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You're watching a meeting of the Austin City Council. With Mayor Kerv Watson, Mayor Pro-Tem Chido Vaila, Council

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Members Natasha Harper Madison, Vanessa Wintex, Jose Belosquez, Ryan Alter, Crystal Lane, Mike Siegel, Paige Ellis,

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Joe Contrie, Mark Duchen, City Attorney, Deborah Thomas, City Clerk, Erica Brady, and City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

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Good morning everybody. It's 10 o'clock in the morning on August 6th, 2026.

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I'll call to order the City Council meeting of the Austin City Council. We have a quorum of the City Council present and we're meeting in City Council Chambers located at City Hall at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas.

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Members, we have a number of items on the agenda today. What I intend to do is, and by the way, yes, there's a new proposed amendment that I'm seeking co-sponsors.

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I call this the whatever it takes amendment, and we take money from wherever we can, including if it wipes out most of our other proposed amendments, so we can do that.

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Anyway, having said that, what we'll do is we'll go in the order of the agenda.

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Except when we get items 2 and 4, as I put on the message board yesterday, items 2 and 4 might very well.

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I want to get a feeling from the council about how we want to do that before we take the amendment, and we might take it 4 before we take it 2 or 2 before we take it 4, because that deals with the ordering of the items on the agenda.

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We'll talk about that in more detail when we get there. As I always do, I want to point out what our schedule is.

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Today, of course, we have this budget work session. We have the other agenda items, and then on Wednesday, August 12, we will be scheduled to have the first opportunity to vote on the budget.

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Thursday, August 13th, and Friday, August 14th, we will also conduct public hearing and have council discussion and the council vote on those days.

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I just want to make sure that everybody is aware of what the schedule is.

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Having said that, let us now go to item number 1, which is posted as a presentation and discussion of the city manager's fiscal year 2026, 2027 proposed budget, and we will start with speakers and I'll turn to the city clerk.

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When the city clerk calls your names, many of you have already been here and know how this operates, but let me say it again for those that are new.

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She'll call out the names and batches of 3, 4, 5, maybe more. When your name is called, please come forward when your name is called, and go ahead and take a seat if a seat is available. If a seat is not available to desk, take one of these front row seats, and that way we'll know you're here, and we can efficiently hear your testimony. So with that, I'll turn to the city clerk.

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Thank you, Mayor. I have a few remote speakers for item 1, Katherine McCartell.

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Good morning. My name is Katherine McCartell. I live in district 9, and I'm here today to again ask you to keep the police budget flat.

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Do not give APB a penny more than required that that ridiculous text of law. No excuses about the cost of that new police union contract, some of you voted for in 2024.

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Find other ways to cut APB's budget down to the minimum required.

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Can be done if you all have the courage and the back going to do it, especially in the wake of yet another police killing.

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Do not reward them for that.

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I'm glad that there has been some discussion on using new property tax revenue to fund social services contracts.

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Thank you for this initial effort. However, even if it becomes reality, it is not enough.

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It is not enough because there is a greater need than to just maintain the existing social services contracts.

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We need to grow social services provision in the city. We desperately need more services to support our and health neighbors.

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We need more food access. We need more mental health support. We need more child care support.

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I could go on, but you already know these things and you've been hearing for weeks from so many in the community about these need.

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And it's so obviously, you could fund these needs by taking the proposed $25 million increase to APD and instead providing these additional social services.

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The things that will actually could keep our community safe and driving rather than killing our neighbors.

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And you will know that any money given to APD this year above its current budget is money that cannot be used next year for literally anything else.

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And we'll be right back here next year fighting against more proposed cuts to the social services we need.

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I also ask that this budget enabled moving the 911 defect out from APD and into an independent emergency communications department that can make the correct judgment called on which type of first responder defend.

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We know that with 911 under APD they send police officers for so many calls where and others type of responder would be more appropriate and safer.

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We've seen how damaging this police department is. Please make it just a little less damaging by keeping their budget flat and moving 911 to independent department. Thank you.

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Jen Powell.

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Good morning.

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Today it seems to be my last day to yell about the budget and to see it in a minute, so I'm just going to keep it simple.

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As everyone else who've been saying, fun to see I be in full also social services funding and full or I guarantee all the next round of yelling is just going to be people asking for a detailed education and equity impact statement before implementation.

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To make sure these cuts aren't as disproportionately targeted at schools and persecuted social groups as they look on paper because it doesn't look good on paper.

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Now that funding does include the funding for the safe lives in full and continuing the contract for them, which I see that you guys have done a while though we're going to appreciate that.

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You can enter into a contract with brave up-and-seater partners. Well, I get that, but that should be an additional contract and not a replacement.

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Now here's the main part after the murder of Antonyl. You guys know that you can't go through with the proposed raises for APD. Just keep the budget flat and in the meantime focus on two important matters.

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One, moving the 911 calls that are out of APD and some sort of civilian structure. Everybody should know that pretty much the whole council supports that is just that we need whoever in the city to finish pushing to get it done.

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So please finish pushing to get it done and then to require that both the police and the civilian dispatchers actually take the suicide by copper mentioned training.

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It does exist. People beg them. I don't need to know how many times or how long to do it, but you definitely cannot justify in freezing the APD funding to any of your constituents until they actually take that training.

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If they pay attention, they might actually reduce up to 30% of killings that can be attributed to that cause.

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And last but not least, while you're in there, if you could give these civilian oversight committee actual teeth, financial teeth.

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When police handle a case correctly, they can incentivize and incentivize and when they.

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They're not at all.

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Good morning, Mayor and council. My name is Stan help tell my position. It provides care through asking safety net health system.

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I check people are unhoused, people living in poverty and people who's health and dignity are directly armed by the current.

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I'm speaking here as a clinician who sees the consequences of these policies.

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My patients lose their medication because of the sweets and the hospitalized with serious illness that could have been avoided.

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I check for people who have lost their ideas in how they get working streets and then can't act as shelter benefits. These are our neighbors.

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Our clinical and social support teams are exhausted from picking up after the disaster that these sweep cause and our patients live.

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Working countless hours helping clients get new ideas and investing hours care helping people recover from preventable injury and illness due to these sweeps.

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I work through the pandemic and I will say these policies pushed forward by council are causing as much moral injury to our staff that the COVID pandemic did.

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The public health evidence is clear forced displacement, feeps, confiscation and involuntary relocation, worsens health outcomes increases overdose risk interrupts continuity of of share, destroy the control belonging to the drives we go further from services.

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Leaps on health and do not produce durable assets from homelessness.

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Beyond the human toll, sweets are discreet or substantial. They are expensive to conduct shift class to emergency care and hospital and fail to reduce homelessness.

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The city budget is a moral document. As you finalize Austin's budget, you have a responsibility to invest in what actually improves health reduces harm and it answers public safety.

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You have an immediate opportunity to act first, stop these harmful sweets, costly sweets that display people and destroy the fragile community of care.

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Second, expand the city's safe storage program.

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Faith storage reduces harm by preserving medications, IDs and housing documents when people are moved.

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While storage is not a complete solution, it is a concrete time reduction step.

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Our unhoused neighbors have repeatedly requested. Third, keep the APD budget flat. Do not increase funding for policing at the expense of social services and for the store and prioritize funding.

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That's all the remote speakers I have for item one. So I'm going to be moving to in-person speakers.

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Fill up this Gerald, Savannah Lee, Rebecca Weber, Shelby Evans, Elliott Trehan.

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If anything, call please come forward and always ask is that when you begin your testimony, you state your name for the record.

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Mr. Fitzgerald, begin with you.

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You said we're going to start with me? Sure. Okay, fill up this Gerald district one.

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So I originally wanted to come talk about more things than just this, but obviously with short time, I'll just skip with this.

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Yeah, growing up, you have a coach that would always tell the stores about what's required to be a leader and he would offer reference the harming of women and children and said,

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if you ever did that, he wouldn't have forgiveness for you.

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But I think he also is including all folks.

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And part of this budget calls for the cutting of the senior congregate meal program, which I've emailed some of you about.

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It's a program that runs across our city and no other area, but district one has has more service locations than district one.

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In talking with some of the staff at these locations, they feed over a hundred seniors in Austin a day.

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I think this cut would be a serious attack on that area.

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On an area that for far too long has had to play catch up with other districts in Austin.

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You know, district one has former teachers and restaurant workers and veterans and I know a lot of you have a good understanding of what those people have given our city.

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But I think it's also important to understand how little they've been given in return.

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And I understand that we're we're over budget we're now to make cuts, but we cannot sacrifice our seniors.

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This program offers them an ability to leave their homes and reach out and establish and maintain community, which is a warm blanket for a lot of people at a time in their life when they're often isolated.

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So please take a look at this budget again and find something else to cut.

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I have a little more time obviously with the news of Greg Abbott he's he's going to push to deregulate Austin energy that's going to blow a hole in our general fund.

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So if people are upset about the cutting of social services now wait till we lose a hundred million dollars.

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And I really would would ask that the city start preparing for that now.

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And that means reaching out to people in San Antonio figure out how we're going to defend our city.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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When we go here, we'll work down the road.

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Hello council, my name is Shelby and from Hands Off Central Texas.

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The community's anger at APD is justified, but this is not just about keeping APD's budget flat to be punitive.

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It's about what that money could fund instead.

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Data show that interactions with the incarceration system leads to worse outcomes for the person and for the community.

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It is costly and ineffective to use the police as a catch all for mental health, homelessness,

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poverty, substance use recovery, and crisis intervention.

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This system was not built to rehabilitate these issues yet we continue to rely on violence and the threat of violence to manage them.

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Police are not trained or equipped to handle the conditions that are overwhelmingly represented in our carceral systems,

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but social workers are.

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Social services already experienced a 10% cut last year.

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Yet we are told APD's budget must be increased to keep up with inflation.

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Social services don't have the resources to keep up with demand.

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While APD doesn't have the community buy-in to meet the recruitment numbers.

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Why must everyone else do more with less except the police?

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The costs to the city are stacking up and we need better investments.

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Move 911 out of APD. Keep their budget flat.

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Fully fund social services and please make the changes your community is begging you for.

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It is more than your legacy it is our lives.

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Thank you.

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Good morning. My name is Savannah Lee and with equity action and a resident of district one.

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I'm here in support of the community investment budget.

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I'm going to get to my written comments in a second, but I feel it really necessary to state that many of us just watched our neighbors be kidnapped outside of this building.

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And I can't sit with a reality that we're sitting here asking you not to give more money to the institution that helps their kidnappers.

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We're nearing the finish line.

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But before we get there, I think it's important to emphasize that this process that brings so many of us here every summer when we could be with our families is really about.

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We're here because you've been given the incredible responsibility of stewarding the hard earned dollars at the families that live here and deciding how to reinvest them back into our communities.

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Over the past weeks, we've been very clear in how we want you to spend this money.

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We've all heard it over and over, but I'm happy to say it again because the asks are quite simple.

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Stop spending all of our money on APD.

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If you continue in this direction, you are going to back this city into a financial corner from which it cannot escape. We warned you in 2024, and we are warning you again now.

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Fully fund social services. Hundreds of people have given their time to make this ask, and it's because they know the real human cost of these cuts.

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Established joint communications department and moved in 911 call takers out of APD. We have to make sure these departments can communicate, and we have to ensure that folks who are in crisis are met with professionals who know how to de-escalate.

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The tragedy that happens when we do not get this right is too much to bear.

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Stop funding the sweeps. We are spending millions simply shifting vulnerable folks from one place to another, while taking all of the things they value. This is a horrific waste of money and a moral failure, and we deserve better.

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Throughout this process, I've heard a lot comparing Austin spending to other Texas cities, but they spend on police or social services or whatever else.

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The truth is we aren't like any other city in Texas, and we like it that way.

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Our community is what makes us special, and every dollar you have in front of you was handed to you by the people that live here. Please spend them wisely. Thank you.

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Good morning. My name is Elliott Trehan. I live in District 10, and I don't think I can say anything quite eloquently as she just said it.

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So I think I'll just keep it short. I got here on bike, and as soon as I arrived and pulled up, I happened upon our neighbors being kidnapped and arrayed.

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It was mostly facilitated by DPS, but I know whether it was this one of past APD has been in collaboration with these people.

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I really wanted to be so so clear on the history teacher and my normal day today.

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Ice is our version of the fastest secret police, and right now Austin Police Department is collaborating with them, whether it be by holding people in jail cells long enough for ice to pick them up, or by going specifically to arrest people in blue guys in northeast Austin, where ice shows up within minutes after that arrest happens.

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This organization is collaborating with our version of the fastest secret police.

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Like everybody said, ever since I moved back here here ago, I've been showing up for these meetings of what I keep hearing is we're dealing with less money than we were able to before their scarcity.

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Now why a city that has attracted so much wealth and has so many big name companies is dealing with scarcity is another conversation worth happening or having.

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But today, like everybody's saying, we need to talk about how we deal with that scarcity.

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So many people who represent so many wonderful orgs are saying, we need funds working to get the funds.

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There's a very clear answer. It's APD, keep their budget platform flat, please no more dollars for organizations that murder teenagers and refuse to take accountability for it.

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That's all. Thank you.

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Good morning. I'm Rebecca Weber, and I'm here on behalf of equity action where I serve on the board.

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And in my personal capacity as a lawyer who sometimes suits this city on behalf of victims of police in this conduct, including pending cases right now.

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Ms. Brenda Ramos, who's son was killed six years ago now and is still waiting for justice from the city and Samantha Lidkey, who was a police woman who was treated horribly in her tenure at APD.

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I'm here in solidarity with all of the service provider employees who have been here.

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I think I don't know if it's going on six meetings now, it feels like so many just they do such good work and they're here begging for the scraps to keep doing

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they're really good work and so I just ask thank you for everyone who has worked on the 911 call move.

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It's such a good clean, simple solution and so I'm really just grateful to everyone who has made that, who is going to make that happen and I really appreciate everyone who has valued the community investment budget and I ask you to pass the community investment budget and move 911. Thank you.

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Brian Poppy, Sylvia Stinson, John Pleasant, Jeffrey Bowen, Jeff Dickerson.

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Good morning, Marin Council. My name is Ryan Poppy and I'm speaking today on behalf of the United Workers of Integral Care.

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I want to address the city managers August 3 at Memorandum on the proposed no wrong door coordinated crisis response program. Everyone supports better coordination for people experiencing mental illness substance use disorders or homelessness.

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Integral care employees have been doing this kind of work every day.

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Our concern is not with the goal but how it's being funded.

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The Memorandum says the city plans to realign existing programs and dollars to create a more coordinated crisis response.

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It never explains what happens to the services staff or clients we rely on those programs every day.

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Behavioral health is not simply another budget line.

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It reduces pressure on emergency rooms, law enforcement and our jails while improving the lives and saving taxpayer dollars.

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Integral care's workforce is already stretched then and you cannot build a stronger crisis response by weakening the community-based services that keep people from reaching crisis in the first place.

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As you finalize this budget, if you must, I urge you to strictly fund no wrong door with new investments, not by shifting resources away from integral care existing programs.

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Protect the workforce, protect these services, and protect the people of Austin.

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Thank you.

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Just a moment go to you.

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Thank you, sir. Good morning ladies and gentlemen.

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Mr. Mayor, council members, Jeff Bowen, District 8.

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Last week, I came up and talked about clarification and that's based upon going to all the different town halls on the budgets.

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I attended another one last night. Well, actually, two this week can be at another one tonight.

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But I want to just go back and remind about the clarification because there seems to be a lot of miscommunications at times even in the news media about some of the increases.

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And I want to appreciate with Mr. Broadnax and Ms. Kerry lying about the fact that they're bringing out.

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And for those of us that do budgets and those type of things, we have to look at the overhead costs which we've had some significant increases in which are then sometimes misinterpreted as an increase in that budget.

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But that the fact that you had guys have started separating those and bringing out that issue needs to really be clarified so that it's not getting misconstrued with other issues.

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So again, I urge to make sure that we have a lot of clarification on some of these issues where we are increasing here or taking away here.

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And so that it doesn't end up into another argument, whatever you want to call it, but it turns into from a discussion into more of a discussion that doesn't go anywhere.

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So please make sure that we're trying to clarify those misunderstandings so that people actually do understand what is actually happening with some of these budgets.

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There again. Thanks for your time.

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Thank you.

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Good morning council members. My name is John Pleasant and I'm here to ask you to reject the proposed $25 million increase to the Austin Police Department's budget.

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Two weeks ago, a 17 year old Anthony O'Williams was shot and killed by three APD officers in a northeast Austin park officers mistook a water bottle in his waistband for a weapon and fire 20 shots.

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One officer reloading and firing again as Williams lay on the ground. He was unarmed and he was a child.

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Williams isn't in isolated case. Austin has a documented history of shootings where the person killed posed no real threat, including Michael Carauthors Jr. in 2021, killed when an officer fired at the sound of unrelated gunfire.

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This is a pattern and they should worry anyone being asked to fund this department at a higher level. Before we hand APD more money, we should look at how this time is spent.

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A 2020 analysis of APD calls found violent crime made up less than 1% of all calls and only 2.8% of officer time.

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Most calls disturbances, burglar alarms, welfare checks, mental health crises, don't call for a gun. They call for training this department isn't investing in.

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According to BBC reporting, American officers spend roughly 71 hours on firearms training but only 21 hours on de-escalation, among the lowest training standards of over 100 countries surveyed.

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The result, the US kills more people by police than any other developed democracy and black Americans die at a disproportionate rate.

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Anthony Williams is what that gap looks like up close. We don't fix it by giving the same department more money to do the same thing.

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I'm asking you to reject this $25 million increase and invest instead in de-escalation training and non-police responses for the calls that don't need a gun. Thank you.

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Jepthickerson District 5. Good morning, Mayor Watson Council members. Many of Austin pure cities including Minneapolis, Houston, Seattle, Portland, Chicago have expanded spending and borrowing.

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These cities did not become unavoidable overnight. They got there. One budget.

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One tax increase, one bond at a time. Each one being justified as necessary. This council is accelerating Austin down the path of higher spending, higher debt and greater long-term financial obligation.

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The members on this diet should learn from the peers experience, not blindly repeated.

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This year alone you are proposed in the 6.6 million dollar budget increased of $311 million.

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Interesting, your own city staff previously presented alternative that included delaying debt, major bond budget until 2028.

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Why aren't you considering that? They also proposed 2% tax rate increase.

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Council member Dungeon, you pushed that through to get a larger increase.

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The question now is whether by trying to add millions of hundreds of millions of dollars, a new borrowing while taxpayers are already paying higher taxes, higher bills, and higher cost of living.

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Choose restraint over expansion, choose accountability over assumptions, choose affordability over unchecked spending, choose affordability for all policies over more free for me policies.

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Don't leave future taxpayers to pay for today's lack of discipline on the city council. Thank you.

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Peter Hunt, Susana Almanza, Victoria Godfrey, Hans Maverick, Hans Are you here?

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Is Robin Schneider here?

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Yes.

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Then you will have four minutes, Mr. Maverick.

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Good morning, Mayor Watson. Mayor Pro Temvela. Council members, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you today.

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I am, I live in Council District 10 and I'm a policy and research organizer with grassroots leadership here in Austin.

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I'm here to speak in favor of the community investment budget because we want the city to promote programs that help people rather than hurt people who are impacted by the criminal legal and immigration detention.

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Systems. Before I turn to my plan testimony, I need to point out that recent events have further undermined our faith in law enforcement.

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The murder and I believe it deserves to be classified as a murder of Anthony Williams II, the second, to me speaks volumes about how little so-called accountability and transparency actually due to keep our friends and neighbors safe.

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And just this morning, just outside this building, one of our neighbors was picked up by ICE. I understand the nexus of that encounter was a person driving was the person driving the wrong way on LaVaca Street.

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I don't know whether APD or DPS first saw the person driving the wrong way, but you'll forgive me if I'm inclined to think of a monolith of law enforcement as a monolith that collaborates with the Trump administration's cruel and mindless immigration policy.

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Now back to my plan testimony. Every year the Travis County District Attorney Secures roughly 3,200 new felony convictions.

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That's 3,200 more people every year in Travis County who will need extra help finding work, health care and a place to live and no matter how long they are incarcerated,

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help readjusting to life after release. I know because I've been there. One of the most glaring problems with the criminal justice system in our country is the recidivism rate, which is roughly 60 to 70% within the first five years post-release.

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There are a lot of factors beyond our city's control that impact recidivism, but there are a few that we can influence.

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One is workforce development. What I wanted and what most people I met in prison wanted was a decent legitimate job after release.

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Another is access to health care, including mental health care. When you are forced to work contract jobs or gig work because you have a criminal record, it's hard to get private health insurance, so you have to rely on public health care.

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The final and equally important factor is housing. A affordable housing options that recognize that formerly incarcerated people are routinely excluded from the legitimate housing.

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This puts former and carcerese, especially in women, especially women, in positions where they are staying in unsafe environments, where they are likely to be victims of crime.

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Therefore, I would like for you to fully fund social services programs like mental health, workforce, development, and reentry, keep the APD budget flat, and make the 911 call center a separate department from APD.

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Please consider all these factors in supporting the community investment budget.

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Thank you.

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Would you please state your name for the record?

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Yes, Hans Maverick. District 10.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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When we go here, and then we'll go to Ms. Almanza.

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Morning council. My name is Peter Hunt. I'm from District 10.

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I'm here in Sport First of the Community Investment Budget, and also would like to ask this council

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look really hard in ways to keep the APD budget flat in this budgetary cycle.

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I know that a lot of that budget is personnel, which is somewhat more complicated to cut, but there are a few places to look.

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First, the allocation for this year in the proposed budget listed $500,000 for additional recruitment efforts, including new hiring.

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I think that that is an unnecessary investment in APD, and also I know that some council members, a particular council member, Duchen, have found other places where up to a million dollars can be saved by making non-personnel cuts.

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I think this level of attention should be paid thoroughly across the entirety of the police budget to look for ways to avoid adding another 25 million there.

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I also think that it's worth acknowledging that APD is compelled in many ways to collaborate with ICE.

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And if we have problems with that, we should acknowledge that more money going to APD is more money going to ICE functionally.

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That's something that we just have to recognize that it's not necessarily about the individual decisions of officers, that there are legal compulsions involved, and that those are unavoidable.

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And we should do something about that I.E. keeping the budget flat.

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But I want to end on a slightly more positive note, and thank this council for moving to create a joint communications department.

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In particular, I want to thank council member Lane for being such a consistent leader, champion, and clear-eyed individual when it comes to advocating for that.

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And I hope that all of you will support the IFC that her office mentioned on the message board earlier this week, both for creating that department and then appropriately funding it.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Does that answer?

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Good morning Mayor.

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I see the council members.

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I'm Sussan Almanza with boarder and also with say seniors, advocate for general equity.

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We met all together.

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We said hello to the city in the district.

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I mean, we have the first I want to know that our residents know that DPS and ICE is in our neighbourhoods and they need to be careful.

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Actually, saw them coming from a top list or resting someone.

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So they are out and also like to state that for that is supported a community investment budget.

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Specifically for our elders in our senior lunching program on top list was cut during COVID and never got reinstated.

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So when you talk about seniors that live in poverty that are isolated, this is something that shouldn't be happening.

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And I also want to recommend that you not cut any services for our children and our youth.

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A lot of people can afford private camps private lessons for sports is very difficult for our community to pay 50 dollars and 75 dollars.

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Just a week part of soccer or football or basketball.

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So we really need to look at these issues and also want to address Natasha Harper Madison that it was Benjamin Shave is the core and the name environmental racism.

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And the Dr. Bob Bullard is the grandfather environmental justice.

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And you did not serve on the first people of color.

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Some are adopting the 17 principles environmental justice idea.

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You were not appointed by President Biden to the White House Environmental Justice Leadership Council.

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You have not been dedicated your life to environmental justice.

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So please respect all the environmentalists, people of color and the community to come up here to testify.

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If not, I will make it my mission to be here every week to educate you.

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My dear. Thank you.

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Jay Jay Ramirez.

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Carrie and Smith.

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Alfredo Reyes Junior.

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August for Luzano.

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Barry Jones and Eli Cortez.

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If your name's been called, please come forward.

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Good morning, City Council.

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My name is Jay Jay Ramirez.

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I'm an organizer at Vocal Texas.

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And here in a little bit, you're going to hear from more people with closer lived experience on the reasons we need storage and deposit our sleep.

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But I'm going to speak on the community for our community partners as a whole as well.

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We really support removing the 911 calls center out of the APD budget and keeping the APD budget flat, especially right now is struggling to find money.

