today. All right. You'd be like yes, queen council [12:40:10 PM] You'd be like yes, queen council member. So I would love that to happen if we can make that possible. This song that we're going to sing for you is a very special one to me. It's an homage to a 1960s traditional Vietnamese folk song called murung that translates to forest, jungle rain. And so our song sweet murung is about this longing for home. So whatever that means for all of you could be a family member, could be a home, could be a smell of food that tastes really good, or a belly laugh of your best friend. I want you to think about that as we sing the song. >> Hey. Sick of running. Homesick. I feel so disgusting. [12:41:15 PM] Homesick. I feel so disgusting. What is this? Was ruled for the hell of it, I shout, but I'm an enemy! Can't anybody hear what I want to say? Don't make sense. I'ma run away like a lost kid. I was in tune with it. We grow up so fast it ruins it I wish it would last for you. I was skipping in my garden when it flourished toward a perfect sonnet. Then you rolled up and you froze. It wrote me in a spell. Drop me down into the ocean a I'm a stolen garden I cry. Waiting on a midnight sky. This ruse didn't come true. Not the way I wanted to. With each kiss I go missing. When I'm with you. Sweet maroon. Rain down. Sumire, can I get back home when I sing a song? Am kuniyamuthur. Oh, where you go inside. Can I [12:42:17 PM] Oh, where you go inside. Can I get back home because of you now it can never be home like before. Like before. Hey! Ooh. Like before. Like before. Ucmma fallen down. >> I'm. >> The flower, fallen down. Am like fallen flower fallen down. Trickle down. Open up the skies. Hear me sound in Kung yam. Moo am. Kung Lao, will you come home? Hey. Sweet. Meringue I rain down soon. Won't you feel [12:43:20 PM] rain down soon. Won't you feel at home when I sing alone? Am Kung yeah. Motherhood. Oh, where you go inside. Can I get back home? Can I get back home? Home. At. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Lovely. Absolutely lovely. Enjoyed it so much, queen. >> Thank you. Already starting. Yes. >> And I've got another. I've got queen P jealous over there. And I see queen Vanessa Fuentes and queen Krista Krista Laine here too. [12:44:20 PM] here too. >> So yes. >> I know. Thank you so much for the performance. Wonderful. And I understand at say promqueen on Instagram and YouTube. And then I understand that you have some live shows coming up for aapi heritage month in may. I believe. That's right. Well, we'll definitely look out for that and just appreciate you coming so much. And let me go ahead and read the proclamation too. >> Thank you. >> Oh, boy. Let me get my glasses, actually. Excuse me. It says be it known that whereas the city of Austin, Texas is blessed with many creative musicians whose talent extends to virtually every musical genre, and whereas our music scene thrives because Austin audiences support good music produced by legends, our local favorites and newcomers alike. And whereas we are pleased to showcase and support our local artists. Now, therefore, I chito vela amanii with council members Paige Ellis and Krista Laine on behalf of Kirk Watson, mayor of [12:45:20 PM] behalf of Kirk Watson, mayor of the live music capital, do hereby proclaim February 13th, 2025 as prom queen day in Austin, Texas. >> Thank you. >> And again, thank you so much. Any any words that you want to add, any messages that you want to send? >> Yes. >> Yes. So next you could see us in may if you follow us at Shea promqueen on any social platform, we'll be performing during aapi month for an Eckhardt asian-american showcase. But as the ruling is for today, we must address each other as queen. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here today. It's been an honor and a pleasure to be here with you all. >> Thank you for your work and a pleasure. >> To listen to the music, a beautiful song. Yeah. >> Let's get some photos right quick. >> Let's get Vanessa over here to. >> Vanessa mayor pro tem. I'll call back to order the [2:00:06 PM] I'll call back to order the Austin city council. It's 2:00 pm on February 13th. We have our 2:00 time certain, and I'll recognize staff. >> Mayor and council. I'm joy harden with the planning department. Your zoning agenda begins with item number 43. C14 2024 0069. And this item is offered for consent on all three ratings. Item 44 c14 2024 0004 and this item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 45 is in 2024 0005.01. This item is offered as a neighborhood postponement request to your. March 6th [2:01:11 PM] March 6th council meeting, and the related rezoning is item 40 6c1 for 2024 0099. Again, this item is offered for a neighborhood as a neighborhood. Postponement request to your March 6th council meeting. Item number 47 c1486069r ct. This item is offered for consent. Item 48 is c14 2024 0164. This item is offered for consent first reading only, and will be bringing this item back for second and third reading consideration at your March 6th council meeting. Item 49 is seen 1472204 rca six. This item is offered for consent. Item 50 is npa 2024 0015.01. This item is offered for consent first reading only and the related rezoning is item number 51. C14 2024 0109 and this item again is offered for consent first reading only and will brie be will be bringing this item back for second and third reading consideration at your February 27th council meeting. And I, with council member Jones here. Harper-madison her office and with the