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So put the housing social services and housing back on our agenda to really help people and not incarcerate them.

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So please, let's do that.

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Let's keep that APD budget flat and I will finish my time.

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Thank you.

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Hello, council members.

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My name is Alfredo.

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I'm an organizer for Vocal Texas.

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As you all know, my story, I was home for seven and a half years.

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Basically, we're here to talk about is that being homeless, my medication, I was swept myself.

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And my medications and everything else was thrown away.

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If I had to find my help on my own to be able to find a storage and everything else,

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which I basically got on a list for storage, which I wasn't a list for a year and a half and still wasn't called.

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Now, the city claims that the purchase of homelessness with compassion, but over and over again,

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belongings, medications, family photos and much more are going away on the sweeps that happens in our daily basis.

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So to add insult to the, to the inquiry, people living with cancer are giving numbers of violent,

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keeps safe, which basically, as we know, is full.

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Basically, is a dead end.

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When, especially when campments sweeps happen, I've witnessed it myself because I've been to several of these sweeps.

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They're giving them information to call the violent storage or try again to a shelter.

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Basically, some of these people that I run into, a basic time with the basic, they're giving them dead ends instead of the help that they really need.

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Local Texas member asks for storage is when they are faced with, when they're faced with sweeps.

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There was no safe place to store their belongings while more storage, one saw the issue with the problem.

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We do so harm and help more people with some storage and some of the important belongings that they have.

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Mr. Brown next, when we had our actual meeting, one on one, you have stated that homelessness with the priority to you,

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because you have experienced that with a family member.

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Here we are, and that's not a priority, that's how much check-up priority means to something that is very important.

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Thank you.

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Please go ahead.

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Please begin.

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My name is Barry Jones.

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You all know me.

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I'm a leader with local Texas.

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Formerly I was homeless in Austin for 10 years.

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And what I wanted to talk about today is commitment.

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And as we all know, homelessness is a very big issue in Austin right now.

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And we've all said that this is one of our top priorities.

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However, it seems like we're not willing to commit to that priority to actually doing something about it.

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And what I wanted to bring up was that bring forward is that from what I understand,

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Dallas, over the last two years, has removed 60% of their homeless people from the street by getting them housing.

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Okay, that's commitment.

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That is commitment.

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We know that this program is working.

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We know that it's only causing more harm.

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We know that we're just moving more people around.

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You know, at least we could do as at least provide more storage for homeless people when they're swept,

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so that they can have some more to put their belongings.

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But this is not commitment.

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If we are committed to doing something about homelessness,

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we know what the answer is.

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Thank you, members.

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Hello, my name is Carrie Anne and I'm a little bit of vocal sexist.

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I'm here today for the budget for storage.

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I was hoping that you guys will consider more money going to the storage and not APD.

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The storage program helps people get keep their vital documents safe and secure.

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It's not just the storage, it's the stability and dignity.

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And it's a pathway to happen and get back to the substance efficiency.

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Public safety shouldn't be measured by how much you spend on policing.

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It should be measured by how much you invest in solutions that actually help people rebuild their lives.

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When we find stability instead of instability, people have a better chance to succeed.

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I'm asking you today to please prioritize the funding to go to the storage and not APD.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Good morning, Mayor and Council.

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My name is Eli Quartez and I'm a resident of district dream and organizer of vocal

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Texas.

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You've heard some from some of our members about the significance of expanding storage in our city today.

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This is especially relevant considering estuary the ACLU of Texas and the Texas civil rights project.

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We've never had a letter to the city under urging the review of the daily encampment management strategy.

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Unhoused people are still residents of your districts and entitled to constitutionally protected rights.

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There are concerns that the current sweep operations could conflict with constitutional rights due to the seizure and destruction of property,

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especially when destroyed without sufficient adequate notice.

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We continue to call for a pause to the current $1 million daily sweep plan and every day we continue to hemorrhage dollars on these operations

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inflict more harm than good and do nothing real to reduce the number of people living outside.

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In the face of our million dollar daily sweep plan, we hope we have your support in making a much needed and under available resource accessible to the residents in your districts,

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that are facing state violence every day while attempting to continue to navigate daily survival in this overbearing heat.

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If you are committed to continuing this million dollar daily sweep plan,

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you also have an obligation to pair this strategy with an expansion of services in housing and shelter opportunities for people living outside.

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There are people in our city that are that I speak to every day that are losing is just incredibly essential and valuable belongings.

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People have lost survival gear generators, beloved ashes, important documents like social security and ID cars.

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When people are doing everything they can just to survive, just if you're out where they're going to get water, just if you're out how they're going to escape the heat.

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People have been promised for years or told in any chemistry to go to storage to go.

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Put these essential belongings away and there's been an overyear wait list for years.

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So there's a real opportunity in front of you today to really help the residents in your districts that are facing these encampments.

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I really hope that you take this opportunity to support them. Thank you.

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Thank you all.

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I have a few remote speakers on the line.

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Paul Tarty.

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Paul are you there?

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Hello?

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Yes, we can hear you please begin.

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Sir?

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Hi Molly Patal?

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Hello, do you hear me?

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Yes, we can.

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Okay, good morning, awesome to be canceled.

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My name is Molly Patal.

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I am an internal medicine physician in Austin, Texas.

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I am here representing myself from district nine.

376
00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:23,000
I came back to Austin eight years ago and I chose Austin as the only study I would return to in Texas.

377
00:43:23,000 --> 00:43:25,000
Because I believe in what we represent.

378
00:43:25,000 --> 00:43:27,000
My position on this budget is neutral.

379
00:43:27,000 --> 00:43:32,000
I appreciate the need for a balanced budget in such economic times.

380
00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:40,000
I have knowledge and support funding to Austin energy, especially supporting the customer assistance programs and their renewable energy programs.

381
00:43:40,000 --> 00:43:49,000
I also support EMS and the community health paramedic program and the need to have adequate supplies to provide health care in our city.

382
00:43:49,000 --> 00:43:59,000
As a physician who has sent many patients to shelters including marshalling yard, I also support funding the shelter to provide more wraparound and coordinated care.

383
00:43:59,000 --> 00:44:05,000
I will always support growth of housing voucher programs and permanent supportive housing programs as well.

384
00:44:05,000 --> 00:44:08,000
Shelters are only a temporary solution.

385
00:44:08,000 --> 00:44:15,000
I also ask that we reconsider support for programs that sell critical need gaps and trust gaps for us.

386
00:44:15,000 --> 00:44:20,000
These include programs like Caritas, Sunrise and Elbow and San Martino.

387
00:44:20,000 --> 00:44:25,000
Elbow and is an organization that has built significant trust in our Spanish-speaking communities.

388
00:44:25,000 --> 00:44:29,000
And it is an essential time to leverage their expertise.

389
00:44:29,000 --> 00:44:34,000
Lastly, I ask reconsideration of the APD budget and to keep it flat.

390
00:44:34,000 --> 00:44:38,000
APD lets sweep so far have cost $800,000.

391
00:44:38,000 --> 00:44:42,000
And these evictions do not lead to long-term solution.

392
00:44:42,000 --> 00:44:45,000
This money could have been routed to the aforementioned programs.

393
00:44:45,000 --> 00:44:47,000
Thank you for your time today.

394
00:44:47,000 --> 00:44:49,000
That concludes my testimony.

395
00:44:49,000 --> 00:44:51,000
Thank you.

396
00:44:51,000 --> 00:45:00,000
Janice Bookout, Lily Hughes, Ignacio.

397
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:25,000
We'll begin with you and we'll work our way down the road, just state your name for the record, please.

398
00:45:26,000 --> 00:45:30,000
I'll tell you what, you need to put that microphone in front of me, please.

399
00:45:31,000 --> 00:45:32,000
Yeah, there you go.

400
00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:38,000
My name is Lily Hughes, I'm a social worker in the capacity building manager at Texas harm reduction alliance.

401
00:45:38,000 --> 00:45:47,000
As I prepared to sit in front of you today, I thought back on all the times I've sat in one of these seats and shared the bravery, pain and resilience of the community we work with at GHA.

402
00:45:47,000 --> 00:45:52,000
We have decades of data to demonstrate the return on investment in public health initiatives.

403
00:45:52,000 --> 00:45:57,000
Choosing public health is choosing community safety, all while saving taxpayers money.

404
00:45:57,000 --> 00:46:02,000
Despite this, I'm yet again watching the city direct dollars into policing homelessness instead of solving it.

405
00:46:02,000 --> 00:46:13,000
We've had four years of investing in the police budget for recruitment, yet massive gaps in emergency calls persist, homelessness and continues to increase housing and stability continues to increase.

406
00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:20,000
Police violence has increased. Why are we spending limited funding recruiting for an organization people do not want to join?

407
00:46:20,000 --> 00:46:26,000
Why can't we give it an invest that money in social services that will address the social problems that police officers are not equipped to handle?

408
00:46:26,000 --> 00:46:34,000
Just last week, APD responded to a 911 call from a security officer regarding a person waiting on the public sidewalk in front of our drop-in center.

409
00:46:34,000 --> 00:46:39,000
There was not a crisis prior to the verbal escalation instigated by the security officer.

410
00:46:39,000 --> 00:46:44,000
Teachers executive director and Maggie Luna intervened and successfully de-escalated the situation.

411
00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:48,000
But the reason behind the 911 call was solved long before the officers arrived.

412
00:46:49,000 --> 00:46:54,000
The organizations that reduce the financial burden on city services are facing drastic budget cuts.

413
00:46:54,000 --> 00:47:00,000
All Waller City budget is reinvested into policies that have increased spending across multiple departments.

414
00:47:00,000 --> 00:47:07,000
HSO leadership states that the increase in can't management initiative costs upwards of $700,000 in just one month.

415
00:47:07,000 --> 00:47:10,000
HSO has maintained that this money already existed within the budget.

416
00:47:10,000 --> 00:47:16,000
That number does not include the budgets of non-profits that you not have millions of dollars to move around in between departments.

417
00:47:16,000 --> 00:47:24,000
Teacher A has been spending an additional $4,000 a month to replace the vital documents in survival gear of our participants that have been destroyed in the sweeps.

418
00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:29,000
That number also does not include the emotional and mental health support our staff provides.

419
00:47:29,000 --> 00:47:34,000
It does not include the pain myself and my co-workers carry with us as we watch the immense suffering of our participants.

420
00:47:34,000 --> 00:47:37,000
We ask the president to keep the police budget flat.

421
00:47:38,000 --> 00:47:39,000
This book out.

422
00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:43,000
Janice Book out.

423
00:47:43,000 --> 00:47:47,000
D4 I want to talk about the difference between the performance of government and public service.

424
00:47:47,000 --> 00:47:50,000
First to clarify at 54 I got a master's in public health.

425
00:47:50,000 --> 00:47:57,000
Due to a sponsorship inspired by my work in COVID and recommendations from the director of public health and our chief resilience officer.

426
00:47:57,000 --> 00:48:06,000
I've lived in Austin for 30 years on a low income as a wife and mother of musicians who are undervalued by the very city that uses in to promote itself to tourists.

427
00:48:06,000 --> 00:48:16,000
I have worked alongside diverse array of leaders serving folks at 2 a.m. to ensure that they're warm during cold weather and know about the changes that the services of services available.

428
00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:21,000
I am only one of hundreds speaking on the budget that represent a collective death.

429
00:48:21,000 --> 00:48:26,000
Depth of professional and lived expertise that blows my mind.

430
00:48:26,000 --> 00:48:32,000
Since COVID I have seen this council and management shift away from public service evidence-based policy.

431
00:48:32,000 --> 00:48:36,000
Community engagement and transparency all in the name of efficiency and the status quo.

432
00:48:36,000 --> 00:48:38,000
But efficiency has a cost.

433
00:48:38,000 --> 00:48:44,000
The centralized COVID vaccine hub serve many thousands but they were overwhelmingly white.

434
00:48:44,000 --> 00:48:50,000
When we finally were able to work through trusted organizations, the demographics of vaccine acceptance became proportionate.

435
00:48:50,000 --> 00:48:55,000
Inclusion is something is sometimes inefficient because it requires working with a diverse array of folks.

436
00:48:55,000 --> 00:49:05,000
Sometimes they don't have the capacity to track all the metrics RFPs demand but that doesn't mean there aren't thousands of people who would be left out without their work.

437
00:49:05,000 --> 00:49:15,000
occupancy of shelter at shelters more than quadrupled between 2021 and 2026 due to outreach of organizations that sometimes never got compensation for that work.

438
00:49:15,000 --> 00:49:22,000
But this administration seems to be intent on subverting that kind of work by reorganizing offices and demoting subject matter experts.

439
00:49:22,000 --> 00:49:27,000
The kind that tell the whole truth with business-minded folks committed to efficiency.

440
00:49:27,000 --> 00:49:35,000
Those missing voices of staff experts from the city are now muted from speaking at council meetings making pushing agendas easier.

441
00:49:35,000 --> 00:49:42,000
We have seen the community recommendations subverted through the TRE which bundled community priorities into something to put before a public vote.

442
00:49:42,000 --> 00:49:45,000
Now you're considering the police budget.

443
00:49:45,000 --> 00:49:47,000
Thank you very much.

444
00:49:48,000 --> 00:49:50,000
Thank you very much.

445
00:49:50,000 --> 00:49:53,000
Please begin.

446
00:49:53,000 --> 00:49:57,000
Good morning, my name is Michelle Mening Scott and I am a resident of District 7.

447
00:49:57,000 --> 00:50:05,000
I am speaking today as another citizen and support of the community investment budget and for fully funding all of the social services the community depends on.

448
00:50:05,000 --> 00:50:11,000
I also wish to declare my strong objection as a tax paying citizen of the city to the following.

449
00:50:11,000 --> 00:50:16,000
Number one, the newest income and clearing strategy the city implemented earlier this year.

450
00:50:16,000 --> 00:50:25,000
Based on information I've become aware of through multiple area nonprofit and mutual aid organizations who provide services to the low income and unhoused population of the city.

451
00:50:25,000 --> 00:50:30,000
Many of whom you've already who have already spoken to you during these proceedings this month.

452
00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:44,000
You've certainly unconstitutional incredibly harmful inhumane cost prohibitive and just plain illogical based on what is most needed by the population being dehumanized by this ill conceived strategy.

453
00:50:44,000 --> 00:50:55,000
I also strongly object to any increase to the awesome police department budget above what is legally required by previous agreements made as part of prior union contracts unfortunately.

454
00:50:55,000 --> 00:51:03,000
The inexplicable defending of programs within and the slow dismantling and undermining of the progress made by the equity division.

455
00:51:03,000 --> 00:51:15,000
The equity division formerly known as the equity office was created over 11 years ago after a coalition of community members leaders and organizers request the city leadership at that time.

456
00:51:15,000 --> 00:51:22,000
Finally address the well known and undocumented racial and economic disparities that exist within the populations of the city.

457
00:51:22,000 --> 00:51:28,000
The conditions that created those disparities have been here since before the city was founded.

458
00:51:28,000 --> 00:51:34,000
And it took decades for those issues to even be acknowledged let alone addressed.

459
00:51:34,000 --> 00:51:43,000
And in this current political climate we are in right now the gains made and addressing those conditions past 11 years plus are now eroding.

460
00:51:43,000 --> 00:51:50,000
We cannot afford to go backwards nor should any of us be bullied into believing top down decision making knows better than the community it serves.

461
00:51:50,000 --> 00:51:58,000
Is the people in this community who are marginalized and left out of this decisions that affect them the most and who are the ones we should be listening to the hardest.

462
00:51:58,000 --> 00:52:02,000
Who among you will continue to be the same. Thank you.

463
00:52:02,000 --> 00:52:12,000
You're going to you're out of order and you need to leave the chambers.

464
00:52:12,000 --> 00:52:16,000
You need to leave the chambers.

465
00:52:16,000 --> 00:52:20,000
Thank you.

466
00:52:20,000 --> 00:52:25,000
The best.

467
00:52:25,000 --> 00:52:30,000
Thank you. Mayor Watson. Mayor Protembella and city council members.

468
00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:34,000
My name is Pat Balstreyes and I live in district three.

469
00:52:34,000 --> 00:52:46,000
I am here to again speak about animal services and specifically to ask you to restore the full amount of funding for emergency veterinary care that was cut last year.

470
00:52:47,000 --> 00:52:56,000
Council member Lane. I am aware that you restored a hundred thousand dollars out of your I think it's called discretionary funds. I'm not sure.

471
00:52:56,000 --> 00:52:59,000
To offset some of that cut.

472
00:52:59,000 --> 00:53:01,000
Thank you very much.

473
00:53:01,000 --> 00:53:06,000
I never didn't fully restore the 450,000 and Mayor Protembella.

474
00:53:06,000 --> 00:53:14,000
I understand that you also helped find savings from the spare board ordinance or directive.

475
00:53:14,000 --> 00:53:19,000
But that savings has not been realized so the services have been cut.

476
00:53:19,000 --> 00:53:26,000
I am not here to ask you to increase general funds for restoring the cuts.

477
00:53:26,000 --> 00:53:36,000
The animal services office has a donations fund that currently has a million dollar fund balance.

478
00:53:36,000 --> 00:53:39,000
Part of that fund balance.

479
00:53:39,000 --> 00:53:55,000
$500,000 has been set aside for a puppy play yard that I understand from this director the prior director set that aside thinking he could get a puppy play yard with $500,000

480
00:53:55,000 --> 00:53:57,000
and apparently we cannot.

481
00:53:57,000 --> 00:54:16,000
And Mayor Protem, I understand that you're going to be looking into general something Baseo bonds certificates of obligation to look into a feasibility study for yet a bigger shelter footprint.

482
00:54:16,000 --> 00:54:19,000
And that will help with the puppy issue.

483
00:54:19,000 --> 00:54:27,000
So given that there's $500,000 in the donations fund given that last year you cut 450,000 invents services.

484
00:54:27,000 --> 00:54:28,000
Thank you very much.

485
00:54:28,000 --> 00:54:29,000
Thank you.

486
00:54:29,000 --> 00:54:31,000
Appreciate you being you.

487
00:54:32,000 --> 00:54:34,000
Missile Ramos.

488
00:54:34,000 --> 00:54:35,000
Andrea Abel.

489
00:54:35,000 --> 00:54:37,000
Alicia Fish White.

490
00:54:37,000 --> 00:54:38,000
Whitecher.

491
00:54:38,000 --> 00:54:40,000
The Novia Joseph.

492
00:54:40,000 --> 00:54:42,000
Rosa Maria Maria.

493
00:54:51,000 --> 00:54:56,000
Won't we start here and we'll go this direction so she's sitting down and we'll just go down the road.

494
00:54:56,000 --> 00:55:00,000
Lisa.

495
00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:01,000
Hey, how you doing?

496
00:55:01,000 --> 00:55:09,000
My name is Missile Ramos and before I speak, I want to bring attention that ice has detained people right outside city hall today.

497
00:55:09,000 --> 00:55:15,000
These individuals will need support as their families try to relocate and find their loved ones.

498
00:55:15,000 --> 00:55:21,000
We cannot let this happen on our city's land and we need to demand more.

499
00:55:21,000 --> 00:55:25,000
Thank you council members for going through the budget proposal and working towards a budget that's equitable for all of us.

500
00:55:25,000 --> 00:55:38,000
With the questions that have been asked and additional information provided we're seeing a public push towards money reallocation into our actual communities.

501
00:55:38,000 --> 00:55:54,000
With the current budget currents we're stripping almost $17 million away from the social services that support Austin citizens from mental health housing workforce development along with many other services that help community survive and thrive.

502
00:55:54,000 --> 00:55:59,000
So I ask that you please move the 911 call center out of APD.

503
00:55:59,000 --> 00:56:03,000
Let's give our communities the investment they actually deserve.

504
00:56:03,000 --> 00:56:15,000
And please if you can do anything to help those individuals that were detained earlier that I mentioned earlier today that you share any call of actions that the public can engage on.

505
00:56:15,000 --> 00:56:18,000
We cannot let this happen on city land.

506
00:56:18,000 --> 00:56:20,000
That's it. Thank you.

507
00:56:20,000 --> 00:56:22,000
Please.

508
00:56:22,000 --> 00:56:25,000
If you'll go next or state your name for the record.

509
00:56:25,000 --> 00:56:33,000
Hello Mayor Watson and city council members. My name is Alicia Fishwiker. I'm the food access director at farm share Austin.

510
00:56:33,000 --> 00:56:43,000
Farm share Austin's fresh for less is a food access program that provides fresh produce and groceries to 33,000 people in need across 25 zip codes.

511
00:56:43,000 --> 00:56:52,000
Fresh for less consistently exceeds deliverables providing over 700 opportunities throughout the year for customers to access nutrient dense foods.

512
00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:59,000
95% of our customers increase their fruit and vegetable consumption as a result of shopping with us.

513
00:56:59,000 --> 00:57:02,000
Food access is different from emergency food.

514
00:57:02,000 --> 00:57:06,000
The majority of our customers use mobile markets and home delivery multiple times.

515
00:57:06,000 --> 00:57:18,000
APH metrics on contracts are geared toward providing one time services for a large number of people and penalized farm share on our reporting since we don't register customers.

516
00:57:18,000 --> 00:57:22,000
We aim to eliminate as many barriers to healthy food as possible.

517
00:57:22,000 --> 00:57:26,000
Farm share leverages city of Austin funding to increase impact.

518
00:57:26,000 --> 00:57:33,000
This is especially essential since city of Austin contracts do not allow for cost of living increases.

519
00:57:33,000 --> 00:57:38,000
We need to make sure that there are no direct expenses or equipment such as vans and walking coolers.

520
00:57:38,000 --> 00:57:41,000
We could not operate without leveraging other funding.

521
00:57:41,000 --> 00:57:46,000
Before the city makes cuts and eliminates access to healthy foods for thousands of people.

522
00:57:46,000 --> 00:57:49,000
Please look at how you're evaluating program effectiveness.

523
00:57:49,000 --> 00:57:51,000
Thank you.

524
00:57:51,000 --> 00:57:53,000
Thank you very much.

525
00:57:53,000 --> 00:58:00,000
Good morning Mayor and council. I'm Andrea Abel. I'm the executive director of farm share Austin and a resident of D3.

526
00:58:00,000 --> 00:58:05,000
And I'm here to oppose the reduction funding that supported the convenient healthy food program.

527
00:58:05,000 --> 00:58:08,000
I'm also here to oppose the cuts to social services.

528
00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:15,000
The first line item that I mentioned is the line item that sends the fresh for less mobile markets and home delivery.

529
00:58:15,000 --> 00:58:21,000
Farm share Austin also participates in two food is medicine programs.

530
00:58:21,000 --> 00:58:26,000
So I wanted to share some voices from Austinites who have benefited from fresh for less.

531
00:58:26,000 --> 00:58:32,000
This is from a mom participating in our produce and pantry rx which is partially supported by APH.

532
00:58:32,000 --> 00:58:35,000
We stopped doing a lot of McDonald's and eating out.

533
00:58:35,000 --> 00:58:38,000
My daughter had the option to buy the groceries herself.

534
00:58:38,000 --> 00:58:44,000
So she say, okay, I'll pick them up. I'll pick them out and we can cook dinner.

535
00:58:44,000 --> 00:58:49,000
Now she comes home after school and we cook together before picking up my oldest.

536
00:58:49,000 --> 00:58:53,000
And we all eat dinner as a family. I think the program pushed it to happen.

537
00:58:54,000 --> 00:58:58,000
Here's a testimony all from our fresh for less home delivery customer.

538
00:58:58,000 --> 00:59:05,000
I used to live on a farm and haven't been able to get the same quality produce and so many years with the prices of groceries these days.

539
00:59:05,000 --> 00:59:08,000
I'm so happy y'all are able to deliver to my zip code.

540
00:59:08,000 --> 00:59:14,000
Since I have to travel with an oxygen tank and going to the grocery store isn't an option for me.

541
00:59:14,000 --> 00:59:20,000
And this is from a food as best medicine participant which is for postpartum food and secure moms.

542
00:59:20,000 --> 00:59:27,000
It is meant so much. We are over the income limit for snap by less than 45 dollars and so we don't qualify.

543
00:59:27,000 --> 00:59:32,000
Access to food is a real struggle for our family. This program is meant so much to us.

544
00:59:32,000 --> 00:59:36,000
Honestly, I don't know what we would have eaten some days without this food.

545
00:59:36,000 --> 00:59:41,000
It helped us to be able to eat and feed our kids and it was healthy too. We are truly grateful.

546
00:59:41,000 --> 00:59:47,000
I'm heart and to see that council is considering a different process for evaluating nonprofit contracts with the city.

547
00:59:47,000 --> 00:59:55,000
And as you develop this process, we would like to welcome the opportunity to participate and provide a perspective from a practitioner.

548
00:59:55,000 --> 00:59:57,000
Thank you.

549
00:59:57,000 --> 00:59:59,000
Dr. Maria.

550
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:13,000
Good morning, Mayor, and council members. Thank you for the opportunity to be here. I'm going to start with my ask. Please fully find social services.

551
01:00:13,000 --> 01:00:26,000
In February, Councilwoman Fuentes directed city management to undertake a comprehensive transparent evidence-based review of this investments.

552
01:00:26,000 --> 01:00:34,000
Five months later, we're still waiting for that. It is my hope that today the presentation reflects that.

553
01:00:34,000 --> 01:00:43,000
And as you evaluate the proposal today, please do not place one basic need against another.

554
01:00:43,000 --> 01:00:51,000
Or balance the budget on the backs of our neighbors with the fewest alternatives.

555
01:00:51,000 --> 01:01:02,000
Housing and food are connected. Behavioral health, workforce support, family stability and care for older adults are connected.

556
01:01:02,000 --> 01:01:08,000
Children do not thrive apart from the families and communities that surround them.

557
01:01:08,000 --> 01:01:13,000
Investing in youth also means investing in the parents who raise them.

558
01:01:13,000 --> 01:01:21,000
The older adults who care for them. The housing that keeps families together in the food that nourishes them.

559
01:01:21,000 --> 01:01:27,000
Many providers already have solved the term percent reduction in this year.

560
01:01:27,000 --> 01:01:35,000
While some absorb a 25 percent. That equates to a million dollars.

561
01:01:35,000 --> 01:01:41,000
Any restoration adopted today should become part of the city's ongoing base.

562
01:01:41,000 --> 01:01:47,000
So next year, Council is not addressing the remaining projected reductions.

563
01:01:47,000 --> 01:01:55,000
And not reopening the full $16 million that was proposed for fiscal year 27.

564
01:01:55,000 --> 01:01:58,000
Thank you for the opportunity.

565
01:01:58,000 --> 01:02:00,000
Thank you. Thank all of you.

566
01:02:00,000 --> 01:02:15,000
Thank you, Joseph.

567
01:02:15,000 --> 01:02:16,000
Thank you, Mayor. Council.

568
01:02:16,000 --> 01:02:23,000
I just wanted to start with last year's budget and with the contract with voters.

569
01:02:23,000 --> 01:02:29,000
Specifically, I want to remind you that the contract with voters specified.

570
01:02:29,000 --> 01:02:32,000
Order improvements and Northamara was number one.

571
01:02:32,000 --> 01:02:39,000
But instead we have Eric Bailey using the bond money like a blank check.

572
01:02:39,000 --> 01:02:41,000
I don't see my screen.

573
01:02:41,000 --> 01:02:45,000
I don't know either.

574
01:02:45,000 --> 01:02:50,000
I do now.

575
01:02:50,000 --> 01:02:52,000
I'll continue.

576
01:02:52,000 --> 01:02:58,800
I want you to recognize that C preliminary engineering and design is what is actually being funded in

577
01:02:58,800 --> 01:03:03,800
an FY27 and so on page 317 volume 2.

578
01:03:03,800 --> 01:03:10,800
You only have approximately $3 million dollars for Northamara next slide.

579
01:03:10,800 --> 01:03:16,800
I want to remind you that this is what the area looks like when a mom and mom was killed.

580
01:03:16,800 --> 01:03:20,800
This is the same block. Donald Norton was killed in 2016.

581
01:03:20,800 --> 01:03:26,800
January 30th, he died from his injuries February 3rd. Next slide.

582
01:03:26,800 --> 01:03:30,800
This is what vision zero should focus on.

583
01:03:30,800 --> 01:03:33,800
Respectfully, the city manager is not sitting there.

584
01:03:33,800 --> 01:03:37,800
But we pay him a base salary of $488,000.

585
01:03:37,800 --> 01:03:41,800
Basically a half a million dollars to make tough decisions.

586
01:03:41,800 --> 01:03:46,800
And he said that vision zero was not simply branding our policy.

587
01:03:46,800 --> 01:03:49,800
But in fact, it is next slide.

588
01:03:49,800 --> 01:03:54,800
This is a affordable housing development and it's in district 7.

589
01:03:54,800 --> 01:03:58,800
This is where the pedestrian hybrid beacon is being placed.

590
01:03:58,800 --> 01:04:00,800
And two council members, Siegel.

591
01:04:00,800 --> 01:04:05,800
I just want you to know that the information you received on Tuesday was inaccurate as a release.

592
01:04:05,800 --> 01:04:06,800
So affordable housing.

593
01:04:06,800 --> 01:04:08,800
There are 101.

594
01:04:08,800 --> 01:04:10,800
You unders our 2026.

595
01:04:10,800 --> 01:04:11,800
Under score budget.

596
01:04:11,800 --> 01:04:15,800
There's 101 vouchers over as barrel ruddling.

597
01:04:15,800 --> 01:04:16,800
Next slide.

598
01:04:16,800 --> 01:04:19,800
I don't 171 units.

599
01:04:19,800 --> 01:04:22,800
My point here, Mayor, is that you're not being honest.

600
01:04:22,800 --> 01:04:25,800
You made a good speech about trust on Tuesday.

601
01:04:25,800 --> 01:04:27,800
But you need to put in money where your mouth is.

602
01:04:27,800 --> 01:04:30,800
If you have any questions, I'll let the answer them at this time.

603
01:04:30,800 --> 01:04:32,800
Thank you, Mayor Joseph.

604
01:04:32,800 --> 01:04:35,800
Continuing on with one, Tracy Cornelius.

605
01:04:35,800 --> 01:04:37,800
Henry Sands.

606
01:04:37,800 --> 01:04:39,800
Mary Cree.

607
01:04:39,800 --> 01:04:41,800
Carol Hurley.

608
01:04:41,800 --> 01:04:43,800
And Brian McGiverin.

609
01:04:53,800 --> 01:04:55,800
Hello.

610
01:04:55,800 --> 01:04:58,800
I'm Tracy Cornelius.

611
01:04:58,800 --> 01:05:00,800
A leader with central Texas in her face.

612
01:05:00,800 --> 01:05:02,800
A member of all Saints Episcopal Church.

613
01:05:02,800 --> 01:05:03,800
And a board member.

614
01:05:03,800 --> 01:05:04,800
A capital idea.

615
01:05:04,800 --> 01:05:10,800
I'm here today to ask you to support level funding for capital idea.

616
01:05:10,800 --> 01:05:15,800
Capital idea helps adults in low wage jobs move into high demand.

617
01:05:15,800 --> 01:05:17,800
Living wage careers.

618
01:05:17,800 --> 01:05:20,800
Creating a path out of generational poverty.

619
01:05:21,800 --> 01:05:23,800
Mayor Watson Council members.

620
01:05:23,800 --> 01:05:29,800
You have said you prioritize programs with high ROI that address the deepest needs

621
01:05:29,800 --> 01:05:32,800
and are highly impactful.

622
01:05:32,800 --> 01:05:39,800
Capital idea has demonstrated 700 percent return on investment to taxpayers by increasing wages

623
01:05:39,800 --> 01:05:42,800
and reducing the use of social services.

624
01:05:42,800 --> 01:05:47,800
You prioritize programs that perform at a high level and are not duplicated.

625
01:05:47,800 --> 01:05:53,800
Capital idea offers one of the most comprehensive long term workforce development programs in Austin.

626
01:05:53,800 --> 01:05:59,800
Delivering a high level of student support program completion and job placement.

627
01:05:59,800 --> 01:06:03,800
Capital idea has an 84 percent annual retention rate.

628
01:06:03,800 --> 01:06:15,800
2025 graduates increase their average annual wage from 22,000 a year to 70,000 a year, a 250 percent increase.

629
01:06:15,800 --> 01:06:20,800
The city wants to prioritize basics, public safety, parks, libraries.

630
01:06:20,800 --> 01:06:23,800
The city wants to be open for business.

631
01:06:23,800 --> 01:06:29,800
Provide a talent pipeline for employers and grow our tax base so that we can afford to do all these things well.

632
01:06:29,800 --> 01:06:33,800
Capital idea helps with these goals and has another priority.

633
01:06:33,800 --> 01:06:41,800
Making sure that people who have had barriers to entry get a chance to participate fully in the economic success that

634
01:06:41,800 --> 01:06:44,800
contributes to making life in Austin so great.

635
01:06:44,800 --> 01:06:46,800
Thank you.

636
01:06:46,800 --> 01:06:48,800
Thank you.

637
01:06:48,800 --> 01:06:50,800
What will we go next here?

638
01:06:50,800 --> 01:06:52,800
Why won't we start with you and then we'll go down the road?

639
01:06:52,800 --> 01:06:54,800
Is that okay?

640
01:06:54,800 --> 01:06:56,800
Good morning, Mayor Watson.

641
01:06:56,800 --> 01:06:57,800
Mayor Pritim Vaila.

642
01:06:57,800 --> 01:06:59,800
Council members and my fellow Austinites.

643
01:06:59,800 --> 01:07:01,800
My name is Mary Cree.

644
01:07:01,800 --> 01:07:07,800
I lived in Austin since 1986 and in District 4 since 1992.

645
01:07:07,800 --> 01:07:10,800
I'm a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church.

646
01:07:10,800 --> 01:07:13,800
I'm a leader with Central Texas Center Faith.

647
01:07:13,800 --> 01:07:18,800
It is my great honor today to speak to you regarding Capital idea.

648
01:07:18,800 --> 01:07:24,800
Capital idea, founded in 1998, helps working adults choose new careers,

649
01:07:24,800 --> 01:07:29,800
connecting them with education, training, career development opportunities,

650
01:07:29,800 --> 01:07:33,800
through partnerships with local, major employers.

651
01:07:33,800 --> 01:07:38,800
Capital idea provides tuition, books, tutoring, child care,

652
01:07:38,800 --> 01:07:42,800
and other support to help students complete their training.

653
01:07:42,800 --> 01:07:48,800
Capital idea has made it possible for thousands of Austin area adults to work their way

654
01:07:48,800 --> 01:07:52,800
from low income employment to higher paying careers.

655
01:07:52,800 --> 01:07:57,800
Last year, 169 students found jobs in their field of study,

656
01:07:57,800 --> 01:08:01,800
earning an average starting wage of $33 per hour.

657
01:08:02,800 --> 01:08:08,800
In 2023, the Ray Marshall Center at the University of Texas at Austin found

658
01:08:08,800 --> 01:08:15,800
that Capital idea participants achieved an average increase of $19,924

659
01:08:15,800 --> 01:08:17,800
in annual earnings.

660
01:08:17,800 --> 01:08:20,800
These are life-changing results.

661
01:08:20,800 --> 01:08:28,800
It also found that for every $1 invested, the city receives $7 increase tax revenue.

662
01:08:28,800 --> 01:08:33,800
My son, born and raised in Austin, and a new CPA, my in-house accountant,

663
01:08:33,800 --> 01:08:36,800
thinks this is a good idea too.

664
01:08:36,800 --> 01:08:39,800
Thank you.

665
01:08:39,800 --> 01:08:40,800
Please.

666
01:08:40,800 --> 01:08:42,800
Good morning, Mayor and Council.

667
01:08:42,800 --> 01:08:46,800
I am Henry Signs, a member of our Lady of Weather Loop at Catholic Church.

668
01:08:46,800 --> 01:08:53,800
I am a native Austinite and I am a proud retired member of the UPS Union.

669
01:08:53,800 --> 01:08:57,800
I am also a Central Texas Interfaith leader.

670
01:08:57,800 --> 01:09:01,800
I have been around long enough to remember when it was Austin Interfaith.

671
01:09:01,800 --> 01:09:09,800
Capital idea was founded in 1998 by the organizing work of Central Texas Interfaith.

672
01:09:09,800 --> 01:09:14,800
It was built off the success of the summer youth employment program,

673
01:09:14,800 --> 01:09:20,800
helping kids to get professional experience, stay in school, and get some money.

674
01:09:20,800 --> 01:09:25,800
Members of the business community saw the summer youth program success

675
01:09:25,800 --> 01:09:31,800
and came to us asking if we could build something similar with them for adults.

676
01:09:31,800 --> 01:09:36,800
And so, Capital idea was born 28 years ago.

677
01:09:36,800 --> 01:09:43,800
For almost 30 years, Capital idea has been a leader in making sure that Austin and the surrounding region

678
01:09:43,800 --> 01:09:48,800
has a strong workforce that can meet the needs of our growing community.

679
01:09:48,800 --> 01:09:53,800
I urge you to continue not just support this program,

680
01:09:53,800 --> 01:09:56,800
but to champion it's continued work.

681
01:09:56,800 --> 01:10:00,800
Champion this program secures the future of Austinites,

682
01:10:00,800 --> 01:10:04,800
being able to actually afford to live and thrive here.

683
01:10:04,800 --> 01:10:05,800
Thank you.

684
01:10:11,800 --> 01:10:13,800
Good morning, Members of Council.

685
01:10:13,800 --> 01:10:14,800
My name is Brian McGivern.

686
01:10:14,800 --> 01:10:17,800
I am the Director of the Austin Community Law Center

687
01:10:17,800 --> 01:10:20,800
and I'm also on the Vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church,

688
01:10:20,800 --> 01:10:23,800
which is a member of Central Texas Interfaith.

689
01:10:23,800 --> 01:10:28,800
And I can't tell you how many people I have helped liberate from

690
01:10:28,800 --> 01:10:33,800
an abuser with a protective order who then turned to me and said,

691
01:10:33,800 --> 01:10:35,800
what's next?

692
01:10:35,800 --> 01:10:39,800
All two of them, people that I work with, they are young,

693
01:10:39,800 --> 01:10:43,800
they have children, and they have only a high school diploma.

694
01:10:43,800 --> 01:10:46,800
What's next is a very difficult answer.

695
01:10:46,800 --> 01:10:50,800
One of the few raised of hope in that scenario

696
01:10:50,800 --> 01:10:52,800
are programs like Capital Idea.

697
01:10:52,800 --> 01:10:56,800
The other speakers are not understating it when they say

698
01:10:56,800 --> 01:11:00,800
Capital Idea has a life-changing impact, not just for the individual served,

699
01:11:00,800 --> 01:11:02,800
but also generationally.

700
01:11:02,800 --> 01:11:08,800
I know that you have many hard decisions in this budget.

701
01:11:09,800 --> 01:11:16,800
But I also know that you all know what the right thing

702
01:11:16,800 --> 01:11:17,800
do is here.

703
01:11:17,800 --> 01:11:21,800
I would strongly, strongly encourage you to fund

704
01:11:21,800 --> 01:11:25,800
fully fund Capital Idea and our social services.

705
01:11:25,800 --> 01:11:29,800
I know it's really difficult to make major alterations

706
01:11:29,800 --> 01:11:31,800
to a proposed budget.

707
01:11:31,800 --> 01:11:35,800
But I have faith that you have the courage and the strength to do it.

708
01:11:35,800 --> 01:11:36,800
Thank you.

709
01:11:37,800 --> 01:11:38,800
Thank you.

710
01:11:38,800 --> 01:11:40,800
Please.

711
01:11:40,800 --> 01:11:42,800
Good morning.

712
01:11:42,800 --> 01:11:45,800
May it please the Council and Mayor Watson.

713
01:11:45,800 --> 01:11:46,800
My name is Carol Hurley.

714
01:11:46,800 --> 01:11:50,800
I'm a petitioner at St. Mary's Cathedral,

715
01:11:50,800 --> 01:11:54,800
and I have lived in District 10 for 56 years.

716
01:11:54,800 --> 01:11:56,800
I am a central Texas Interfaith leader.

717
01:11:56,800 --> 01:12:00,800
I am here today to encourage the Council to prioritize funding

718
01:12:00,800 --> 01:12:04,800
for leading organizations that provide long-term workforce development

719
01:12:04,800 --> 01:12:07,800
like Capital Idea.

720
01:12:07,800 --> 01:12:11,800
Capital Idea targets a demographic that otherwise is not served.

721
01:12:11,800 --> 01:12:14,800
I am an attorney who has spent a number of years

722
01:12:14,800 --> 01:12:16,800
representing children in foster care,

723
01:12:16,800 --> 01:12:20,800
and I am the former foster parent and adoptive parent

724
01:12:20,800 --> 01:12:24,800
of two daughters who came through the foster care system in Travis County.

725
01:12:24,800 --> 01:12:27,800
These experiences have shown me how difficult it is

726
01:12:27,800 --> 01:12:31,800
for this population to live independently and successfully.

727
01:12:32,800 --> 01:12:35,800
This population does not have the support of typical families,

728
01:12:35,800 --> 01:12:38,800
and they frequently struggle with executive functioning.

729
01:12:38,800 --> 01:12:41,800
This program provides the kinds of supports and services

730
01:12:41,800 --> 01:12:45,800
that facilitate success not typically available in colleges

731
01:12:45,800 --> 01:12:49,800
and technical schools or community colleges.

732
01:12:49,800 --> 01:12:53,800
Our homeless population is made up in large part

733
01:12:53,800 --> 01:12:57,800
by individuals who aged out of foster care.

734
01:12:57,800 --> 01:13:00,800
These individuals through no fault of their own

735
01:13:00,800 --> 01:13:03,800
end up using public resources.

736
01:13:03,800 --> 01:13:06,800
The community bears the cost to feed them provide health care,

737
01:13:06,800 --> 01:13:08,800
often very expensive emergency health care,

738
01:13:08,800 --> 01:13:11,800
and housing them in our jails and prisons.

739
01:13:11,800 --> 01:13:14,800
Capital Idea allows the same individuals

740
01:13:14,800 --> 01:13:18,800
to take charge of their lives, obtain good, stable employment,

741
01:13:18,800 --> 01:13:22,800
and become tax paying residents of our city.

742
01:13:22,800 --> 01:13:26,800
This is the kind of program that sets Austin apart.

743
01:13:26,800 --> 01:13:30,800
This is a kind of program that makes me proud to be a person

744
01:13:30,800 --> 01:13:35,800
who lives here and has something to do with changing the way the world is.

745
01:13:35,800 --> 01:13:39,800
And I hope that each of you can take pride and do that as well.

746
01:13:39,800 --> 01:13:40,800
Thank you.

747
01:13:40,800 --> 01:13:42,800
Thank you.

748
01:13:46,800 --> 01:13:50,800
Mother Katie Luba, Monica Guzman,

749
01:13:51,800 --> 01:13:57,800
Jacob Reach, Rivas, Susan Spataro.

750
01:14:06,800 --> 01:14:09,800
We'll begin here and move down the road, please.

751
01:14:12,800 --> 01:14:14,800
Good morning.

752
01:14:14,800 --> 01:14:17,800
Council members and Mayor Kirk Watson.

753
01:14:17,800 --> 01:14:18,800
I'm Mother Katie Luba.

754
01:14:18,800 --> 01:14:22,800
I'm the director at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church located in District 10.

755
01:14:22,800 --> 01:14:25,800
Past Vice Chair of Capital Idea,

756
01:14:25,800 --> 01:14:28,800
a board member of Central Texas Interfaith.

757
01:14:28,800 --> 01:14:33,800
My mom was a single mom with three children and a divorce.

758
01:14:33,800 --> 01:14:35,800
Through efforts of our extended family,

759
01:14:35,800 --> 01:14:38,800
she was able to get her education,

760
01:14:38,800 --> 01:14:40,800
leading to all of her children,

761
01:14:40,800 --> 01:14:42,800
completing master's degrees.

762
01:14:42,800 --> 01:14:45,800
That's the kind of intergenerational effect

763
01:14:45,800 --> 01:14:47,800
the capital idea has.

764
01:14:47,800 --> 01:14:49,800
She was our capital idea,

765
01:14:49,800 --> 01:14:53,800
and I often wonder how her life would have been different.

766
01:14:53,800 --> 01:14:56,800
She had had an outside organization like capital idea

767
01:14:56,800 --> 01:14:58,800
to do that work even earlier.

768
01:14:58,800 --> 01:14:59,800
She did that.

769
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:08,000
Adding credible job, but not all are so resilient or so lucky. Today, I am ahead of congregation at St.

770
01:15:08,000 --> 01:15:20,000
Matthews. In an area where many people don't need a program like capital idea, but some still do. And the city of Austin has many that need it.

771
01:15:20,000 --> 01:15:30,000
It's one of the main places people move to after graduating capital idea, getting a nursing job, working at a nearby hospital or health clinic in district ten and throughout the city.

772
01:15:30,000 --> 01:15:37,000
The program is important. We strongly encourage you to support it at past levels. Thank you.

773
01:15:37,000 --> 01:15:40,000
Thank you. Good morning.

774
01:15:40,000 --> 01:15:52,000
Good morning. I'm Monica Guzman, policy director at GAVA. Yesterday, GAVA submitted up dated fiscal 27 budget recommendations, specifically changes to the early childhood and education recommendations.

775
01:15:52,000 --> 01:16:09,000
We removed the $100,000 for the program coordinator role at Austin Economic Development, and we updated the initial bullet to 75,000 sustained funding for the Austin Travis County Family Child Care Educator Network partnerships for continued support for home base childcare.

776
01:16:09,000 --> 01:16:22,000
The reasons for the updates was to clarify we're recommending funding for the FCC E network to support the network activities and partnerships in light of our understanding that the program coordinator position,

777
01:16:22,000 --> 01:16:29,000
also known as the FCC E network coordinator, ended July 31 and will not be back filled.

778
01:16:29,000 --> 01:16:49,000
To support existing Austin Public Health and Austin Economic Development, early childhood staff, to work with community partners, including United Way for Greater Austin, homegrown, raising Travis County and GAVA, who will be collaborating to ensure the continued positive impact and sustainability of the FCC E network for home base providers,

779
01:16:49,000 --> 01:17:04,000
established by the City of Austin and homegrown BCN partnership in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 as a transition to United Way by September 28 as it sustainable organizational home.

780
01:17:04,000 --> 01:17:10,000
In addition, it's good that 4.7 million has been identified for used to restore funding to social service contracts.

781
01:17:10,000 --> 01:17:23,000
It's also important to fund critical social infrastructures, specifically 3 million for the family stabilization grant to economically stabilize about 225 households during this time of increased cost of living.

782
01:17:23,000 --> 01:17:36,000
There are 70,000 for legal representation services and 250,000 for mental health services for immigrant support to navigate this heinous political climate while residents are being detained daily, especially in districts 24 and 5.

783
01:17:36,000 --> 01:17:43,000
And well as outside City Hall this morning as well as funding the CIV coalition fiscal 27 recommendations.

784
01:17:43,000 --> 01:17:44,000
Thank you.

785
01:17:44,000 --> 01:17:47,000
We urge you to prioritize health and safety of Austin's vulnerable community.

786
01:17:47,000 --> 01:17:48,000
Thank you.

787
01:17:49,000 --> 01:17:50,000
This material.

788
01:17:50,000 --> 01:17:52,000
This business material just took to eight.

789
01:17:52,000 --> 01:17:57,000
I've talked a couple of times on the budget and I haven't yet said and I believe.

790
01:17:57,000 --> 01:18:06,000
Thank you manager Bronex and your staff for putting this budget together and all the work, all of you counsel people have done.

791
01:18:06,000 --> 01:18:13,000
It is complicated, it is not easy and it doesn't, you know, everyone doesn't like much of anything.

792
01:18:13,000 --> 01:18:16,000
But I think you've done a really good job.

793
01:18:16,000 --> 01:18:18,000
I would first, I'm a governmental accountant.

794
01:18:18,000 --> 01:18:19,000
That's my wheelhouse.

795
01:18:19,000 --> 01:18:22,000
And so I want to talk about the increase first in APD.

796
01:18:22,000 --> 01:18:24,000
You know I support public safety.

797
01:18:24,000 --> 01:18:28,000
I think it's the most important job of local government.

798
01:18:28,000 --> 01:18:31,000
But the increase in the APD budget is simple.

799
01:18:31,000 --> 01:18:37,000
And that is, it is the contract that was approved by the city and APA.

800
01:18:37,000 --> 01:18:39,000
You've already agreed to that.

801
01:18:39,000 --> 01:18:43,000
The next thing, it's the payment of pension obligations.

802
01:18:43,000 --> 01:18:47,000
You know, you talked a couple of times about the city's bond rating.

803
01:18:47,000 --> 01:18:54,000
And a couple of years ago, the city's bond rating went down because you weren't meeting the pension obligations.