applicant in the neighborhood. I would like to read in a motion sheet that has been part of the compromise that [2:02:12 PM] been part of the compromise that her office has been working on, and that motion she reads. I moved to amend part two of the draft ordinance as follows. Number one, add new subsections a and B as follows and reorder the remaining subsection accordingly. A vehicular access from the property to win a Roy drive is prohibited, except for emergency and resource recovery vehicle use. All vehicle access to the property shall be from other adjacent public streets or through other adjacent property, and be an ornamental fence may not be constructed on any property line. A fence constructed on a property line may not be less than eight feet in height. Complying with section 20 five, two, eight, 99 fences as accessory uses. And with that again I can offer this item for consent. First reading, bringing it back for second and third reading consideration at your February 27th meeting. And that concludes the reading of the zoning and npa agenda. And as always, this is at your [2:03:13 PM] as always, this is at your discretion. Thank you. >> Members, are there any items you'd like to pull off the consent agenda? Is there are there any questions of staff? The consent agenda will be on item number 43 and 44. All three readings 45 and 46. A postponement to March 6th. 47 and 40. 47 will be consent on a restrictive covenant termination. So one reading. 48 first reading only. 49. Another restrictive covenant amendment. So it will be on one reading. 51st reading only 51st first reading only with the motion sheet that has been read into the record. Is there a motion to approve? Council member vela moves approval. Second by council member qadri. Is there anyone signed up to speak? Yes. >> Yes, we have one speaker speaking on two items. >> All right. >> On item 50, we have Angela Garza. >> Is that remote? Yes, yes. >> Okay. Angela Garza, please [2:04:13 PM] >> Okay. Angela Garza, please unmute your unmute your phone. >> Miss Garza, please unmute your phone. Please go to the next speaker. >> Miss Garza is our only speaker. So that will be all of our speakers. >> Miss Garza okay, let's try again, please. Please unmute your phone if you'd like to speak. Does she indicate. It appears she's on the phone. >> Yes. We can try to get her back on. >> Please do that. Okay. >> So, mayor, can you give us [2:05:25 PM] >> So, mayor, can you give us just a second? It. It looks like our vendor. The call dropped with the vendor as well. >> So. >> I want to say that. I. Was here. [2:07:18 PM] Was here. Okay. >> What do we know? >> The vendor is calling back in as we speak. >> You got it. Okay. >> We don't have in-person [2:08:24 PM] >> We don't have in-person speakers. >> No, this is all we're waiting on, Mr. >> Mister. >> Covid-19. Polgar. >> Is. Thank you something. I, I don't remember what I had to say. >> Here we go. >> And. Angela Garza, are you there? >> I am, I'm here. I'm sorry. I don't know what's going on with the connection. >> That's okay. We're going to call you to speak on item 50. To start. You have two minutes. >> Two minutes. Okay. You ready? >> Yes. >> Okay. Hi, this is Angela Benavides. Garza. I just I am the interim. Interim president for the neighborhood association and a co-chair for the mlk combined contact team with a naudia. Barbara. Diana Homan and Alexandria as well. We have been working hard with this neighborhood association or the [2:09:25 PM] neighborhood association or the neighbors. As well. Here at the gunter. Opportunity. Plus everybody involved. Also, I'm sorry, I'm leaving names, but district one team so that we can move along this. Move this along a little bit harder. Nicole. Nicole. The. The neighbor. Nicole has actually been the one who's been leading this effort. And we want to make sure that she gets the credit for that. For all the work that she's been doing in the area as well. It is great to see that we are moving along. Because I know Nicole. Nicole understands. When we first walked into this about eight months ago, it was quite a bit of a mess. And now with neighbors not being listened to, a lot of confusion, notices not being received, you name it. And eight months later, here we are and we are getting closer to resolution. I just want to give assurance to city councilwoman Natasha harper-madison. It's getting closer, and that's why [2:10:25 PM] getting closer, and that's why we're needing to hold on this reading one, because they are in the middle of that negotiation already. Thank you all so much. I appreciate your support on this. Have a great day. >> Thank you. >> Miss Garza, would you like to speak on item 41? >> 51? >> 51. >> Item 51. Actually. But. The way both of these are together. So it would be the same words as well. We've been working closely with joy as well. %-P>> Thank you. That concludes all zoning speakers. >> Members concludes all the people signed up to speak. Is there anyone that, like, would like to recuse themselves from voting from an item on the consent agenda? Anyone who would like to be shown as abstaining from a vote on the consent agenda. Anyone wishing to be shown voting no on any item on the consent agenda. Without objection, the consent agenda is adopted with council member alter being off the dais. Members. That concludes all of the business that come before the Austin city council at this regularly scheduled meeting. So without objection, we are [2:11:25 PM] without objection, we are adjourned at 2:11 P.M. We are adjourned.