804
01:18:54,000 --> 01:18:56,000
But you are now and you're at a triple A.

805
01:18:56,000 --> 01:18:58,000
What difference does that make?

806
01:18:58,000 --> 01:19:02,000
The higher you're rating, the lower the interest you pay.

807
01:19:02,000 --> 01:19:04,000
So that's extremely important.

808
01:19:04,000 --> 01:19:08,000
The other primary increase is money from support services.

809
01:19:08,000 --> 01:19:13,000
In a government, you have these different funds and not all government's

810
01:19:13,000 --> 01:19:14,000
handle it the same.

811
01:19:14,000 --> 01:19:17,000
And so you've got support services over here.

812
01:19:17,000 --> 01:19:20,000
You've got other departments in the general fund here.

813
01:19:20,000 --> 01:19:25,000
You chop up the cost of these and you allocate them to the departments.

814
01:19:25,000 --> 01:19:31,000
So one of the big increases is the increase in social support services.

815
01:19:31,000 --> 01:19:34,000
The chief cannot control that.

816
01:19:34,000 --> 01:19:35,000
You can.

817
01:19:35,000 --> 01:19:38,000
So do not cut the police budget.

818
01:19:38,000 --> 01:19:40,000
It's an artificial cut.

819
01:19:40,000 --> 01:19:44,000
And please keep looking out for the taxpayer's dollar.

820
01:19:44,000 --> 01:19:48,000
When people call 911, they want the government to help them.

821
01:19:48,000 --> 01:19:51,000
Thank you very much.

822
01:19:51,000 --> 01:19:52,000
Thank you.

823
01:19:52,000 --> 01:19:54,000
Please.

824
01:19:54,000 --> 01:19:56,000
Rivas district nine.

825
01:19:56,000 --> 01:19:59,000
Council, I'm here once again to tell you to stop the nonsense.

826
01:19:59,000 --> 01:20:03,000
Pay attention to our testimonies and listen to the community.

827
01:20:03,000 --> 01:20:06,000
24.6 million dollars.

828
01:20:06,000 --> 01:20:09,000
That is what you propose to give APD.

829
01:20:09,000 --> 01:20:11,000
24.6 million.

830
01:20:11,000 --> 01:20:13,000
Here's what that amount of money could do.

831
01:20:13,000 --> 01:20:16,000
Reopens saves forensic program so that people.

832
01:20:16,000 --> 01:20:19,000
Raves in the city of Austin can get the care they need.

833
01:20:19,000 --> 01:20:22,000
It can also restart their same nurse training program.

834
01:20:22,000 --> 01:20:24,000
It can open supply and staff.

835
01:20:24,000 --> 01:20:28,000
New homeless shelter here in Austin to get people off the street during this heat wave.

836
01:20:28,000 --> 01:20:31,000
And we all know how much APD spends on sweeping on house,

837
01:20:31,000 --> 01:20:34,000
camping on house, camps without providing any aid to those impacted.

838
01:20:34,000 --> 01:20:39,000
24 million can ensure where the last generation of Austinites fighting aids.

839
01:20:39,000 --> 01:20:41,000
By opening safe needle exchanges.

840
01:20:41,000 --> 01:20:47,000
It can feed every child in AISD's lunch and breakfast program so they can focus on their education

841
01:20:47,000 --> 01:20:49,000
and not where their next meal is coming from.

842
01:20:49,000 --> 01:20:51,000
It can do so much good.

843
01:20:51,000 --> 01:20:55,000
Here's what 24.6 million will do when the hands of APD.

844
01:20:55,000 --> 01:21:00,000
Another dead unarmed black teenager going through a mental health crisis will lose their life.

845
01:21:00,000 --> 01:21:07,000
Another trans woman of color slammed into the sidewalk while APD is responding to the call that they

846
01:21:07,000 --> 01:21:08,000
made.

847
01:21:08,000 --> 01:21:09,000
You know what?

848
01:21:09,000 --> 01:21:11,000
24 million dollars looks like in the hand of APD.

849
01:21:11,000 --> 01:21:14,000
It looks like cops putting on their brand new gas masks.

850
01:21:14,000 --> 01:21:17,000
30 seconds before DPS fires tear gas canisters.

851
01:21:17,000 --> 01:21:23,000
While biological weapons banned in every other donation for being, you know, horrible.

852
01:21:23,000 --> 01:21:28,000
Into a crowd of protesters APD claimed that they failed to adequately control.

853
01:21:28,000 --> 01:21:32,000
24 million dollars in the hands of APD looks like a pregnant unhoused woman.

854
01:21:32,000 --> 01:21:37,000
A block away from a protest getting hit by downwind of set gas when she had nothing to do with it.

855
01:21:37,000 --> 01:21:42,000
We have been here so many times asking for this and we want a flat budget.

856
01:21:42,000 --> 01:21:48,000
We don't want like we want we want what's good for the community and it sounds like you don't listen.

857
01:21:48,000 --> 01:21:53,000
So listen please hear us and do what is right for the community because no one else is

858
01:21:53,000 --> 01:21:56,000
and if you're responsible for that that is horrible.

859
01:21:56,000 --> 01:21:57,000
Thank you.

860
01:21:57,000 --> 01:22:03,000
Good morning Mayor City Council members.

861
01:22:03,000 --> 01:22:04,000
My name is Jacob.

862
01:22:04,000 --> 01:22:09,000
I'm the Chief Operating Officer for communities and schools of central Texas.

863
01:22:09,000 --> 01:22:11,000
And I'm also resident of district gate.

864
01:22:11,000 --> 01:22:15,000
And I'm here to discuss potential reductions to our student support funding.

865
01:22:15,000 --> 01:22:19,000
Students come to school every day facing anxiety to pressure and trauma.

866
01:22:19,000 --> 01:22:24,000
Another challenges that affect their learning, their attendance, their relationships and their academic success.

867
01:22:24,000 --> 01:22:29,000
Communities and schools of central Texas and mental health professionals on school campuses.

868
01:22:29,000 --> 01:22:34,000
So students can receive individualized counseling during the school day in a trusted environment.

869
01:22:34,000 --> 01:22:38,000
The services to state from CIS is other city funding agreement.

870
01:22:38,000 --> 01:22:44,000
Our other contract focuses on case management, family engagement, academic attendance, behavioral outcomes.

871
01:22:44,000 --> 01:22:49,000
And we are very proud of our record and exceeding all of our goals and outcomes for that agreement.

872
01:22:50,000 --> 01:23:01,000
The expanding support for student program provides direct mental health counseling in behavioral health interventions to students who require more intensive clinical support.

873
01:23:01,000 --> 01:23:08,000
CIS acknowledges that the program that was cut fell short of our unduplicated client target.

874
01:23:08,000 --> 01:23:13,000
The short fall reflected limited counseling capacity included shared staffing and shortages.

875
01:23:13,000 --> 01:23:22,000
We also did not include our Dell Valley students who live in the city of Austin and who were served and if included would have met the targets.

876
01:23:22,000 --> 01:23:26,000
While the number of students served were lower than anticipated outcomes were still strong.

877
01:23:26,000 --> 01:23:32,000
Overall 82% of demonstrated improved life skills and met their benchmarks.

878
01:23:32,000 --> 01:23:41,000
If funding is preserved, CIS will implement a focused and accountable service model that includes dedicated counseling in Austin and L Valley schools.

879
01:23:41,000 --> 01:23:48,000
Clear enrollment in outcome targets stronger campus referral processes and stronger corrective action within 30 days.

880
01:23:48,000 --> 01:23:57,000
CIS understands the city's budget constraints and recognized reductions may be necessary eliminating the agreement however could remove dedicated supports.

881
01:23:57,000 --> 01:24:00,000
CIS request continued support of this agreement.

882
01:24:00,000 --> 01:24:03,000
We know the need exists in the services this thing. Thank you.

883
01:24:03,000 --> 01:24:05,000
Thank you.

884
01:24:05,000 --> 01:24:09,000
I have one more remote caller for item one. Paul Tarty.

885
01:24:16,000 --> 01:24:18,000
Hi, what is all Tarty?

886
01:24:18,000 --> 01:24:24,000
This year 10, I come to work with tax-signed additional items in former city of Austin Park.

887
01:24:24,000 --> 01:24:33,000
Both of those roles at Washington, Cameron, Suits, failed editing public came to me and said exacerbate condition that contributed to homelessness.

888
01:24:33,000 --> 01:24:44,000
APD has been tasked with assisting in slaves while life and resources education skills that could effectively bring homeless people and more stable living.

889
01:24:44,000 --> 01:24:57,000
In the same way, the city is aimed at operating at ground profit service providers who are educated and trained well-sprayers of resources that have already proven their successes and doing what each household payles to a college.

890
01:24:57,000 --> 01:25:03,000
Half of the 20 highest grown professions in the US and the areas of medicine, therapy and recovery.

891
01:25:03,000 --> 01:25:11,000
Part of the policy is shifting and it would be wise for the city to act accordingly by discarding a multi-slung needle in the data of the police officer.

892
01:25:11,000 --> 01:25:18,000
And since part of the individuals, you can act with data transmission and efficiency for long-term solutions.

893
01:25:18,000 --> 01:25:29,000
Non-profit partners have unique and specific training through universities, internships, volunteerism and lived experience all on their own nine and not on the city's dollar.

894
01:25:29,000 --> 01:25:40,000
The city would be failing money to keep non-profit organizations funded as they alleviate conditions which may lead to criminalized behavior and are a son's medical emergencies and even prevent deaths.

895
01:25:40,000 --> 01:25:48,000
Childhood of homelessness including increased rent prices, low wages, health issues, incarceration and lack of employment opportunity.

896
01:25:48,000 --> 01:25:55,000
Police do not help people of these conditions, which is why we cannot work deep-pushed in the U.S.

897
01:25:56,000 --> 01:26:08,000
The report of ground loss and peat in 2008 has been steadily declining with the past four years being the lowest in two decades according to the data.

898
01:26:08,000 --> 01:26:15,000
80 days have been understatement using years of low support of the current rate instead of testimony that they are needed at all times.

899
01:26:15,000 --> 01:26:20,000
Public safety is home over the unhoused youth for the hungry very much attention for the health.

900
01:26:20,000 --> 01:26:21,000
Thank you.

901
01:26:21,000 --> 01:26:37,000
Can you continue with the last of the remote speakers for item one, Michael Lofton, Nia Shah, Terrence Hopkins, Alyssa Matthews, Mary Elizabeth and Danielle Silva.

902
01:26:37,000 --> 01:26:44,000
Thank you.

903
01:26:44,000 --> 01:26:46,000
Mr. Lofton, we'll begin with you.

904
01:26:46,000 --> 01:26:47,000
Thank you very much.

905
01:26:47,000 --> 01:26:48,000
Be in here.

906
01:26:48,000 --> 01:26:49,000
Tell me.

907
01:26:49,000 --> 01:26:50,000
Yeah.

908
01:26:50,000 --> 01:26:53,000
Go ahead.

909
01:26:53,000 --> 01:26:54,000
I'll go ahead.

910
01:26:54,000 --> 01:26:55,000
I'll go ahead.

911
01:26:55,000 --> 01:26:56,000
I'll go ahead.

912
01:26:56,000 --> 01:26:57,000
I'll go ahead.

913
01:26:57,000 --> 01:26:58,000
I'll go ahead.

914
01:26:58,000 --> 01:26:59,000
I'll go ahead.

915
01:26:59,000 --> 01:27:00,000
I'll go ahead.

916
01:27:00,000 --> 01:27:01,000
Okay.

917
01:27:01,000 --> 01:27:07,000
The founder and executive director for the African American youth harvest foundation and the trauma recovery center.

918
01:27:07,000 --> 01:27:09,000
I want to say I'm very happy.

919
01:27:09,000 --> 01:27:18,000
To be here today, in addition, I did send a letter last night to all of the city council members to share where we are at with the trauma recovery center.

920
01:27:18,000 --> 01:27:23,000
But I also want to take my hat off to Austin Public Health for two reasons.

921
01:27:23,000 --> 01:27:30,000
This report that they just spent months on working describes all of the work.

922
01:27:30,000 --> 01:27:37,000
That's supported by the Skeleton Safety and Justice Committee and the nonprofit here in Austin.

923
01:27:37,000 --> 01:27:42,000
Austin over the last three to four years, crime has gone down.

924
01:27:42,000 --> 01:27:52,000
And it's due to the work that collared by another system of Vanessa Fuentes and happened to bring the trauma recovery center here.

925
01:27:52,000 --> 01:28:02,000
And here because, you know, I've heard each of the council members over the last five, six, seven days talk about the need for mental health counseling.

926
01:28:02,000 --> 01:28:03,000
And I agree with you.

927
01:28:03,000 --> 01:28:04,000
I agree with you.

928
01:28:04,000 --> 01:28:11,000
And I say that to say, but the sad reality of it is why we're talking about the need for mental health counseling.

929
01:28:11,000 --> 01:28:15,000
We're about to close the trauma recovery center.

930
01:28:15,000 --> 01:28:21,000
And I realize, I'm gonna say this here, I realize that the funding, this contract was scheduled to close.

931
01:28:21,000 --> 01:28:28,000
But I'm also asking you this because we have identified funding for the trauma recovery center.

932
01:28:28,000 --> 01:28:33,000
It's probably going to require some input and support from the city council members.

933
01:28:33,000 --> 01:28:37,000
And so I'm asking for an amendment to the budget to add what is needed.

934
01:28:37,000 --> 01:28:44,000
I do plan to bring all of the other funders to the table and get letters as to what they plan to do.

935
01:28:44,000 --> 01:28:52,000
I plan to do because I think this here is a resource that city of Austin and Travis County cannot turn their back home.

936
01:28:52,000 --> 01:28:59,000
I'll say this here also over the last three or four weeks, we have 40 plus kids to talk about suicide.

937
01:28:59,000 --> 01:29:00,000
Thank you.

938
01:29:00,000 --> 01:29:02,000
Thank you.

939
01:29:02,000 --> 01:29:06,000
Why don't we start here and work with them.

940
01:29:06,000 --> 01:29:07,000
Good morning.

941
01:29:07,000 --> 01:29:08,000
My name is Alyssa Matthews.

942
01:29:08,000 --> 01:29:16,000
I'm here on behalf of hands off central Texas, testifying an opposition of the proposed budget and in support of the community investment budget.

943
01:29:16,000 --> 01:29:23,000
I'm here to urge council to keep APD's budget flat to move 911 out of APD and to fully fund social services.

944
01:29:23,000 --> 01:29:33,000
As others have already discussed today, data shows that when cities invest in policing and not in community services and social services, the outcomes are clear.

945
01:29:33,000 --> 01:29:39,000
It makes our community less safe, worsens the lives of your constituents and it costs taxpayers more money in the long run.

946
01:29:39,000 --> 01:29:42,000
The last part is what I want to focus on today.

947
01:29:42,000 --> 01:29:47,000
When council invest in policing rather than the community interactions with law enforcement increase.

948
01:29:47,000 --> 01:29:55,000
And while following aren't line items on council's budget, so council doesn't seem to care so much about it as the taxpayers do.

949
01:29:55,000 --> 01:30:00,000
When we increase interactions with law enforcement, we increase the cost of our jails, our court system, the cost for.

950
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:11,000
Public defense, and all these things we're coming and hiding about providing resources for now, housing, health care. All of these things we pay for it, as tax payers, we just pay for it on the back end.

951
01:30:11,000 --> 01:30:24,000
I'm here to ask that city council stop passing the buck on investing in our community. We, the taxpayers, know that when you pass the buck onto the county or onto the state, ultimately it is us paying for it.

952
01:30:24,000 --> 01:30:30,000
So I am here to ask you today to do your jobs to represent your community that has been very clear about what they want.

953
01:30:30,000 --> 01:30:36,000
Move 911 out of APD, fully fund social services, keep APD's budget flat.

954
01:30:36,000 --> 01:30:39,000
Represent your constituents. Thank you.

955
01:30:39,000 --> 01:30:47,000
Good morning, Council. My name is Nihasha and I'm a resident of District 3.

956
01:30:48,000 --> 01:31:02,000
So public facing city communications team approved budget summary says that below the public safety header, it's all about ensuring safety and security to fare an equitable public safety responses.

957
01:31:02,000 --> 01:31:17,000
Based on the murder of 17-year-old Antoniel Williams and the fact that a few of our neighbors were just arrested outside this building by ice and collaboration DPS, I'm going to ask which part exactly is fair are equitable in what's being proposed.

958
01:31:17,000 --> 01:31:28,000
All of our tax payer money that you are asking us to pay more off is going into this budget that doesn't quite frankly seem in service of public interest.

959
01:31:28,000 --> 01:31:39,000
And city manager, Bronax's message to the public was, like the community members we serve, we must live within our means. Who's means exactly are you living within with this budget?

960
01:31:39,000 --> 01:31:45,000
I want you to use that standard when evaluating what line items are seeing budget cuts and which ones are not.

961
01:31:45,000 --> 01:31:51,000
And so that end keeping the APD budget flat would be the wise budgetary decision.

962
01:31:51,000 --> 01:32:11,000
A previous commenter has called out at 98% of this proposed increase of 24.2 million is just baseline personnel and wage costs growth under the existing five year contract that this council also approved in 2024 fully knowing the consequences except for a council member cadre who called this out back then.

963
01:32:11,000 --> 01:32:40,000
And what's also stark to me is that there are more than 300 positions within that contract that are authorized for not fulfilled. So again, how is this from a pure discretionary point of view, good use of public funds and especially considering the lack of accountability and the many examples that were given by previous commenters including the millions of dollars spent on daily speeds that are really not seeing a long term solution to our homelessness crisis.

964
01:32:40,000 --> 01:32:48,000
How is this exactly good use of tax per money and so I'm going to talk about social services very money should go and I think on that fully thank you.

965
01:32:48,000 --> 01:32:51,000
Sorry, which times up. Thank you. Yes, please begin.

966
01:32:52,000 --> 01:32:57,000
As we're going to guys, my name is Mr. Terrace Hopkins, I'm a youth man, so at that for a few photos foundation.

967
01:32:57,000 --> 01:33:07,000
So, and I speak it also eight different schools helping kids with the social and social learning to talk about the 60s of education, communication, collaboration, censorship, creativity, character and critical thinking.

968
01:33:07,000 --> 01:33:15,000
And also work with the unhoused helping them find job opportunity housing and helping them get their social security calls versus 50s and driver license.

969
01:33:15,000 --> 01:33:19,000
It's all those essential things that they may need, but I also will call many of the time.

970
01:33:19,000 --> 01:33:27,000
So I had many people come to me and say, Mr. Terrace, I was going to take my life today, but you being here calls me to take a different route.

971
01:33:27,000 --> 01:33:34,000
I had others come to me and say, Mr. Terrace, I actually have my gun on my pocket and I'm getting ready to kill all these guys over here.

972
01:33:34,000 --> 01:33:37,000
But something told me to come over here and talk to you.

973
01:33:37,000 --> 01:33:42,000
And as I begin to talk to them and just tell them about different things of life, I say all this to say,

974
01:33:42,000 --> 01:33:45,000
is that most people don't care how much you know that when they say how much you care.

975
01:33:45,000 --> 01:33:50,000
As at the African-American part of the foundation, we're of someone who cares for those who are in need.

976
01:33:50,000 --> 01:33:55,000
They helped over thousands of people find job placement and also getting to housing.

977
01:33:55,000 --> 01:34:01,000
And I say all this to say, is that within our building where I've over 30 to 2 different nonprofit organizations all under one roof.

978
01:34:01,000 --> 01:34:06,000
Like a one stop shop and they said, each one teach one together, we can reach one.

979
01:34:06,000 --> 01:34:10,000
And we allow for our class to understand and know that this is a victory in the mind.

980
01:34:10,000 --> 01:34:12,000
Your own defeat if you believe you are.

981
01:34:12,000 --> 01:34:20,000
So we're asked if you guys can continue to just allow for us to be funded as an organization as we begin to do protection.

982
01:34:20,000 --> 01:34:25,000
We have provide protection for our communities, protection for our schools, protection for our neighborhoods.

983
01:34:25,000 --> 01:34:27,000
And all those who are in need, we do help as well.

984
01:34:27,000 --> 01:34:29,000
Thank you guys so much for your time.

985
01:34:29,000 --> 01:34:30,000
God bless and have a blessed day.

986
01:34:30,000 --> 01:34:31,000
Thank you.

987
01:34:37,000 --> 01:34:40,000
Good morning council, good morning mayor.

988
01:34:40,000 --> 01:34:42,000
My name is Mary Elizabeth.

989
01:34:42,000 --> 01:34:44,000
I live in district one.

990
01:34:44,000 --> 01:34:57,000
I'm here today to ask if the city budget be amended to include the establishment of an independent emergency communications department staff by civilians.

991
01:34:57,000 --> 01:35:07,000
This batch is the front line of emergency response and must be able to respond comprehensively to the public needs.

992
01:35:07,000 --> 01:35:20,000
911 has for so long been seen primarily as a function of the police department, which has reduced some people's interest in calling.

993
01:35:20,000 --> 01:35:33,000
We're seeing in real time the need to expand this perception to include it's the system's role in accessing mental health support for Austin citizens.

994
01:35:33,000 --> 01:35:48,000
An independent civilian communication system will be a factor in increasing the public's trust in 911.

995
01:35:48,000 --> 01:35:57,000
Trust is low in our community when it comes to calling 911 at this time and it's getting worse.

996
01:35:57,000 --> 01:36:03,000
Emergency response systems only work when people trust them enough to use them.

997
01:36:03,000 --> 01:36:17,000
I hope you will follow the recommendation made by myself and many others to get the 911 system into an independent civilian operated department.

998
01:36:17,000 --> 01:36:20,000
Thank you. Thank you. The silver.

999
01:36:20,000 --> 01:36:24,000
Good morning Mayor and council. I'm Daniela Silva from District 3.

1000
01:36:24,000 --> 01:36:37,000
Before I begin I am pouring you to please use your power and political connections to seek justice for the three construction workers who are changed and kidnapped by ice a little over an hour ago just a few yards from here.

1001
01:36:37,000 --> 01:36:43,000
I'm also here in my personal capacity to ask you to restore funding for the conveniently healthy food program.

1002
01:36:43,000 --> 01:36:52,000
I'm a former employee at Farmshire Austin whose fresh for less food access program is under threat if you choose to move forward with these funding cuts.

1003
01:36:52,000 --> 01:36:58,000
For the record that folks at Farmshire have not asked me to be here and had no idea I was going to be here today I just really care about this program.

1004
01:36:58,000 --> 01:37:07,000
Fresh for less is so unique and that it brings farmers market quality produce and weed spoke quality shelf stable goods directly to communities who otherwise may not be able to access them.

1005
01:37:07,000 --> 01:37:13,000
The markets are held in schools, clinics, rec centers and other community spaces throughout the eastern crescent.

1006
01:37:13,000 --> 01:37:23,000
It was at these markets that folks would tell me or at least as are so good they remind me of the ones back at a ranch or how they love using local ingredients to make their traditional dishes.

1007
01:37:23,000 --> 01:37:28,000
Like when a thea brought me some tamales she made using colored greens instead of corn husks.

1008
01:37:28,000 --> 01:37:31,000
When the pandemic hit, the in-person markets were closed.

1009
01:37:31,000 --> 01:37:37,000
In order to meet the moment and continue serving those struggling with food insecurity and even more challenging conditions.

1010
01:37:37,000 --> 01:37:41,000
The food access program pivoted to create the home delivery service.

1011
01:37:41,000 --> 01:37:49,000
The service was and may still be the only grocery delivery service in Austin that not only accepts not but double up food books.

1012
01:37:49,000 --> 01:37:54,000
The folks at Farmshire Austin cares so deeply about the people and the land here in central Texas.

1013
01:37:54,000 --> 01:38:04,000
They are committed to the work of ensuring everyone regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status can have access to high quality healthy food that actually supports the environment.

1014
01:38:04,000 --> 01:38:13,000
This organization and the programs they run are exactly the type of thing I want my tax dollars being used for not 25 million more for the best resource city department in Austin.

1015
01:38:13,000 --> 01:38:19,000
Keep the police budget flat and protect services and programs provided by local organizations like Farmshire Austin.

1016
01:38:19,000 --> 01:38:22,000
Thank you.

1017
01:38:22,000 --> 01:38:25,000
Mayor all speakers right I'm one have been called.

1018
01:38:25,000 --> 01:38:38,000
Thank you very much members of as you've heard all the speakers have been called so I want to ask our professional staff if they'll come forward and.

1019
01:38:38,000 --> 01:38:44,000
Members what I'm going to suggest is that we.

1020
01:38:45,000 --> 01:38:52,000
We have we ask any questions we might have them and then as we indicated we're going to do is we would lay out.

1021
01:38:52,000 --> 01:38:59,000
Proposed amendments proposed proposed I have seen but I'm going to suggest that we do is.

1022
01:38:59,000 --> 01:39:13,000
I may suggest we'll see how long this part goes right but what I may suggest we do is take a 30 minute break and then come back to lay out the amendments in the IFCs and the way I would suggest we do this is just I'm going.

1023
01:39:13,000 --> 01:39:19,000
But unless somebody has an objection I'm just going to start with Councilmember Ellis and we'll just kind of come down the road.

1024
01:39:19,000 --> 01:39:21,000
And let people.

1025
01:39:21,000 --> 01:39:25,000
Do that I'm part of the reason I'm announcing that out loud is so that.

1026
01:39:25,000 --> 01:39:30,000
Staff can be prepared to put up on the screens to propose amendments.

1027
01:39:30,000 --> 01:39:36,000
Yes Councilmember Fuentes may or the thing on the order which we lay out our amendments by being more helpful to go by.

1028
01:39:36,000 --> 01:39:41,000
With staff sent us the email the packet the way we are just going through the packet sorry.

1029
01:39:41,000 --> 01:39:45,000
That one we take a break we'll see he just indicated that that might be helpful to him too.

1030
01:39:45,000 --> 01:39:52,000
I was just trying to do it in a way that was fair to the council members but if you think that's fair we'll do it that way.

1031
01:39:52,000 --> 01:40:00,000
I still would suggest we take a 30 minute break when after they finish their presentation.

1032
01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:06,000
It's all year's director.

1033
01:40:06,000 --> 01:40:10,000
Good morning Mayor and council carry laying director of budget and organizational excellence.

1034
01:40:10,000 --> 01:40:16,000
I'm going to turn it over to deputy director Eric Nelson to go through the presentation.

1035
01:40:16,000 --> 01:40:18,000
Good morning.

1036
01:40:18,000 --> 01:40:27,000
Eric Nelson deputy director budget and organizational excellence.

1037
01:40:27,000 --> 01:40:35,000
Based on feedback we received at Tuesday's session staff has gone back and updated its recommendation for the use of the additional $4.7 million.

1038
01:40:35,000 --> 01:40:43,000
We've anticipated property tax revenue that we expect to get in the general fund as a result of the certified tax roll.

1039
01:40:43,000 --> 01:40:52,000
We would still direct $4.7 million to be added to housing's ongoing general fund budget for the local housing voucher program.

1040
01:40:52,000 --> 01:40:59,000
That will bring their total funding up to $6.8 million which is nearly the entirety of the ongoing need.

1041
01:40:59,000 --> 01:41:09,000
And we have provisions to fund the remainder in FY27 and to get to the total ongoing need in the FY28 plan.

1042
01:41:09,000 --> 01:41:27,000
We would also reorganize some plan spending across several funds but the ultimate effect will be to create $4.75 million in unrestricted one time capacity that could be available for social services grants.

1043
01:41:27,000 --> 01:41:39,000
This is the somewhat convoluted flow of funds that's been made necessary because there are restrictions on the use of downtown density bonus revenue within the housing trust fund.

1044
01:41:39,000 --> 01:41:55,000
And so we've reorganized some spending to ensure that we're using those funds appropriately but again the ultimate effect is to reorganize the spending such that $4.75 million is made available for social services contracts.

1045
01:41:55,000 --> 01:42:06,000
Members, I want to ask a couple of questions so that we try to get clarity on what was first of all.

1046
01:42:06,000 --> 01:42:19,000
And I posted on the message board that we've been working to try to achieve what we're predominantly two goals that we were hearing from council.

1047
01:42:19,000 --> 01:42:31,000
And from professional staff on how to deal with the $4.7 million of additional funding when the tax rolls were certified.

1048
01:42:31,000 --> 01:42:44,000
The two primary goals were A, the concept of making an allocation of the $4.7 million for funding of social services.

1049
01:42:44,000 --> 01:42:58,000
And I'll pause for just a second and say the $4.7 million for the potential funding of social services where the money would be in a single allocation for social services.

1050
01:42:58,000 --> 01:43:04,000
And we would then have staff as we indicated.

1051
01:43:04,000 --> 01:43:12,000
Look at the individual contracts and if there's a performance issue evaluate what we do with that.

1052
01:43:12,000 --> 01:43:19,000
But the bottom line to it is is it would put $4.7 million into potential social services.

1053
01:43:19,000 --> 01:43:20,000
That was goal number one.

1054
01:43:20,000 --> 01:43:33,000
Number two was what staff was recommending to us was coming up with some better way to stabilize the housing voucher program.

1055
01:43:33,000 --> 01:43:45,000
And the concept there was that the housing voucher program while funded is funded out of one time money based upon the downtown density bonus program.

1056
01:43:45,000 --> 01:43:58,000
And the goal was to get that where it was more sustainable because it was in it would be related to recurring funding in other words general fund funding.

1057
01:43:58,000 --> 01:44:00,000
So those were the two predominant goals.

1058
01:44:00,000 --> 01:44:10,000
And I'm going to do my best to lay this out in my simple way in hopes that it makes sense.

1059
01:44:10,000 --> 01:44:13,000
And the public, all of us can understand it.

1060
01:44:13,000 --> 01:44:16,000
And I'm happy to have myself corrected.

1061
01:44:16,000 --> 01:44:19,000
Actually, I won't be that happy about it, but I'm willing to do it.

1062
01:44:19,000 --> 01:44:23,000
I have myself corrected to make sure we know what it is we're doing.

1063
01:44:23,000 --> 01:44:28,000
But it's to achieve those two broad goals.

1064
01:44:28,000 --> 01:44:39,000
The first step was that we would take the 4.7 of additional funding and go ahead and put it into the general fund.

1065
01:44:39,000 --> 01:44:42,000
So it would be in the general fund.

1066
01:44:42,000 --> 01:44:50,000
The second step was that we would take the housing voucher program the way I think of it.

1067
01:44:50,000 --> 01:44:52,000
Staff refers to it as an expense.

1068
01:44:52,000 --> 01:44:54,000
I think of it as an invoice.

1069
01:44:54,000 --> 01:44:56,000
Right, a bill.

1070
01:44:56,000 --> 01:44:58,000
The housing voucher program invoice.

1071
01:44:58,000 --> 01:45:00,000
4.7 million.

1072
01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:22,000
And move that invoice or that expense to the general fund. So now the vouchers will become a regular city program out of the general fund, which is the stabilization that professional staff was looking for, instead of being funded as a one-time expense every year.

1073
01:45:22,000 --> 01:45:44,000
The next step would be to move $2 million of permanent support housing expense from the general fund to the housing trust fund, because to keep in mind, we've just freed up $4.7 million from the housing trust fund, because that invoice or expense is now over in the general fund.

1074
01:45:44,000 --> 01:45:51,000
So 2 million of permanent support housing expense would go to from the general fund to the housing trust fund.

1075
01:45:51,000 --> 01:46:02,000
They would also move $2.7 million, a $2.7 million invoice or expense from the hope fund to the housing trust fund.

1076
01:46:02,000 --> 01:46:13,000
Again, we freed up $4.7 million in the housing trust fund. So now you would move two expenses over the housing trust fund to take care of that one-time money.

1077
01:46:13,000 --> 01:46:22,000
It would leave $2.7 million in the hope fund for social services.

1078
01:46:22,000 --> 01:46:37,000
And the next step would be to move $2 million that's freed up by moving the permanent support of housing dollars to the housing trust fund to the budget stabilization reserve fund for social services.

1079
01:46:37,000 --> 01:47:04,000
So what happens is you would have two million of budget stabilization reserves for social services and 2.75 million of hope fund dollars for social services for a total of 4.75 million of one-time dollars for social services to draw down as we follow the process that we've talked about on the dice.

1080
01:47:05,000 --> 01:47:14,000
So what that does is I think I laid that out. You get a very difficult to follow all of that.

1081
01:47:14,000 --> 01:47:20,000
But it does achieve the two goals that we have, I think, have consensus about.

1082
01:47:20,000 --> 01:47:27,000
And those two goals are A, provide greater stability for the housing voucher program by giving it recurring money.

1083
01:47:27,000 --> 01:47:45,000
And B, to find the, to utilize 4.7, in this case, 4.75 million dollars for social services by changing the invoices and expensing of certain things.

1084
01:47:45,000 --> 01:47:52,000
What that does, by the way, is for example, one of the proposed amendments that you all know I was proposing.

1085
01:47:52,000 --> 01:48:04,000
And I indicated I could either be for the full 4.7 or it could be for the 2.2 roughly for children and family services.

1086
01:48:04,000 --> 01:48:10,000
But instead, what we would do with that is what we would do is we would make that one-time allocation.

1087
01:48:10,000 --> 01:48:36,000
This gives us the money to do that. And so I think staff's good work on this creative work puts us in a posture where that would be the end up being part of the base motion on the budget and not requires to do some of the proposed amendments that we may even have some still shown up today, because of the work has been done since our last since Tuesday.

1088
01:48:37,000 --> 01:48:39,000
That I lay that out okay.

1089
01:48:39,000 --> 01:48:41,000
You should be right here.

1090
01:48:41,000 --> 01:48:47,000
I know, no, no, no, not in job I'm seeking. Yes, Councilman Reels.

1091
01:48:47,000 --> 01:48:55,000
I just a quick clarifying question with this budget stabilization reserve proposal is it still at 17% or has it changed?

1092
01:48:55,000 --> 01:48:59,000
That was the, the, uh, reserves will still be at 17%.

1093
01:48:59,000 --> 01:49:00,000
Okay.

1094
01:49:00,000 --> 01:49:03,000
It's the movement of money to that that helps us with that.

1095
01:49:03,000 --> 01:49:05,000
I figured that was the case. I just.

1096
01:49:05,000 --> 01:49:08,000
I'm glad you asked you. I should, that should be one of the points.

1097
01:49:08,000 --> 01:49:09,000
So.

1098
01:49:09,000 --> 01:49:13,000
All right. Councilman Funtus, your next and then followed by Councilman Reels.

1099
01:49:13,000 --> 01:49:20,000
Thank you. First and foremost, thank you so much to our budget staff for providing this alternative proposal.

1100
01:49:20,000 --> 01:49:23,000
It's right in line with the conversations we had on Tuesdays.

1101
01:49:23,000 --> 01:49:32,000
I really appreciate your hard work and helping us get to a consensus on how to ensure we are restoring the cuts to our social safety net as well as providing stability for

1102
01:49:32,000 --> 01:49:38,000
our local housing vouchers. A couple of questions based on our conversation on Tuesday.

1103
01:49:38,000 --> 01:49:46,000
We had asked if we could put together a total amount of of the proposed reductions to the social services.

1104
01:49:46,000 --> 01:49:50,000
How much of the proposed reductions were related to homelessness.

1105
01:49:50,000 --> 01:49:59,000
In other words, how many of those reductions would be eligible to be financed through the hope fund knowing it's,

1106
01:49:59,000 --> 01:50:03,000
it needs to be related to homelessness related initiatives?

1107
01:50:03,000 --> 01:50:05,000
Give me one second. What I looked at up.

1108
01:50:05,000 --> 01:50:06,000
Okay.

1109
01:50:06,000 --> 01:50:12,000
But and I'd also just like to clarify if I could that all of these one time dollars are unrestricted.

1110
01:50:12,000 --> 01:50:13,000
Okay.

1111
01:50:13,000 --> 01:50:17,000
Whether it's the hope fund or the BSRF they can be used for any purpose.

1112
01:50:17,000 --> 01:50:19,000
Okay. Perfect. That answers my question.

1113
01:50:19,000 --> 01:50:23,000
The other question I have is how.

1114
01:50:23,000 --> 01:50:39,000
I just want to get a flat numerical amount of how much did the city of Austin Fund and social services at the end of FY26 and what amount would we be with the restoration of the 4.7.

1115
01:50:39,000 --> 01:50:57,000
So the FY26 budget for social service grants was 74.2 million.

1116
01:50:57,000 --> 01:51:03,000
Now with the proposed budget, there's some moving around of dollars.

1117
01:51:03,000 --> 01:51:19,000
So as I mentioned earlier, there's about $20 million that has been moved to operating for public health and homestrategy office for our shelters.

1118
01:51:19,000 --> 01:51:35,000
So if you take out that that $20 million and then we moved $3 million of the silvering center over to our budget stabilization reserve fund.

1119
01:51:35,000 --> 01:51:44,000
And so that that gives us to about 51, 51 million total.

1120
01:51:44,000 --> 01:51:56,000
And that amount includes the 2 million of the new investment that was in the permanent support of housing,

1121
01:51:56,000 --> 01:52:07,000
our wraparound services that we just discussed moving around between general fund and housing trust fund.

1122
01:52:07,000 --> 01:52:25,000
So with this staff proposal for the recommended use of the additional revenue, we would the FY27 budget as proposed with this proposed amendment would have social services funded at a $51 million level.

1123
01:52:25,000 --> 01:52:30,000
Is that fair to say?

1124
01:52:30,000 --> 01:52:40,000
Very close to it yes. And the reason I say that is there is some recommendation for small amount of those contracts.

1125
01:52:40,000 --> 01:52:49,000
If you think about the community planning focus group, we send a memo a few minutes ago or a little while ago about some of those contracts,

1126
01:52:49,000 --> 01:52:59,000
but there is a little bit of duplication in addition to the community planning focus area that we would recommend looking at eliminating.

1127
01:52:59,000 --> 01:53:05,000
And so we'll be close to 50 or 51 million with those changes.

1128
01:53:05,000 --> 01:53:16,000
So colleagues just building off of our conversation on Tuesday and perhaps we can continue this conversation as we lay out our amendments and I have seen others two of them related to social services.

1129
01:53:16,000 --> 01:53:28,000
I think over our question that we have is a dias that we need to make clear is what is the level of funding for social services that we're comfortable at.

1130
01:53:28,000 --> 01:53:33,000
Knowing that right now is a $51 million investment from the city that goes towards social services.

1131
01:53:33,000 --> 01:53:43,000
I don't want to be in the same situation next year and so we need to provide direction to our city manager on what is our comfort level on that total amount.

1132
01:53:43,000 --> 01:53:56,000
I don't know if we're going to get to that level or that number during this budget cycle, but I would like for us to kind of lay out an understanding and a timeline of when we come to that direction for the city manager.

1133
01:53:56,000 --> 01:54:10,000
And last question on my end, you mentioned the memo you sent that talks about the $845,000 worth of funding that will be eliminated from the proposed contracts and just want to make sure I'm clear on this.

1134
01:54:10,000 --> 01:54:19,000
Because this staff alternative proposal is a $4.75 million investment back into the social services.

1135
01:54:19,000 --> 01:54:28,000
This proposed elimination of $800,000 that was a little bit above the $5.4 or that were restoring.

1136
01:54:28,000 --> 01:54:30,000
So we wanted to restore.

1137
01:54:30,000 --> 01:54:37,000
So how are these deeper cuts? How is that related to the gap?

1138
01:54:37,000 --> 01:54:44,000
With those reductions that would close the gap, it wouldn't be the 4.7 would be able to fully find the remaining.

1139
01:54:44,000 --> 01:55:00,000
I believe the remaining contracts, I think we would still go through the analysis to fully understand the performance of the remaining contracts and come back to council with the potential recommendations, but the dollars will be available.

1140
01:55:01,000 --> 01:55:08,000
So colleagues, I just want to make sure we're all clear in this memo that has this specific contracts that would be eliminated with this budget proposal.

1141
01:55:08,000 --> 01:55:20,000
The rest of the $4.7 million we're holding that investment for us to have a conversation on funding the categories of social services, not specific to the contracts that were previously listed for reductions.

1142
01:55:20,000 --> 01:55:21,000
Thank you.

1143
01:55:22,000 --> 01:55:29,000
The council member can I clarify something I was doing math in my head and so sometimes that's not good.

1144
01:55:29,000 --> 01:55:41,000
And so the fiscal year 27 actual social service grants amount in the proposed budget is 48.8 million dollars.

1145
01:55:41,000 --> 01:56:03,000
The difference is the 19.4 that is in the city on shelters that's moving into operating the 2.9 that is moving to the sobering center, which gets a full investment of 71.1.

1146
01:56:03,000 --> 01:56:15,000
And the difference in that is the added dollars that we as I mentioned for the sobering center, excuse me, for the permanent supportive housing wrap around services.

1147
01:56:15,000 --> 01:56:22,000
That's where we're that's where we're at in so 48.8 is the amount for fiscal year 27.

1148
01:56:23,000 --> 01:56:30,000
And in the far out of the council.

1149
01:56:30,000 --> 01:56:42,000
What she just said is accurate and what we ought to be looking for for the next year and in the proposal that I have seen that I've laid out.

1150
01:56:42,000 --> 01:56:51,000
One of the things that it says is and if you remember from the message board that we would have a single allocation of the 4.7 which we figured out a way to do that.

1151
01:56:51,000 --> 01:56:59,000
They would do step two of that would be a review of what contracts and what services we want to continue.

1152
01:56:59,000 --> 01:57:10,000
And step three was that we would do a best practices analysis of where we want to be with regard to the social safety net as you described it.

1153
01:57:10,000 --> 01:57:18,000
So that when we come back in 28 we would be in a position to actually deal with that in a more thoughtful way.

1154
01:57:18,000 --> 01:57:28,000
Council member alter also as an IFC that he's handed out a different version of it today, which incorporates some of my proposed changes to it.

1155
01:57:28,000 --> 01:57:40,000
That actually probably is my my IFC is is probably subsumed that that that that step that third step my I see is probably subsumed in his IFC.

1156
01:57:40,000 --> 01:57:44,000
Which would put us into the position of what you're talking about.

1157
01:57:44,000 --> 01:57:48,000
Starting to rub on that but I just want to make sure that that was clear.

1158
01:57:48,000 --> 01:57:50,000
We're all told by the mayor.

1159
01:57:50,000 --> 01:58:02,000
Yeah, I just just want to start with both thinking staff for doing some gymnastics here and working with mayor or you on on this to define that consensus because.

1160
01:58:02,000 --> 01:58:13,000
You know, I think as Council member point as mentioned is very important clearly to all of us to not only make the restorations that we can to the social service programs and make those investments.

1161
01:58:13,000 --> 01:58:19,000
In the services that are needed and also to provide that stability to the housing trust fund I mean to the local housing vouchers which.

1162
01:58:19,000 --> 01:58:22,000
Now according to your slide.

1163
01:58:22,000 --> 01:58:31,000
Starting in fiscal year 20 and beyond we will have fully resolved so that's not going to be something that we have to worry about or try to plug that gap.

1164
01:58:31,000 --> 01:58:40,000
Which I think is just so critical so I really appreciate y'all's work to get to that point I want to just get a clarification on.

1165
01:58:40,000 --> 01:58:44,000
A couple of questions that Councillor Fuentes is asking.

1166
01:58:44,000 --> 01:58:48,000
In the.

1167
01:58:48,000 --> 01:58:56,000
The proposed on you know 5.35 5.4 reduction to social services.

1168
01:58:56,000 --> 01:59:00,000
That number includes.

1169
01:59:00,000 --> 01:59:02,000
The eliminated contracts correct.

1170
01:59:02,000 --> 01:59:06,000
The value of the eliminated contracts.

1171
01:59:06,000 --> 01:59:07,000
Yes.

1172
01:59:07,000 --> 01:59:08,000
Okay.

1173
01:59:08,000 --> 01:59:17,000
And I have it based on your spreadsheet of those eliminated contracts being totaling just over 2 million dollars.

1174
01:59:17,000 --> 01:59:29,000
But there's a separate memo that came out that she was alluding to about 850,000 worth of that 2.1.

1175
01:59:30,000 --> 01:59:32,000
They're not true eliminations.

1176
01:59:32,000 --> 01:59:38,000
They're being folded into other contracts to still provide those services correct.

1177
01:59:38,000 --> 01:59:43,000
Some of them are so the community planning contracts.

1178
01:59:43,000 --> 01:59:51,000
If you all remember through all this conversation the community planning was the priority area that.

1179
01:59:51,000 --> 01:59:54,000
We're saying that the lowest level of priority.

1180
01:59:54,000 --> 01:59:59,000
So those that I believe 250,000 or so will be eliminated.

1181
01:59:59,000 --> 02:00:00,000
Okay.

1182
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:13,680
If we think about the 850,000, if you're correct to think as a reduction off of the 5.4 to say that there's

1183
02:00:13,680 --> 02:00:25,000
really 4.5 that you had a 5.4, you take the 850,000 of eliminations that are counted in that 5.4.

1184
02:00:25,000 --> 02:00:30,640
But those are just being moved to other contracts that are existing.

1185
02:00:30,640 --> 02:00:39,280
And so there would still be around 4.5 worth of reductions or eliminations in the social service

1186
02:00:39,280 --> 02:00:40,280
bucket.

1187
02:00:40,280 --> 02:00:43,640
Am I getting that right?

1188
02:00:43,640 --> 02:00:48,040
I'm not following you.

1189
02:00:48,040 --> 02:00:49,040
Okay.

1190
02:00:49,040 --> 02:00:51,040
And we can, let me try one more time.

1191
02:00:51,040 --> 02:00:55,080
We'll, during our break, we can try to clarify this.

1192
02:00:55,080 --> 02:00:59,680
We have 5.35 in cuts or reductions.

1193
02:00:59,680 --> 02:01:02,280
So far is a good.

1194
02:01:02,280 --> 02:01:04,560
Okay.

1195
02:01:04,560 --> 02:01:09,600
That number includes the eliminated contracts.

1196
02:01:09,600 --> 02:01:16,240
And within a subset of the eliminated contracts, the chart that we were sent last night, the council

1197
02:01:16,240 --> 02:01:24,040
number of flintas is talking about is $850,000 worth of eliminated contracts.

1198
02:01:24,040 --> 02:01:31,680
But that are really being subsumed into other contracts somewhere else.

1199
02:01:31,680 --> 02:01:33,160
Just the 850, not all the cuts.

1200
02:01:33,160 --> 02:01:39,600
They're 24 contracts being cut, but just a portion of the cuts were outlined in this memo.

1201
02:01:39,600 --> 02:01:45,200
And so what I'm trying to understand is that a reduction off of the 5.35.

1202
02:01:45,200 --> 02:01:53,560
So just to take the 5.35, reduce $850 and say that there are 4.5 million left that are

1203
02:01:53,560 --> 02:01:56,320
either reduced or eliminated.

1204
02:01:56,320 --> 02:01:57,320
Yes.

1205
02:01:57,320 --> 02:02:07,240
But I want to clarify in the 850, 250 of that is not being rolled into other contracts.

1206
02:02:07,240 --> 02:02:09,240
Now that's the community planning piece.

1207
02:02:09,240 --> 02:02:10,880
That's not being rolled into other contracts.

1208
02:02:10,880 --> 02:02:12,960
I think that's where I get lost.

1209
02:02:12,960 --> 02:02:22,440
So then that's where we then we would, if you incorporate that, that's 4.7 magically

1210
02:02:22,440 --> 02:02:28,720
of reductions that are not unaccounted for essentially outside of that community planning.

1211
02:02:28,720 --> 02:02:29,720
Correct.

1212
02:02:29,720 --> 02:02:35,200
So through this it would be a fold and restoration of pretty much everything if we did that

1213
02:02:35,200 --> 02:02:36,200
blanket.

1214
02:02:36,200 --> 02:02:41,600
But as the mayor has put forward and I think the right approach not to just say we're going

1215
02:02:41,600 --> 02:02:45,440
to fund everything like we've always funded everything we're going to actually look at

1216
02:02:45,440 --> 02:02:51,000
the service delivery and making sure that service is being delivered for the dollars being spent

1217
02:02:51,000 --> 02:02:54,240
and make any kind of adjustments within that pool.

1218
02:02:54,240 --> 02:03:01,560
But we do have the funds available to provide the level of services comprehensively as what

1219
02:03:01,560 --> 02:03:02,960
was being reduced.

1220
02:03:02,960 --> 02:03:03,960
Correct.

1221
02:03:03,960 --> 02:03:04,960
Okay.

1222
02:03:04,960 --> 02:03:10,280
I just want to, sorry, do a little math out loud, but I want to make sure I understood.

1223
02:03:10,280 --> 02:03:11,280
Thank you very much.

1224
02:03:12,200 --> 02:03:13,680
Councillor Mayer, mayer, mayer, mayer.

1225
02:03:13,680 --> 02:03:14,680
Mayer, mayer, mayer, mayer.

1226
02:03:14,680 --> 02:03:21,420
I just wanted to highlight a comment that Councillor Mhmmm.

1227
02:03:21,420 --> 02:03:29,780
I just made where you should get what level of social service funding can we afford long-term

1228
02:03:29,780 --> 02:03:36,540
and to me, that's just the critical question that we have.

1229
02:03:36,540 --> 02:03:40,940
This process is not good for anybody.

1230
02:03:40,940 --> 02:03:46,780
In the sense that if we just save everything this year, we're really just setting ourselves

1231
02:03:46,780 --> 02:03:54,620
up and setting our nonprofit organizations up for an even more difficult situation next year.

1232
02:03:54,620 --> 02:04:00,780
Or we might be able to do that for two years, but ultimately we're going to reach a level

1233
02:04:00,780 --> 02:04:09,100
where we would have to have very serious and deep cuts, and I would much rather do that

1234
02:04:10,220 --> 02:04:20,540
in a gradual and steady way to get to a sustainable level of social service funding than to

1235
02:04:20,540 --> 02:04:27,660
just kind of push it off and push it off until we hit that cliff where we just have to have

1236
02:04:27,660 --> 02:04:33,820
very deep cuts and I don't think any have been on nonprofit boards and worked with a lot of

1237
02:04:33,820 --> 02:04:40,700
nonprofits. It's not good for them either. We need to, they need predictability, they need

1238
02:04:40,700 --> 02:04:46,620
certainty, they need to be able to plan, people don't hire because they're not sure about the funding.

1239
02:04:46,620 --> 02:04:52,060
People don't start programs because they're not sure about the funding. It's not good for anyone to

1240
02:04:52,140 --> 02:04:57,500
have this kind of level of uncertainty moving toward the future. So I just think that's the

1241
02:04:57,500 --> 02:05:05,420
absolute critical question. If what level of social service funding can we afford and I want it to be as

1242
02:05:05,420 --> 02:05:13,740
high as we can possibly make it given the funding limitations that we have. I know I want to

1243
02:05:13,740 --> 02:05:21,260
also kind of mention the elephant in the room that has kind of gone unmentioned, which is the tax rate

1244
02:05:21,260 --> 02:05:30,780
election that we had this year ago almost at this point. I supported that, I campaigned, hard for it,

1245
02:05:32,540 --> 02:05:40,780
we would be having a very different conversation if the TRE had passed. Unfortunately it did not pass and

1246
02:05:40,780 --> 02:05:47,980
we are having to deal with that reality. So I know folks are here and they're saying we should fund this and we

1247
02:05:47,980 --> 02:05:58,700
should fund that and I agree but we are very limited in what we can fund in the funds that we have

1248
02:05:58,700 --> 02:06:08,860
available and that's just the reality that we're facing. Earlier I asked staff and you know because traditionally

1249
02:06:08,860 --> 02:06:17,820
before the 3.5% cap we would take an average of about 6% of additional property tax revenues per year

1250
02:06:18,460 --> 02:06:23,660
and I asked staff you know what's the difference if we would have gotten that you know been able to take 6%

1251
02:06:23,660 --> 02:06:29,980
instead of the 3.5% cap that was put on us by the state legislature you know how many dollars is that

1252
02:06:29,980 --> 02:06:35,820
and they responded that for this year would have been about 16 million dollars. Just to give people the sense of what

1253
02:06:35,820 --> 02:06:41,260
we're talking about and kind of the new financial reality that the city is facing. I just that's kind of gone

1254
02:06:41,260 --> 02:06:48,220
and mentioned through this entire debate and I just wanted to raise that you know we're working

1255
02:06:48,220 --> 02:06:56,220
within the system that the state of Texas has laid out that is not the system that I would want to work

1256
02:06:56,220 --> 02:07:04,220
within that's not a system that I think is a good system but it is a system that governs what we can and can't do

1257
02:07:04,220 --> 02:07:14,540
and we have to adjust to that you know 2020 reality. So anyway I appreciate the thoughts and comments

1258
02:07:14,540 --> 02:07:20,780
come from member Flint this and I just wanted to highlight those issues. Mayor. Yes. I need to make a point of

1259
02:07:20,780 --> 02:07:31,020
clarification and I do apologize. The social service investment at proposed budget it was 48.8 million.

1260
02:07:31,980 --> 02:07:39,420
We added 4.7 back with this staff recommendation which makes the total investment 53.5 million.

1261
02:07:42,540 --> 02:07:52,700
Well then let me ask how does that how do you put the 19.4 in shelters and the 2.9 in the sobering

1262
02:07:52,700 --> 02:07:59,660
center that that does not include those two amounts that that if we're going to make comparison if we're going to

1263
02:07:59,660 --> 02:08:08,220
okay if we're going to make comparisons of last year and this year which is what councilor Flintus was asking about last year was

1264
02:08:08,300 --> 02:08:23,260
74.2 and this year you're saying it's 48.8 plus 4.7 then you need to add in 2.9 and 19.4 to compare apples to apples.

1265
02:08:23,260 --> 02:08:31,900
The compare apples to apples that would make it 75.8 and the reason for that is the investment in the public and the

1266
02:08:31,900 --> 02:08:39,660
permanent support of housing increase primarily of the $2 million. Right and would you now explain

1267
02:08:40,860 --> 02:08:50,540
and so that we can say it out loud again why is the 2.9 for sobering center in the 19.4 not counted

1268
02:08:50,540 --> 02:08:57,340
in our apples to apples compare. Sure so the sobering center which has I think in fiscal year 26 was

1269
02:08:57,340 --> 02:09:07,740
included in our social service contracts was moved to our one-time funding for fiscal year 27 as we continue

1270
02:09:07,740 --> 02:09:15,740
to work with our partners to identify long-term funding for the sobering center. The 19.4 that is

1271
02:09:16,460 --> 02:09:23,180
the city's shelter so that's our emergency and domestic violence shelters that amount has been moved

1272
02:09:23,180 --> 02:09:29,660
over to the operating budgets of our homeless strategy and operations office as well as our

1273
02:09:29,660 --> 02:09:36,940
awesome public health department and that is because those dollars are more contracting nature then what

1274
02:09:36,940 --> 02:09:48,460
we are transitioning social service grants to. And and apropos of what both councilor Flintus and the

1275
02:09:48,460 --> 02:09:56,620
member of Timmons said I want to reiterate that we have my IFC and we have councilor Braltor

1276
02:09:56,620 --> 02:10:03,900
IFC which I think is the broader more detailed IFC and mine is probably subsumed in that that what

1277
02:10:03,900 --> 02:10:11,100
it will do is precisely what councilor Flintus and the member of Timmor Highlighting which is it will put us

1278
02:10:11,100 --> 02:10:19,260
on a track and a process to look at the social safety net in terms of what is needed in our community

1279
02:10:19,260 --> 02:10:28,940
best practices for providing that what can be afforded and it should allow our social service providers

1280
02:10:28,940 --> 02:10:41,020
or nonprofits time to prepare as we take on this annual this year long effort so that we are not

1281
02:10:41,020 --> 02:10:47,420
back in the same place next cycle where we feel like people were caught by surprise that that's

1282
02:10:47,420 --> 02:10:56,700
sort of thing it's also very important that we emphasize again that what is happening with this 4.75

1283
02:10:56,700 --> 02:11:06,060
million is it is a single allocation of 4.75 million but it is not a blanket restoration it is also

1284
02:11:06,060 --> 02:11:12,700
not a blanket cut it is a it is the staff is going to look at the individual contracts

1285
02:11:13,420 --> 02:11:21,660
as we go for it as that money is set aside. Councillor Berlin. Thank you I want to start by thinking

1286
02:11:22,220 --> 02:11:27,500
all of the non-profits service providers the service recipients the community members who are

1287
02:11:27,500 --> 02:11:32,700
concerned who have shown up just so many community meetings from Austin Public Health

1288
02:11:32,700 --> 02:11:38,940
work sessions this council meeting other council meetings and and our offices for individual

1289
02:11:38,940 --> 02:11:47,100
question and answer to make sure that we as individual offices did understand more about where you work in

1290
02:11:47,100 --> 02:11:52,060
the city and which part of the community you serve and what your history is and what the data is behind you

1291
02:11:52,060 --> 02:12:02,140
so that we and I I thank you on behalf of me could have a more informed discussion about how to

1292
02:12:02,140 --> 02:12:07,340
approach this and thank you to my more experienced colleagues who brought forth structure that will absolutely

1293
02:12:07,340 --> 02:12:12,940
help with that will not repeat any of the many comments I agreed with I will move to my question

1294
02:12:14,540 --> 02:12:21,900
so and I think this is a question for the city manager because and I don't remember how much of

1295
02:12:21,900 --> 02:12:26,540
what I'm going to include in it you were in the room versus briefly out of the room I don't know

1296
02:12:26,540 --> 02:12:31,980
but I suspect it will be a question for you by the time I'm done so when I have asked in the past and

1297
02:12:31,980 --> 02:12:39,980
most recently I think was last week about whether geographic analysis had been completed as you looked at

1298
02:12:39,980 --> 02:12:48,940
social service contracts I think it was two weeks ago actually and the answer was no as I would call

1299
02:12:48,940 --> 02:12:56,140
and I asked that question in regards to two different ways that geographic analysis is important one

1300
02:12:56,540 --> 02:13:01,260
if we were cutting funding in across the variety of contracts that caused

1301
02:13:02,300 --> 02:13:09,500
contraction to disproportionately impact a certain area and so we would definitely see substantial negative

1302
02:13:09,500 --> 02:13:16,140
impacts by removing so many contracts of different types from a single area and that might be

1303
02:13:16,140 --> 02:13:22,300
reason to slow down the reductions in that area and then the other the flip side of that which I

1304
02:13:22,300 --> 02:13:29,500
just speak about often as it relates to many departments is in order to identify parts of the city

1305
02:13:29,500 --> 02:13:36,700
that the social contract service contracts we have simply aren't reaching at a level that's

1306
02:13:36,700 --> 02:13:42,140
feasible for the type of population that's out there and you know recognizing demographic shifts

1307
02:13:42,140 --> 02:13:50,060
so I've asked a version of that question to many departments in my time here and the most recent one

1308
02:13:50,060 --> 02:13:55,500
was of financial services as it relates to social services contracts and the answer was no and so

1309
02:13:56,060 --> 02:14:01,420
the question that I have for the city manager and it's going to be a nice little paragraph still okay

1310
02:14:02,700 --> 02:14:09,740
is are we out of place as a city where as you are doing this work that is being charged to you by

1311
02:14:10,460 --> 02:14:17,340
my colleagues and I as I will vote for it are you out of place at the city where you can ensure

1312
02:14:17,340 --> 02:14:25,020
that appropriate and effective geographic analysis of our services in their reach is part of the

1313
02:14:25,020 --> 02:14:32,380
analysis the paragraph that I'm going to add on is we are well into a restructuring of IT

1314
02:14:33,100 --> 02:14:40,540
we're well into a restructuring of communications we have some departments that have done

1315
02:14:40,540 --> 02:14:47,580
amazing work in this area build amazing tools I will complement transportation and public works use of GIS

1316
02:14:49,580 --> 02:14:56,300
and we know that the competencies that are within our city in these individual departments

1317
02:14:56,300 --> 02:15:00,300
this is a moment an opportunity to bring

1318
02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:12,000
To before a solution that is coming out of these centralization efforts, if it's possible to do it, I don't know if we're at that point and I would love to hear from you.

1319
02:15:12,000 --> 02:15:18,000
I can give you a TLDR if that's helpful.

1320
02:15:18,000 --> 02:15:26,000
Oh, come on. I'm old, everyone knows about that now, right?

1321
02:15:26,000 --> 02:15:28,000
I remember sharing your friends.

1322
02:15:28,000 --> 02:15:35,000
Councilwoman, no thank you for the question, but I'll answer it in the best way possible.

1323
02:15:35,000 --> 02:15:43,000
I think one, we do have staff. We do have quite a bit of information around whether demographic and or needs.

1324
02:15:43,000 --> 02:15:50,000
And I think we're beginning to look at that. I think more intently, particularly as we're trying to focus more on results.

1325
02:15:50,000 --> 02:16:07,000
I think part of the challenge with the current compilation, I think, of the 200 plus different types of nonprofit and social service contracts that we have.

1326
02:16:07,000 --> 02:16:18,000
This is that I think they are issue specific. And in some cases, depending on the organization, they may serve in certain areas, and obviously their mission.

1327
02:16:18,000 --> 02:16:25,000
And what they do, and the boundaries in the areas they serve may be more specific, I think.

1328
02:16:25,000 --> 02:16:34,000
I would say as it relates to our, we had a point where we can look at geographical equity and impacts down to a level to get at the results we want.

1329
02:16:34,000 --> 02:16:51,000
I think, at least as I see the process that I believe Council wants us to undertake, beyond just the performance issues of existing contractors, but really lay out from the amount to the service area and category.

1330
02:16:51,000 --> 02:16:57,000
And then ultimately the overall desire community impact we want to have.

1331
02:16:57,000 --> 02:17:02,000
I do believe we can factor in as it relates to our analysis and our approach going forward.

1332
02:17:02,000 --> 02:17:13,000
That should be one of the variables as it relates to what we're going to do, how much we're going to do, and then how do we ensure through responses that we may get.

1333
02:17:13,000 --> 02:17:23,000
If, in fact, we do a total reset that they can be responsive to how that is addressed based on information we may provide to them demonstrating where we believe the need is.

1334
02:17:23,000 --> 02:17:25,000
So I do believe that's something we can accomplish.

1335
02:17:25,000 --> 02:17:36,000
If, in fact, we go forward with the reset as I think Council has desired us to do and working with the collective team and resources we have putting together what that looks like.

1336
02:17:36,000 --> 02:17:45,000
Sharing that with the city council as well as sharing it with the individuals who would ultimately want to come and continue service and or expand their services to meet the needs of the community.

1337
02:17:45,000 --> 02:17:50,000
So it's something we could probably ensure is built into the new approach.

1338
02:17:51,000 --> 02:17:53,000
Thank you appreciate that answer.

1339
02:17:53,000 --> 02:18:03,000
And of course, what that looks like could be arranged from as rudimentary as a code analysis to a more sophisticated use of GIS and so I'm glad to know that that's possible.

1340
02:18:03,000 --> 02:18:07,000
I hope there's possible no matter what happens with centralization because I think it should be.

1341
02:18:07,000 --> 02:18:18,000
But I know that we can definitely benefit from the efforts that you've undertaken to get a more useful and accessible and sophisticated approach to this.

1342
02:18:18,000 --> 02:18:25,000
I do want to call out the very strong work that not just has been done by TPW, but our equity department.

1343
02:18:25,000 --> 02:18:29,000
As they put together their levers of economic mobility.

1344
02:18:29,000 --> 02:18:38,000
It's the first thing that I've seen come out in a GIS fashion that captures some of the demographic shifts that I've talked about frequently from the dias in the last five years.

1345
02:18:38,000 --> 02:18:47,000
And I will also note the group that works with the demographer who certainly advocates very effectively for building this type of data up out of census tracks.

1346
02:18:47,000 --> 02:18:50,000
Because political boundaries are always shifting.

1347
02:18:50,000 --> 02:18:55,000
I would love to be kept in the loop as as progress is made unless over the course of the next year.

1348
02:18:55,000 --> 02:19:02,000
Thank you very much for your joint answers and how they have played out.

1349
02:19:02,000 --> 02:19:09,000
I too look forward to be able to provide as a city this stability that nonprofits need in order to effectively.

1350
02:19:09,000 --> 02:19:14,000
Even to effectively seek private philanthropy to complement city funding.

1351
02:19:14,000 --> 02:19:18,000
Some really really grateful for where we have landed on this.

1352
02:19:18,000 --> 02:19:20,000
And I thank you for your time.

1353
02:19:20,000 --> 02:19:21,000
Thank you, Councillor member.

1354
02:19:21,000 --> 02:19:23,000
All right, members.

1355
02:19:23,000 --> 02:19:35,000
What I would suggest we do is at this point we take a 30 minute recess and actually 32 minute recess and we come back at 1250.

1356
02:19:35,000 --> 02:19:51,000
Unless there's objection we will be the city council of Austin Texas will be on recess until 1250 PM it is 1218 we're in recess.

1357
02:19:51,000 --> 02:19:58,000
Good afternoon it is 1251 and I will call it also city council back to order after a brief recess.

1358
02:19:58,000 --> 02:19:59,000
Thanks everybody.

1359
02:19:59,000 --> 02:20:16,000
What we're going to do now is we're going to go to a practice that we've started on an annual basis where we walk through amendments and IFCs just to get them out there so that everybody gets to see them.

1360
02:20:16,000 --> 02:20:23,000
I appreciate how council does this and this may not take a long time but we have three other agenda items.

1361
02:20:23,000 --> 02:20:35,000
But we'll start and so we have a packet and councilman pointed out that we have the packet so all we're going to do is we're also going to put up on the screen.

1362
02:20:35,000 --> 02:20:45,000
The items and I will just call and give the floor to the council member whose items are up and we'll just rotate that way.

1363
02:20:45,000 --> 02:20:47,000
And Councillor Fuentes I think you're first up.

1364
02:20:47,000 --> 02:20:49,000
I think you have two proposed motions.

1365
02:20:49,000 --> 02:20:53,000
Yes that's right colleagues amendment number one it was a previously posted amendment.

1366
02:20:53,000 --> 02:20:59,000
I was joined by my co-sponsors council members Harper Madison Seagull Ellis and cadre in seeking to restore.

1367
02:20:59,000 --> 02:21:05,000
The funding for social services at a 4.7 million as we were presented today with staff's alternative proposal.

1368
02:21:05,000 --> 02:21:09,000
Which I'm supportive I will be seeking to withdraw this amendment.

1369
02:21:09,000 --> 02:21:11,000
Great thank you very much.

1370
02:21:11,000 --> 02:21:15,000
And by the way and also thank you for keeping a focus on all this.

1371
02:21:15,000 --> 02:21:19,000
I think we have come up with something that would now be part of the base budget.

1372
02:21:19,000 --> 02:21:23,000
But I think I speak for everybody and thanking you for keeping focus.

1373
02:21:23,000 --> 02:21:25,000
Thank you.

1374
02:21:25,000 --> 02:21:33,000
Moving on to amendment number two knowing that while we have restored 4.7 million of our social safety net there's still a gap.

1375
02:21:33,000 --> 02:21:39,000
So looking to identify where we can save funds to add to our social services.

1376
02:21:39,000 --> 02:21:45,000
This amendment seeks to do a 10% cut to our consultant spending in the general fund.

1377
02:21:45,000 --> 02:21:53,000
Which would result in 114,000 dollar savings that we would that would recommend us applying to our social safety net.

1378
02:21:53,000 --> 02:21:59,000
Again this is done knowing that last year we cut and reallocated 10% within social services.

1379
02:21:59,000 --> 02:22:03,000
I think we should do the same to consulting spending within the general fund.

1380
02:22:03,000 --> 02:22:06,000
Great thank you anybody have questions or comments.

1381
02:22:07,000 --> 02:22:16,000
So this gets me back to the question that we had before based on the eliminations in the 4.7.

1382
02:22:16,000 --> 02:22:24,000
Do we not have the full amount of funding to restore the proposed cuts?

1383
02:22:24,000 --> 02:22:26,000
We do yes.

1384
02:22:26,000 --> 02:22:32,000
So if we did this which I'm not necessarily against I want to understand the impact.

1385
02:22:32,000 --> 02:22:40,000
We would just be layering on this money to do as we do the reviews to find areas maybe where we think we need further investment.

1386
02:22:40,000 --> 02:22:43,000
And this would be dollars for that investment.

1387
02:22:43,000 --> 02:22:44,000
Yes.

1388
02:22:44,000 --> 02:22:45,000
Very good.

1389
02:22:45,000 --> 02:22:48,000
I appreciate it and I'm not opposed to that.

1390
02:22:48,000 --> 02:22:50,000
I just want to make sure I understand the impact.

1391
02:22:50,000 --> 02:22:51,000
Thank you.

1392
02:22:51,000 --> 02:22:53,000
Further questions or comments?

1393
02:22:53,000 --> 02:22:54,000
Very good.

1394
02:22:54,000 --> 02:22:58,000
We'll now go to the Merpro 10 Vala followed by Council Member Altru.

1395
02:22:58,000 --> 02:22:59,000
Thank you Mayor.

1396
02:23:00,000 --> 02:23:17,000
I have just one amendment and this would be an amendment adding 32 million dollars to the transportation public works capital budget using a certificates of obligation to support our active transportation.

1397
02:23:17,000 --> 02:23:23,000
Investments, including sidewalk urban trails, bikeways, safe route schools, transit and accidents.

1398
02:23:23,000 --> 02:23:26,000
We made the decision the other day.

1399
02:23:26,000 --> 02:23:35,000
And we're finalizing it today to move forward with the bomb package that we identified the $260 million for parks and the $35 million for libraries.

1400
02:23:35,000 --> 02:23:45,000
But given that those active transportation programs are some of them in particular sidewalks in particular are running out of money.

1401
02:23:45,000 --> 02:23:53,000
I want to make sure that the cruise and that the work that we have started and have been doing continues.

1402
02:23:53,000 --> 02:24:03,000
So I will be moving to add that $32 million funding to the transportation public works active transportation capital budget.

1403
02:24:03,000 --> 02:24:04,000
Thank you.

1404
02:24:04,000 --> 02:24:07,000
Thank you.

1405
02:24:07,000 --> 02:24:08,000
This question is for staff.

1406
02:24:08,000 --> 02:24:16,000
I'm curious with this proposed allocation to those budget areas as part of our CIP planning process.

1407
02:24:16,000 --> 02:24:20,000
How does this work with the memo that was distributed to Council?

1408
02:24:20,000 --> 02:24:33,000
Earlier this month would we take of that $32 million allocation would we prioritize the projects in the staff memo or is that up to Council direction?

1409
02:24:33,000 --> 02:24:38,000
I would say just from one part of the conversations we've had.

1410
02:24:38,000 --> 02:24:49,000
They have their kind of matrix and kind of priority list and we're giving them a lot of flexibility in this to use the money kind of in the areas that need the money.

1411
02:24:49,000 --> 02:24:56,000
Within their prioritization matrix, I'll let Director Mendelssoff.

1412
02:24:56,000 --> 02:24:58,000
Thank you for the question, Councillor.

1413
02:24:58,000 --> 02:25:01,000
Richard Mendosa, Director, Transportation and Public Works.

1414
02:25:01,000 --> 02:25:10,000
Yes, we have drafted a potential two year capital project list with this $32 million across these active mobility projects.

1415
02:25:10,000 --> 02:25:15,000
We would work closely with all Council member districts on what the next one year project list.

1416
02:25:15,000 --> 02:25:25,000
It would look like to be a combination of continued design to move high priority projects forward and as well as finishing construction on some other projects.

1417
02:25:25,000 --> 02:25:34,000
Yeah, so I think perhaps we can have a follow up meeting just so I could better understand because the memo spoke to a $77 million spending plan over two years.

1418
02:25:34,000 --> 02:25:36,000
And so how would this line up?

1419
02:25:36,000 --> 02:25:38,000
This is a $35 million allocation.

1420
02:25:38,000 --> 02:25:40,000
How would those proposed projects change?

1421
02:25:40,000 --> 02:25:47,000
Yeah, we would work on that $32 million package as a one year program with each Council district.

1422
02:25:47,000 --> 02:25:50,000
But it would be a subset of that prior project list.

1423
02:25:50,000 --> 02:25:55,000
So you would start with those projects identified in the memo as a baseline for those funds.

1424
02:25:55,000 --> 02:25:56,000
Okay. Thank you.

1425
02:25:56,000 --> 02:25:57,000
Councillor Ellis.

1426
02:25:57,000 --> 02:26:02,000
Thank you, Mayor. I'm fully supportive of this. Thank you for bringing it.

1427
02:26:02,000 --> 02:26:09,000
I will add a little context for folks following along when we did the $460 million active mobility bond in 2020.

1428
02:26:09,000 --> 02:26:19,000
We allocated those buckets specifically to the program areas and staff has had those matrixes matrices for a number of years.

1429
02:26:19,000 --> 02:26:27,000
And so that's I think what lends itself to the success of those programs is you know keeping the teams moving that are already doing such good work in all parts of town.

1430
02:26:27,000 --> 02:26:32,000
So I'm just adding that context for other folks.

1431
02:26:32,000 --> 02:26:33,000
Thank you.

1432
02:26:33,000 --> 02:26:41,000
And I very much appreciate that context, especially I mean I know we're mobility and we talk about this all the time.

1433
02:26:41,000 --> 02:26:44,000
You're the chair of mobility.

1434
02:26:44,000 --> 02:26:48,000
And it is important to kind of continue to keep that work going.

1435
02:26:48,000 --> 02:26:53,000
And just to the kind of I know we had talked about potentially a two year plan.

1436
02:26:53,000 --> 02:27:00,000
I would again deal with 27 when I'm sorry, 28 when 28 is here.

1437
02:27:00,000 --> 02:27:10,000
But my, you know, future intention would be to continue funding these programs with CEOs until you know again.

1438
02:27:10,000 --> 02:27:17,000
This council, the future council decides on a transportation bond to give that kind of six year timeline.

1439
02:27:17,000 --> 02:27:23,000
But I don't want to halt programs kind of you know for a year.

1440
02:27:23,000 --> 02:27:27,000
I feel like we will really you know lose momentum and lose efficiency.

1441
02:27:27,000 --> 02:27:38,000
You know we've got these crews out there working and I think we need to keep them you know out in the field working adding the sidewalks and bike lanes and trails that so many folks in our community enjoy.

1442
02:27:38,000 --> 02:27:55,000
And Mayor, if I may have it's not quite ready but we just wanted to mention it we do have a potential budget amendment for the animal services which is a $3 million that in capital money for animal services improvements.

1443
02:27:55,000 --> 02:27:59,000
It's we're still finalizing it, but I will get it out as CEO.

1444
02:27:59,000 --> 02:28:02,000
Yes, that would be the plan.

1445
02:28:02,000 --> 02:28:09,000
I know that that was also a potential a bond item, but that that's a very small item for a bond.

1446
02:28:09,000 --> 02:28:20,000
But in speaking with animal services and city management, it's important for I think our overall management of the animal shelter.

1447
02:28:20,000 --> 02:28:21,000
Thank you.

1448
02:28:21,000 --> 02:28:25,000
Madam, I pretend can someone remind you of a question.

1449
02:28:25,000 --> 02:28:27,000
Am I able to take a comment?

1450
02:28:27,000 --> 02:28:28,000
Sure.

1451
02:28:28,000 --> 02:28:29,000
Okay.

1452
02:28:29,000 --> 02:28:34,000
I just want to thank Councilman Rivera for his detailed and consistent work on this issue and Director Mendoza for your work.

1453
02:28:34,000 --> 02:28:36,000
I'm figuring this out.

1454
02:28:36,000 --> 02:28:48,000
And with the long timeline that first of all, I'll look at your brief, but first of all we absolutely need red funding for these departments and it is a critical need and I can't agree more.

1455
02:28:48,000 --> 02:28:53,000
And second of all, we also need planning because we are focusing on shovel-ready projects.

1456
02:28:53,000 --> 02:28:58,000
We also need some planning and design on these other urgent projects that haven't had planning and design yet.

1457
02:28:58,000 --> 02:29:03,000
So I thank you both for figuring out how to make a plan on this area.

1458
02:29:03,000 --> 02:29:04,000
Thank you.

1459
02:29:04,000 --> 02:29:05,000
Thank you, Council member.

1460
02:29:05,000 --> 02:29:08,000
Council member, all to follow by Council member Wang.

1461
02:29:08,000 --> 02:29:09,000
Thank you very much.

1462
02:29:09,000 --> 02:29:13,000
My first motion is Council member Wang.

1463
02:29:13,000 --> 02:29:19,000
This is a $150,000 reduction out of the economy budget.

1464
02:29:19,000 --> 02:29:21,000
This comes from their service privatization list.

1465
02:29:21,000 --> 02:29:29,000
They had a $324,000 option as it were related to reducing temporary staffing.

1466
02:29:29,000 --> 02:29:36,000
We talked with them about what kind of savings could we have with still minimizing impact to the community.

1467
02:29:36,000 --> 02:29:48,000
And that's what we landed on this $150,000 number to let's get in trying to save some money to have available for some of the discussion we're having here today.

1468
02:29:48,000 --> 02:29:50,000
Can I ask a question about that?

1469
02:29:50,000 --> 02:29:58,000
So while this reads as a reduction of 150,000 and ongoing funds, it's really adding back.

1470
02:29:58,000 --> 02:29:59,000
No, no, no.

1471
02:29:59,000 --> 02:30:00,000
This is a reduction.

1472
02:30:00,000 --> 02:30:05,000
So on their service presentation list, this was not included in the budget.

1473
02:30:05,000 --> 02:30:07,000
So was a written.

1474
02:30:07,000 --> 02:30:13,000
But you say it's a smaller reduction allowing for, so that the reduction in the budget is 324,000.

1475
02:30:13,000 --> 02:30:18,000
No, there's no reduction in the budget. They proposed, as one of their service

1476
02:30:18,000 --> 02:30:22,000
organizations, a potential reduction of 324.

1477
02:30:22,000 --> 02:30:29,000
We decided not to go all the way to the 324, and we're proposing a reduction of 150.

1478
02:30:29,000 --> 02:30:32,000
Okay, major.

1479
02:30:32,000 --> 02:30:36,000
Madam, you can finish, I guess.

1480
02:30:36,000 --> 02:30:42,000
It was your question, Mayor. Okay, if you remove 150,000, where is it going?

1481
02:30:42,000 --> 02:30:51,000
No, I'm reading a smaller reduction, and I was trying to be clear if this budget already

1482
02:30:51,000 --> 02:30:58,000
have a 324, and I'm being told no, which I feel comfortable with that answer.

1483
02:30:58,000 --> 02:31:01,000
Okay, well, let me clarify, at least a couple things.

1484
02:31:01,000 --> 02:31:05,000
So, or ask the question, I think council member.

1485
02:31:05,000 --> 02:31:11,000
If I were to do this, first one, are you planning to reallocate it somewhere else?

1486
02:31:11,000 --> 02:31:15,000
That's one thing. Thank you. The second.

1487
02:31:15,000 --> 02:31:17,000
I would just say, it's bringing money.

1488
02:31:17,000 --> 02:31:22,000
I'm sure for the benefit of all of my directors in the room.

1489
02:31:22,000 --> 02:31:30,000
As we go through our budget process, and we challenge them to identify potential reductions,

1490
02:31:30,000 --> 02:31:33,000
reallocations, or efficiencies.

1491
02:31:33,000 --> 02:31:38,000
They go through that process, and oftentimes, their first statement when they sit down,

1492
02:31:38,000 --> 02:31:45,000
and even the last is that while we're sharing these, in many cases, they do not recommend them,

1493
02:31:45,000 --> 02:31:50,000
because they believe in many cases that it is a service impact.

1494
02:31:50,000 --> 02:31:54,000
Now, there are some that are not that, and they identify those right off about,

1495
02:31:54,000 --> 02:31:57,000
I actually asked them to do that in priority order.

1496
02:31:57,000 --> 02:32:05,000
And so, as it relates to this particular reduction, I would just say, the reason that it was not included in the budget

1497
02:32:05,000 --> 02:32:11,000
was because of the service level impacts that they identified would actually occur,

1498
02:32:11,000 --> 02:32:16,000
and that would be reduced staffing and support for key special events,

1499
02:32:16,000 --> 02:32:22,000
that while they've got regular and permanent staff that staff their centers,

1500
02:32:22,000 --> 02:32:29,000
when they have larger and more out in the community kind of activities,

1501
02:32:29,000 --> 02:32:33,000
and that then they may have to reduce their support for that.

1502
02:32:33,000 --> 02:32:38,000
So, I would just say it wasn't taken, and many of them weren't taken quite honestly,

1503
02:32:38,000 --> 02:32:46,000
because I thought, at least at this perspective, that the council might not support the service level reduction in many cases.

1504
02:32:46,000 --> 02:32:53,000
And so, this is one of those, but I just want to clarify where it might be going, should we take it, and so that was it.

1505
02:32:53,000 --> 02:32:59,000
So, I just want to say that for the benefit, as we start to look and we provide those sheets.

1506
02:32:59,000 --> 02:33:06,000
I know my directors, I don't want them in the future, to not submit worthy things to me,

1507
02:33:06,000 --> 02:33:14,000
because of the fact that they believe there may be taken without the level of understanding or discretion,

1508
02:33:14,000 --> 02:33:19,000
that I may actually go through with them and sitting at a table for an hour.

1509
02:33:19,000 --> 02:33:24,000
So, I just want to share that, at least on their benefits, so I at least keep my credibility with the directors.

1510
02:33:24,000 --> 02:33:30,000
If I may just, a clarification, and that's why we worked with the department to understand,

1511
02:33:30,000 --> 02:33:36,000
would there be any kind of reduction in hours or anything like that, that is not going to happen as a result of this.

1512
02:33:36,000 --> 02:33:43,000
And, you know, the service prioritization in its name, right, is prioritization.

1513
02:33:43,000 --> 02:33:50,000
So, it's an opportunity for us to decide, is this the highest priority, or could those dollars be spent elsewhere?

1514
02:33:50,000 --> 02:33:56,000
I will have an amendment coming later that does have some dollars attached to it.

1515
02:33:56,000 --> 02:34:00,000
I'm not tying these two together saying that this is to fund that.

1516
02:34:00,000 --> 02:34:07,000
I'm trying to, you know, let us have that prioritization conversation, but, you know, bringing some money to the table,

1517
02:34:07,000 --> 02:34:13,000
and potentially taking some money off the table based on the totality of these amendments.

1518
02:34:13,000 --> 02:34:23,000
But, you know, I have been very frustrated to be honest in the service prioritizations to, you know, your, your comment when we go talk to departments.

1519
02:34:23,000 --> 02:34:28,000
A majority of them don't even feel like they're real, right?

1520
02:34:28,000 --> 02:34:38,000
We, we say, what is this, and they say, well, actually, that's a savings three years from now, or that's not actually something we can do, because we're doing something else.

1521
02:34:38,000 --> 02:34:44,000
And, we have to have the ability to make prioritization decisions.

1522
02:34:44,000 --> 02:34:52,000
I know that's, you, you make the first pass at that, but then ultimately, in a policy making setting, deciding what is our highest priority.

1523
02:34:52,000 --> 02:35:01,000
And so, this is one where, you know, should it be the will of the council, we are saying that this is a slightly lower priority than something else.

1524
02:35:01,000 --> 02:35:04,000
And that's what I'm doing it for.

1525
02:35:04,000 --> 02:35:06,000
Councillor, go ahead.

1526
02:35:06,000 --> 02:35:09,000
And so, let me be clear.

1527
02:35:09,000 --> 02:35:15,000
My statement was not to make an inference as if Council did not have the discretion to look at those.

1528
02:35:15,000 --> 02:35:19,000
Determined and asked the questions necessary to determine whether it is a priority.

1529
02:35:19,000 --> 02:35:28,000
When I submit the budget, once I submit it to you, everything is on the table, and the questions responses we give.

1530
02:35:28,000 --> 02:35:34,000
The prioritization that we thought we had, that may not be the council, that is clearly what y'all's role is.

1531
02:35:34,000 --> 02:35:42,000
I just wanted to clarify, sure that one reason wasn't that it wasn't in the budget, it's because of the concern that I had thought.

1532
02:35:42,000 --> 02:35:48,000
Staff identified for me. If, in fact, the information that they provided to you is different.

1533
02:35:48,000 --> 02:35:55,000
Then what they provided to me, then I guess that's an issue that I need to work out with my departments, particularly if it's different.

1534
02:35:55,000 --> 02:36:02,000
I'm not accurate and whatnot, and so I think I'll work with the budget director on all of them to ensure that.

1535
02:36:02,000 --> 02:36:10,000
But you are correct. Most of the things in quite often, that's the conversation we have about the realness of some of them and all the impacts.

1536
02:36:10,000 --> 02:36:16,000
And so I appreciate the comment, but I just wanted to say that, because, you know, again, I think,

1537
02:36:16,000 --> 02:36:22,000
but may not have felt that there are proposals, whatever season by the day beyond my taste.

1538
02:36:22,000 --> 02:36:25,000
I just wanted to make that clear face. I appreciate that.

1539
02:36:25,000 --> 02:36:29,000
Council member Robert Madison, for all of my council members, point us in Council member Duchen.

1540
02:36:29,000 --> 02:36:41,000
I just wanted to say briefly that given the responsibilities that Agme's taken over from hard purview,

1541
02:36:41,000 --> 02:36:46,000
I'd most especially eat that at the risk of engaging in more politics.

1542
02:36:46,000 --> 02:36:51,000
May I have so many of my district one assets are under the part purview.

1543
02:36:51,000 --> 02:36:59,000
And if I could just vary immediately for your frame of reference, the millennium youth entertainment complex, we have staff shortages.

1544
02:36:59,000 --> 02:37:10,000
And so I wonder if there is a surplus, necessarily, because I do believe this would have impact to some of our assets

1545
02:37:10,000 --> 02:37:15,000
that are already short staff or otherwise need additional funds.

1546
02:37:15,000 --> 02:37:25,000
So my immediate reaction to this amendment is one of lack of support, but also some concerns about how that plays out,

1547
02:37:25,000 --> 02:37:29,000
given that so many people's responsibilities from other departments,

1548
02:37:29,000 --> 02:37:32,000
most especially part, we're shifted to Agme.

1549
02:37:32,000 --> 02:37:38,000
So our culture, music and entertainment, because it's such a broad spectrum of items that can cover

1550
02:37:38,000 --> 02:37:42,000
them very concerned about taking any dollars from them.

1551
02:37:42,000 --> 02:37:45,000
So just expressing that, I don't know originally.

1552
02:37:45,000 --> 02:37:46,000
Thank you.

1553
02:37:46,000 --> 02:37:48,000
Council member Fuentes, followed by Council member Duchen.

1554
02:37:48,000 --> 02:37:49,000
Yes, thank you.

1555
02:37:49,000 --> 02:37:51,000
I'm wondering if we can have the director for Agme.

1556
02:37:51,000 --> 02:37:52,000
Join us.

1557
02:37:52,000 --> 02:37:59,000
I want to better understand what this proposed $150,000 cut to the Agme department would do.

1558
02:37:59,000 --> 02:38:05,000
If you could go over specifically what cultural centers, what facilities would be impacted,

1559
02:38:05,000 --> 02:38:10,000
and what that impact would actually entail.

1560
02:38:10,000 --> 02:38:15,000
Good afternoon, Angela Means, director for the Arts Culture Music and Entertainment Department.

1561
02:38:15,000 --> 02:38:22,000
And I will say, while the department would work to minimize the impact to this reduction,

1562
02:38:22,000 --> 02:38:27,000
our temporary staff within our facilities play a critical role in our programming.

1563
02:38:27,000 --> 02:38:34,000
All of our cultural spaces, spaces including the Mac, the Asian American Resource Center,

1564
02:38:34,000 --> 02:38:40,000
the Arts Center, the George Washington Carver Museum and Genealogy Center,

1565
02:38:40,000 --> 02:38:44,000
as well as the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility,

1566
02:38:44,000 --> 02:38:48,000
would be impacted by the reduction in their camp budgets.

1567
02:38:48,000 --> 02:38:54,000
Now, the department relies heavily on temporary staffing, as I stated earlier,

1568
02:38:54,000 --> 02:39:02,000
to provide programming and support for the much needed services that we provide to the Austin community.

1569
02:39:02,000 --> 02:39:08,000
Our temporary staffing within our department is approximately a little over 100.

1570
02:39:08,000 --> 02:39:18,000
So we have a full-time permanent staff count of nearly 100 and we have the same amount in temporary staffing.

1571
02:39:18,000 --> 02:39:30,000
And so to reduce $150,000 of that would mean we would need to take a look at all of our programming across the department to minimize the impact.

1572
02:39:30,000 --> 02:39:37,000
But some of the programs that were flagged for potential that would be potentially affected,

1573
02:39:37,000 --> 02:39:43,000
were some of our longstanding annual celebrations throughout the cultural facilities,

1574
02:39:43,000 --> 02:39:46,000
such as Juneteenth, such as Celebrasia.

1575
02:39:46,000 --> 02:39:50,000
And so, of course, we do not want to reduce those for our Austin community,

1576
02:39:50,000 --> 02:39:57,000
but we would need to strategize on how best to mitigate that throughout the department.

1577
02:39:58,000 --> 02:39:59,000
Thank you.

1578
02:39:59,000 --> 02:40:02,000
Thank you, Councillor Osir for bringing for this amendment.

1579
02:40:02,000 --> 02:40:07,000
I won't be able to support this amendment, especially knowing what this reduction in temporary staff could

1580
02:40:07,000 --> 02:40:11,000
and tell for many of our beloved community events in our city,

1581
02:40:11,000 --> 02:40:16,000
that is experienced by many of our Austin nights throughout the year.

1582
02:40:16,000 --> 02:40:23,000
So, especially if there's not a program or other service that you're looking to have these funds go direct

1583
02:40:23,000 --> 02:40:26,000
forward without having that identified.

1584
02:40:26,000 --> 02:40:29,000
Yeah, I have concerns for that overall.

1585
02:40:29,000 --> 02:40:30,000
Thank you.

1586
02:40:30,000 --> 02:40:31,000
Thank you.

1587
02:40:31,000 --> 02:40:32,000
Thank you, Councillor.

1588
02:40:32,000 --> 02:40:34,000
Thank you, Mayor.

1589
02:40:34,000 --> 02:40:38,000
First, I want to thank Councillor Aulter for bringing for this.

1590
02:40:38,000 --> 02:40:46,000
This is very similar to one of the reductions that we identified as part of how to get to a potential to an a half percent budget proposal.

1591
02:40:46,000 --> 02:40:54,000
And I say that in the context of recognizing that no cut and no reduction that we're ever going to have volunteer

1592
02:40:54,000 --> 02:41:03,000
that the manager is asked as departments to volunteer is going to be easy or is not going to involve a reduction in service somewhere.

1593
02:41:03,000 --> 02:41:11,000
And so, the question then to reinforce Councillor Aulter's point is it's about priorities that point we heard today.

1594
02:41:11,000 --> 02:41:18,000
There's a program at workforce development that might be short $400,000, which is more important than for us.

1595
02:41:18,000 --> 02:41:20,000
And how do we make those choices?

1596
02:41:20,000 --> 02:41:25,000
Funding a community service program that creates jobs and workforce development.

1597
02:41:25,000 --> 02:41:30,000
Or is it going to be funding one of the cuts that we might propose is the, you might from the conversation,

1598
02:41:30,000 --> 02:41:37,000
the diets, the fleet cut that would make take a little longer to repair fender vendors or fleet vehicles.

1599
02:41:37,000 --> 02:41:43,000
So we're going to have to make some potential trade-offs here as we go forward the next week with this budget.

1600
02:41:43,000 --> 02:41:49,000
And I think it's important that we get clarity on that. I think it's important that we get data from staff so we're not just,

1601
02:41:49,000 --> 02:41:55,000
because every director is going to come here and I respect the heck about directors but they're going to come here and try maintain their budget.

1602
02:41:55,000 --> 02:41:59,000
They're going to try maintaining their service levels and that's their job and I respect that.

1603
02:41:59,000 --> 02:42:03,000
I mean, they're all going to come here and say that we need this, it's essential.

1604
02:42:03,000 --> 02:42:07,000
But we ourselves are going to have to figure out where our priorities lay, whether they're in.

1605
02:42:07,000 --> 02:42:13,000
As we've very creatively done, restoring some cuts to social services or the plan to do so.

1606
02:42:13,000 --> 02:42:18,000
But there are going to be other priorities that we identify that are higher than the ones that are on the prioritization list.

1607
02:42:18,000 --> 02:42:20,000
And that's where I think the tough calls are going to be made.

1608
02:42:20,000 --> 02:42:23,000
So I appreciate Councilor Alter brings forward.

1609
02:42:23,000 --> 02:42:30,000
And I hope that we, he's not, I hope that we entertain similar reductions to have similar conversations around some of these items going forward as well.

1610
02:42:30,000 --> 02:42:31,000
Thank you.

1611
02:42:31,000 --> 02:42:33,000
Thanks, Councilor.

1612
02:42:33,000 --> 02:42:38,000
Question for director means you mentioned your hundred permanent staff and about a hundred terms.

1613
02:42:38,000 --> 02:42:44,000
What does a hundred fifty thousand dollars represent out of your temporary staffing?

1614
02:42:44,000 --> 02:42:46,000
It's less than 10%.

1615
02:42:46,000 --> 02:42:50,000
Our temporary budget is nearly two million dollars for our department.

1616
02:42:50,000 --> 02:42:52,000
So one fifty is it's not that.

1617
02:42:52,000 --> 02:42:53,000
Okay.

1618
02:42:53,000 --> 02:42:57,000
And you talked about, you know, some of the events that you put on obviously,

1619
02:42:57,000 --> 02:43:01,000
you mentioned to the marquee events, Juneteenth and others.

1620
02:43:01,000 --> 02:43:08,000
But you also, in your response, talked about how those are, you know, very high priorities.

1621
02:43:08,000 --> 02:43:16,000
I'm not asking for a perfect number, but how many events do we have on an annual basis at these facilities?

1622
02:43:16,000 --> 02:43:22,000
Is it, you know, just a few that we all know about or is it there a lot going on all year long?

1623
02:43:22,000 --> 02:43:27,000
It's quite a bit of activity within our cultural spaces where we celebrate different occasions.

1624
02:43:27,000 --> 02:43:36,000
But each one of our cultural spaces has what they call a signature event where the community has come to celebrate whatever that is.

1625
02:43:36,000 --> 02:43:41,000
And, you know, they receive quite a bit of support from the community.

1626
02:43:41,000 --> 02:43:45,000
And so what we would want to do is continue that.

1627
02:43:45,000 --> 02:43:51,000
But we would have to scale back what that looks like to stay within our budgeted targets.

1628
02:43:51,000 --> 02:43:59,000
And would, is the temporary staffing only for your signature events or is it for events outside the signature events?

1629
02:43:59,000 --> 02:44:01,000
It's for the entire operations of that.

1630
02:44:01,000 --> 02:44:09,000
So help me understand why if the signature events are the most important events, why would we scale back our most important events?

1631
02:44:09,000 --> 02:44:11,000
Instead of saying, that's our most important event.

1632
02:44:11,000 --> 02:44:15,000
We have still over 90% of our temporary budget to do that.

1633
02:44:15,000 --> 02:44:21,000
We're going to prioritize those fully invest in those and maybe have lesser events.

1634
02:44:21,000 --> 02:44:28,000
The impact it should we not have enough dollars to do everything we've done in the past.

1635
02:44:28,000 --> 02:44:29,000
Thank you for that question.

1636
02:44:29,000 --> 02:44:32,000
It's very, it's a difficult choice.

1637
02:44:32,000 --> 02:44:37,000
It's hard to say what is the most important for our community within our cultural spaces.

1638
02:44:37,000 --> 02:44:43,000
We have summer programs for our youth, which we did not want to touch.

1639
02:44:43,000 --> 02:44:49,000
Because we understand the importance of the use of our facilities for our communities.

1640
02:44:49,000 --> 02:44:55,000
And so that's something that was part of the 300,000, but we were hoping that would not be considered.

1641
02:44:55,000 --> 02:44:58,000
We have facilities that are open all day.

1642
02:45:00,000 --> 02:45:06,000
Our seniors rely on our facilities, and they're enjoying those spaces, and so we did not want to touch that.

1643
02:45:06,000 --> 02:45:18,000
The areas that we found to be the least impactful, unfortunately, is the senior or is the annual events.

1644
02:45:18,000 --> 02:45:28,000
But there are hard choices that we had to consider, given the use of the space and what our community has told us, that's important to them.

1645
02:45:28,000 --> 02:45:34,000
Well, we'll continue to work on this conversation. I would echo a little bit of what council member duties said.

1646
02:45:34,000 --> 02:45:46,000
I mean, if we can't come up with less than 10% of a sub-program of a sub, we will never be in a position where this budget isn't just growing, growing, growing.

1647
02:45:46,000 --> 02:45:48,000
So, I just...

1648
02:45:48,000 --> 02:45:56,000
Sure. And we're laying out the amendments for not debating the amendments today, but it's appropriate for people to say how they're feeling about them.

1649
02:45:56,000 --> 02:46:00,000
Ask questions, but we're not going to get in the full-born debates.

1650
02:46:00,000 --> 02:46:08,000
It's my understanding, the next sheet we have members says, council member alter 3.

1651
02:46:08,000 --> 02:46:10,000
Which one was it?

1652
02:46:10,000 --> 02:46:14,000
He has cut, he has cut 2.

1653
02:46:14,000 --> 02:46:16,000
So, if that's right, I'm correct, right?

1654
02:46:16,000 --> 02:46:17,000
You are correct.

1655
02:46:17,000 --> 02:46:19,000
So, we'll go to alter 3.

1656
02:46:19,000 --> 02:46:26,000
This is building on what council member Vala was mentioning as a relates to some of our investments.

1657
02:46:26,000 --> 02:46:32,000
The number one capital neighborhood investment that we get contacted about is speed bumps.

1658
02:46:32,000 --> 02:46:42,000
And I think we had a really full discussion about speed bumps when we were talking about the neighborhood or the district service funds.

1659
02:46:42,000 --> 02:46:53,000
And what this would do is add a million dollars towards our vision zero and traffic calming inclusive of speed bumps to have money available.

1660
02:46:53,000 --> 02:46:58,000
Because the answer, unfortunately, always for the neighbors, is we don't have money.

1661
02:46:58,000 --> 02:47:00,000
You know, great idea, but we don't have money.

1662
02:47:00,000 --> 02:47:02,000
And so, this would help.

1663
02:47:02,000 --> 02:47:06,000
It's not going to solve nearly the whole list, but it would help us chip away at that listing.

1664
02:47:06,000 --> 02:47:07,000
Creators.

1665
02:47:07,000 --> 02:47:08,000
This would also be best of you.

1666
02:47:08,000 --> 02:47:10,000
I'll also see us saying so.

1667
02:47:10,000 --> 02:47:15,000
And this would not be this would not be duplicative of the 32 million.

1668
02:47:15,000 --> 02:47:16,000
Correct.

1669
02:47:16,000 --> 02:47:17,000
It would take you to 33.

1670
02:47:17,000 --> 02:47:18,000
Okay.

1671
02:47:18,000 --> 02:47:20,000
Councilor Diction.

1672
02:47:20,000 --> 02:47:21,000
Thank you, Mayor.

1673
02:47:21,000 --> 02:47:26,000
I just had a question for staff about this one because I know we've had conversations for a little

1674
02:47:26,000 --> 02:47:34,000
year and I thought I recall that there is a specific fund of line item that addresses this kind of traffic calming.

1675
02:47:34,000 --> 02:47:39,000
And I think at one time, I recall a saying that those dollars had been exhausted.

1676
02:47:39,000 --> 02:47:54,000
So I'm trying to understand the current state of that, whether this is an ongoing item, or a staff can clarify whether or not there is indeed like a pot of money that's set aside exclusively for traffic calming and the staff of that.

1677
02:47:55,000 --> 02:47:58,000
Council member, we do have a program and speed management program.

1678
02:47:58,000 --> 02:48:09,000
And we have used capital projects for hard infrastructure like roundabouts, chicanes, hard asphalt, speed tables, speed humps to manage speed.

1679
02:48:09,000 --> 02:48:20,000
But then we also have an operating budget that we've used to put up speed electronic speed display signs until effectively slow traffic down.

1680
02:48:21,000 --> 02:48:25,000
And I do believe, yeah, we have exhausted the capital portion of that budget.

1681
02:48:25,000 --> 02:48:28,000
So this would augment that.

1682
02:48:28,000 --> 02:48:34,000
It is separate from the active mobility program programmatic funds that were previously posture.

1683
02:48:34,000 --> 02:48:35,000
Thank you.

1684
02:48:35,000 --> 02:48:36,000
If I can just clarify.

1685
02:48:36,000 --> 02:48:41,000
So if I had a neighborhood or Councilor Walters, whoever has a community that says we want.

1686
02:48:41,000 --> 02:48:49,000
We need some additional speed bumps in our community right now that resources exhausted and this would help replenish it.

1687
02:48:49,000 --> 02:48:55,000
Yes, it would we we have the resources to conduct the speed surveys and engineering studies.

1688
02:48:55,000 --> 02:49:04,000
To determine the appropriateness according to the municipal uniform traffic control devices, but then in terms of the hard capital.

1689
02:49:04,000 --> 02:49:06,000
Construction.

1690
02:49:06,000 --> 02:49:07,000
We do not.

1691
02:49:07,000 --> 02:49:11,000
Last question is don't need to write now, but I'd be curious.

1692
02:49:11,000 --> 02:49:16,000
No, what is the average yearly spend in that category.

1693
02:49:16,000 --> 02:49:17,000
Certainly.

1694
02:49:17,000 --> 02:49:18,000
Councillor, we can provide that.

1695
02:49:18,000 --> 02:49:19,000
That'd be great.

1696
02:49:19,000 --> 02:49:20,000
Thank you.

1697
02:49:20,000 --> 02:49:21,000
Thank you.

1698
02:49:21,000 --> 02:49:22,000
Councillor.

1699
02:49:22,000 --> 02:49:23,000
Councillor.

1700
02:49:23,000 --> 02:49:24,000
Can.

1701
02:49:24,000 --> 02:49:28,000
I don't know what just happened.

1702
02:49:28,000 --> 02:49:29,000
Thank you.

1703
02:49:29,000 --> 02:49:30,000
Thank you.

1704
02:49:30,000 --> 02:49:31,000
Yeah.

1705
02:49:31,000 --> 02:49:32,000
I had to speak.

1706
02:49:32,000 --> 02:49:33,000
Well done.

1707
02:49:33,000 --> 02:49:34,000
Good one.

1708
02:49:34,000 --> 02:49:35,000
Councillor.

1709
02:49:35,000 --> 02:49:36,000
I have a question.

1710
02:49:36,000 --> 02:49:39,000
I'm not sure if this is for the director or for the author.

1711
02:49:39,000 --> 02:49:45,000
But with living streets infrastructure be applicable for these types of dollars.

1712
02:49:45,000 --> 02:49:59,000
I'm thinking obviously when neighbors ask for speed reduction they think of speed bumps, but there's also other ways of working through, you know, enhanced mediums, narrowing the streets and other things that the department has done really well with lately.

1713
02:49:59,000 --> 02:50:00,000
Yeah.

1714
02:50:00,000 --> 02:50:01,000
I'm going to speak to my intention.

1715
02:50:01,000 --> 02:50:03,000
It is all traffic calming.

1716
02:50:03,000 --> 02:50:05,000
So speed bumps being the marquee.

1717
02:50:05,000 --> 02:50:09,000
One that we think about, but yes, there are a lot of other options for all deferred.

1718
02:50:09,000 --> 02:50:10,000
Yeah.

1719
02:50:10,000 --> 02:50:15,000
However, I do have an answer to your prior question in terms of the funding.

1720
02:50:15,000 --> 02:50:21,000
The speed management program was funded seven million over six years from the 2020 bond.

1721
02:50:21,000 --> 02:50:27,000
And then in terms of the living streets, I have we've routinely funded that through operating budget.

1722
02:50:27,000 --> 02:50:33,000
And those have been more along the designs of either temporary treatments.

1723
02:50:33,000 --> 02:50:46,000
They do have the effect of slowing down traffic, but they're typically on low volume residential streets that permit active.

1724
02:50:46,000 --> 02:50:50,000
You know, neighborhood use of those streets other than vehicles.

1725
02:50:50,000 --> 02:50:54,000
Okay, so you wouldn't use the O's to install those treatments.

1726
02:50:54,000 --> 02:51:00,000
We've all, we have thus far funded that those through our operating budget.

1727
02:51:00,000 --> 02:51:01,000
Thanks.

1728
02:51:01,000 --> 02:51:02,000
Thank you.

1729
02:51:02,000 --> 02:51:06,000
Councillor Walter, let's go to altar four.

1730
02:51:06,000 --> 02:51:07,000
Great.

1731
02:51:07,000 --> 02:51:17,000
So this is to add one time appropriation of $500,000 for what are called FY vouchers or foster youth independence.

1732
02:51:17,000 --> 02:51:19,000
And what we're looking to do here.

1733
02:51:19,000 --> 02:51:27,000
Well, first off, what those are are vouchers for individuals who have had, who've been in the foster care system.

1734
02:51:27,000 --> 02:51:40,000
And what we have, what has just happened is typically there's a cap for various areas and housing authorities who pull down these vouchers.

1735
02:51:40,000 --> 02:51:43,000
And we have basically operated at our cap.

1736
02:51:43,000 --> 02:51:46,000
HUD has recently removed that cap.

1737
02:51:46,000 --> 02:51:53,000
And now communities can apply for as many as they're able to sustain and for you to be able to pull more down.

1738
02:51:53,000 --> 02:51:59,000
You have to show that you have the service dollars attached to those vouchers.

1739
02:51:59,000 --> 02:52:10,000
What I'm hoping to attempt here is for the city to put up $500,000 as matching funds to attract outside investment to say,

1740
02:52:10,000 --> 02:52:19,000
we're going to match you dollar for dollar to then have a million dollars worth of funding available to pull these vouchers down.

1741
02:52:19,000 --> 02:52:32,000
And if you look at this on an ROI, just dollar basis, given the value of the vouchers and the matching funds, we would be achieving almost a seven to one match on these dollars.

1742
02:52:32,000 --> 02:52:40,000
And I think we have all seen we don't have enough dollars to go around to fund, but there's homeless services or broader social safety net.

1743
02:52:40,000 --> 02:52:47,000
But if we can take some of our money and leverage it in this way, I think it'd be a really, really smart move,

1744
02:52:47,000 --> 02:52:50,000
especially given now that this cap has been lifted.

1745
02:52:50,000 --> 02:52:58,000
And I think this really builds the mayor and carry of and working with the legislature on potentially increasing this funding,

1746
02:52:58,000 --> 02:53:03,000
and this would be our signal that we're trying to participate in that as well.

1747
02:53:03,000 --> 02:53:09,000
So I think this fits right into your focus on kids and youth success.

1748
02:53:09,000 --> 02:53:12,000
So hoping we can find a way to make this work.

1749
02:53:13,000 --> 02:53:16,000
Thank you. Let's go to ultra five.

1750
02:53:16,000 --> 02:53:17,000
Very good.

1751
02:53:17,000 --> 02:53:29,000
The last one, ultra five. This is to add $200,000 for a position for the electric transition of our equipment.

1752
02:53:29,000 --> 02:53:35,000
We have, we're building the new maintenance facility out of Zilker Park that's going to allow for us to better electrify our fleet,

1753
02:53:35,000 --> 02:53:41,000
which not only good for the environment, but it will save us money from an operating perspective.

1754
02:53:41,000 --> 02:53:45,000
And in order for us to actually get that program off and running,

1755
02:53:45,000 --> 02:53:51,000
there needs to be an individual in charge of that program and making sure it happens.

1756
02:53:51,000 --> 02:53:58,000
So I don't want us to stall out on the investments we're making in electrification because we don't have a person available to do it.

1757
02:53:58,000 --> 02:54:04,000
This would be an option for where some of that money could go that we talked about earlier.

1758
02:54:04,000 --> 02:54:11,000
I'm not trying to follow the process of not doing a cut here pay for here.

1759
02:54:11,000 --> 02:54:15,000
Just here the here's the dollars and we'll decide the best way to spend them.

1760
02:54:15,000 --> 02:54:26,000
But this is one way that I think would be really meaningful for our parks for our environment and overall to lower our maintenance costs in the long run.

1761
02:54:26,000 --> 02:54:30,000
Thank you. Can I just want clarification on the process?

1762
02:54:30,000 --> 02:54:36,000
Some of these less amendments call for additional dollars, but we don't know where they're coming from.

1763
02:54:36,000 --> 02:54:43,000
And I think part of my challenge of the policy maker is when I'm considering whether or not to support these amendments,

1764
02:54:43,000 --> 02:54:48,000
I know that the manager is going to have to pull money somewhere to fund these new programs.

1765
02:54:48,000 --> 02:54:54,000
And if one of the cuts is to keep to jobs and yet we're adding $200,000 for landscape equipment,

1766
02:54:54,000 --> 02:54:59,000
I need to know if the cut on jobs is to get us electric landscape equipment.

1767
02:54:59,000 --> 02:55:04,000
So how can we better go about this conversation?

1768
02:55:04,000 --> 02:55:08,000
And this is a job, it's not the equipment the $200,000 is a personnel.

1769
02:55:08,000 --> 02:55:17,000
But that's I think what we're relying on staff that we will come forward today with some of these ideas and they're going to come back with us

1770
02:55:17,000 --> 02:55:23,000
of here are the options of how we pay for them and that's the point at which we decide what's the higher priority.

1771
02:55:24,000 --> 02:55:26,000
We'll have to prioritize.

1772
02:55:26,000 --> 02:55:36,000
Because they've provided us with a balanced budget, so unless they can find something that we want to cut,

1773
02:55:36,000 --> 02:55:41,000
then some of these amendments will be able to go forward.

1774
02:55:41,000 --> 02:55:43,000
Thank you, Councillor Oralter. Councillor Oralter.

1775
02:55:43,000 --> 02:55:49,000
Councillor Oralter, Councillor Oralter, Councillor Oralter, Councillor Oralter, Councillor Oralter, Councillor Oralter, Councillor Oralter.

1776
02:55:49,000 --> 02:55:52,000
Okay, so thank you, Mayor.

1777
02:55:52,000 --> 02:56:01,000
The first amendment I'm bringing forward is to restore funding for the Community Health Navigator and Community Health Navigator for seniors contracts for the Asian American Resource Center.

1778
02:56:01,000 --> 02:56:12,000
Staff clearly indicated on Tuesday that the Reduction and Funding for these programs would directly result in a reduction of available services for its intended population with no alternative in place.

1779
02:56:12,000 --> 02:56:18,000
My district has the highest concentration of Asian Americans in the city and that a population includes many multi-generational immigrant families.

1780
02:56:18,000 --> 02:56:27,000
With many elderly family members who have language challenges and other barriers to accessing services.

1781
02:56:27,000 --> 02:56:36,000
The Asian Family Support Services of Austin and the Austin Asian Community Health Initiative have both expressed the critical need for and value of this program.

1782
02:56:36,000 --> 02:56:46,000
Community organizations regularly refer clients to the Asian American Resource Center because it is a trusted hub that provides thoughtful, culturally responsive and accessible support.

1783
02:56:46,000 --> 02:56:52,000
The services we choose to fund can only achieve their intended impact if people are able to access them.

1784
02:56:52,000 --> 02:56:58,000
Community Navigators play an essential role in bridging the gap that gap by helping residents connect with resources.

1785
02:56:58,000 --> 02:57:03,000
They might otherwise be unable to navigate particularly within targeted populations.

1786
02:57:03,000 --> 02:57:10,000
I understand that the budget staff has done incredible work to find a way forward that aligns with the priorities this council has expressed.

1787
02:57:10,000 --> 02:57:19,000
But this amendment is an insurance policy that these crucial services are fully maintained because we have no substitute service in this.

1788
02:57:19,000 --> 02:57:20,000
Thank you.

1789
02:57:20,000 --> 02:57:21,000
Councillor Caudry.

1790
02:57:21,000 --> 02:57:24,000
Yeah, I just wanted to thank Councillor Layne for bringing forward this item.

1791
02:57:24,000 --> 02:57:26,000
I've talked a lot of folks in the API community.

1792
02:57:26,000 --> 02:57:28,000
It's a very diverse community.

1793
02:57:28,000 --> 02:57:32,000
There's a lot of languages, even among, you know, certain groups.

1794
02:57:32,000 --> 02:57:37,000
And this is something that's been huge for the community.

1795
02:57:37,000 --> 02:57:44,000
You know, as someone who has one elderly grant right now, and on the East Coast, I really wish this was something that we saw more throughout the country.

1796
02:57:44,000 --> 02:57:47,000
So thanks for bringing it here in Austin.

1797
02:57:47,000 --> 02:57:48,000
Thank you, Councillor.

1798
02:57:48,000 --> 02:57:51,000
That's relying number two.

1799
02:57:51,000 --> 02:57:52,000
Thank you.

1800
02:57:52,000 --> 02:57:58,000
The second amendment I'm bringing forward provides operational gap funding to support new family shelter beds coming online in our city.

1801
02:57:58,000 --> 02:58:06,000
One of the challenges we hear consistently from our homelessness service providers is that physical space is often not the primary barrier to expanding.

1802
02:58:06,000 --> 02:58:12,000
Family shelter capacity providers frequently have buildings or available space that could serve more families.

1803
02:58:12,000 --> 02:58:16,000
But they lack the operational funding needed to staff maintain and open those facilities.

1804
02:58:16,000 --> 02:58:20,000
Recent reductions in federal grant funding have only widened that gap.

1805
02:58:20,000 --> 02:58:27,000
Last year I sponsored an IFC directing homeless strategy and operations to identify opportunities to expand family shelter bed capacity.

1806
02:58:27,000 --> 02:58:35,000
While we're still working toward these goals, the amendment provides the resources needed to help translate those opportunities into additional shelter beds as well as support.

1807
02:58:35,000 --> 02:58:40,000
The very limited number of family shelter available beds available in North Austin.

1808
02:58:40,000 --> 02:58:49,000
I am confident that this investment will provide providers open their doors, expand capacity, ensure that more families have access to safe shelter across our city.

1809
02:58:49,000 --> 02:59:00,000
And I myself, I know that y'all know this, but the value of allowing families with children who do not have stable housing to remain near their social network.

1810
02:59:00,000 --> 02:59:10,000
You know their school, near all of the things that provide informal support is is particularly critical when you're trying to raise children and these challenging circumstances.

1811
02:59:10,000 --> 02:59:12,000
So that hope you'll consider.

1812
02:59:12,000 --> 02:59:14,000
My amendment not favorably.

1813
02:59:14,000 --> 02:59:15,000
Thank you.

1814
02:59:15,000 --> 02:59:18,000
I have one question on this for you or director.

1815
02:59:18,000 --> 02:59:20,000
You use your gap funding.

1816
02:59:20,000 --> 02:59:26,000
And you might have laid this out, but is this this is funding for already existing family shelter.

1817
02:59:26,000 --> 02:59:29,000
It's not to increase the family shelter capacity.

1818
02:59:29,000 --> 02:59:32,000
I'll give an initial reaction then I'll pass to director Greg.

1819
02:59:32,000 --> 02:59:45,000
So I am aware of interruptions and service where there is private support providing the building, but they do not have operational support.

1820
02:59:45,000 --> 02:59:56,000
And providers that have had extremely strong success factors with the city that are experiencing cuts.

1821
02:59:56,000 --> 03:00:00,000
I'll pass to director Greg out onto that because you have much more knowledge.

1822
03:00:00,000 --> 03:00:02,000
I have an answer. Thank you, council member.

1823
03:00:02,000 --> 03:00:05,000
David Gray, director, office and home strategies and operations.

1824
03:00:05,000 --> 03:00:10,000
Council member, we do have some community partners who are in the process of constructing new

1825
03:00:10,000 --> 03:00:15,000
families shelter for our community. They've been able to independently raise the funding for

1826
03:00:15,000 --> 03:00:21,000
those capital dollars. However, they don't have not yet identified the operational funding.

1827
03:00:21,000 --> 03:00:27,000
So our understanding of this item would be to identify funding to help get those new shelter beds

1828
03:00:27,000 --> 03:00:32,000
online, which would add net new capacity for homeless families in our community.

1829
03:00:32,000 --> 03:00:37,000
As far as the existing family shelters go, we currently have contracts with a lot of

1830
03:00:37,000 --> 03:00:41,000
those providers that support those existing family shelter beds.

1831
03:00:41,000 --> 03:00:47,000
And so this amendment will go towards increasing the number of shelter beds available for

1832
03:00:47,000 --> 03:00:53,000
homeless families in our community. And is it your understanding that they need one

1833
03:00:53,000 --> 03:00:58,000
time start at funds or you're time at operating. So is this something that they

1834
03:00:58,000 --> 03:01:03,000
would need those ongoing operation operating dollars for.

1835
03:01:03,000 --> 03:01:05,000
Thank you, council member.

1836
03:01:05,000 --> 03:01:11,000
Obviously for ongoing costs, you would need to identify ongoing funding for those things.

1837
03:01:11,000 --> 03:01:16,000
We've been having a lot of good conversations with our philanthropic community

1838
03:01:16,000 --> 03:01:22,000
with large homeless services and bringing our philanthropic community along to help

1839
03:01:22,000 --> 03:01:28,000
sustain some of these operations. And so if this is one time funding or if it's

1840
03:01:28,000 --> 03:01:32,000
ongoing funding, either way we'll continue to have those conversations with philanthropic partners

1841
03:01:32,000 --> 03:01:39,000
to see if they're able to also provide ongoing funding for these types of shelter beds.

1842
03:01:39,000 --> 03:01:43,000
I appreciate the author bringing this. I think this is such a critical area.

1843
03:01:43,000 --> 03:01:48,000
I do just want us to be mindful of one time dollars into something that we think

1844
03:01:48,000 --> 03:01:52,000
might be ongoing. We'll be in a position next year where people are coming and saying,

1845
03:01:52,000 --> 03:01:57,000
well, if you don't fund this again, you're cutting our family shelter capacity.

1846
03:01:57,000 --> 03:02:01,000
And that's, as, as wide open, I just want to make sure we have eyes wide open.

1847
03:02:01,000 --> 03:02:04,000
So if I could just share a little bit of additional information because as Director Gray was

1848
03:02:04,000 --> 03:02:07,000
speaking, I knew several of the examples from what he was referring to.

1849
03:02:07,000 --> 03:02:11,000
But there was an example that I think he didn't pick up on that I was referring to.

1850
03:02:11,000 --> 03:02:16,000
And I think I know where the disconnect lies without getting too specific.

1851
03:02:16,000 --> 03:02:20,000
You know, this is the second year in a row that we've cut social services funding.

1852
03:02:20,000 --> 03:02:29,000
And the example that I'm aware of is the provider who had been providing support services.

1853
03:02:29,000 --> 03:02:35,000
And when that bill cuts were made and I believe in the prior fiscal year and that was my mistake.

1854
03:02:36,000 --> 03:02:45,000
They had to stop supporting the services provided on a church site where there is a building that is now sitting vacant.

1855
03:02:45,000 --> 03:02:48,000
Because so it's a mix of these things.

1856
03:02:48,000 --> 03:02:50,000
But I appreciate it.

1857
03:02:50,000 --> 03:02:51,000
Bringing out the differences.

1858
03:02:51,000 --> 03:02:52,000
Thank you.

1859
03:02:52,000 --> 03:02:53,000
Thank you.

1860
03:02:53,000 --> 03:02:56,000
Now we'll go to Councillor for Siegel followed by Councillor Layles.

1861
03:02:56,000 --> 03:02:59,000
Members Councillor for Siegel has him.

1862
03:02:59,000 --> 03:03:03,000
He has three proposed amendments.

1863
03:03:03,000 --> 03:03:08,000
Number one has a version two that I believe was passed out this morning.

1864
03:03:08,000 --> 03:03:12,000
And it's not the one that's on the screen.

1865
03:03:12,000 --> 03:03:16,000
Because apparently they didn't get that to put on the screen.

1866
03:03:16,000 --> 03:03:20,000
But it's on a very nice pink sheet.

1867
03:03:20,000 --> 03:03:23,000
I've never seen it on a pink sheet before.

1868
03:03:24,000 --> 03:03:26,000
Councillor for Siegel but goes his own one.

1869
03:03:26,000 --> 03:03:29,000
Now I want to thank the city clerk really taking care of me there.

1870
03:03:29,000 --> 03:03:30,000
I like it.

1871
03:03:30,000 --> 03:03:32,000
Well thank you, Mayor.

1872
03:03:32,000 --> 03:03:41,000
Siegel motion sheet one is a budget amendment to support the transition of emergency communications into a standalone department in fiscal year 27.

1873
03:03:41,000 --> 03:03:44,000
It involves the mix of one time and ongoing funds.

1874
03:03:44,000 --> 03:03:48,000
This amendment will follow the recommendations of the recent staff member random by funding

1875
03:03:48,000 --> 03:03:52,000
to support governance, operational and technology enhancements.

1876
03:03:52,000 --> 03:03:55,000
To improve 911 response times.

1877
03:03:55,000 --> 03:04:02,000
The new office of joint emergency communications will be funded for a new executive director, assistant director, and support personnel.

1878
03:04:02,000 --> 03:04:14,000
And after the first half of the fiscal year, the civilian call takers for 911 as well as civilians supervisor positions and expenses will be funded through the new office of joint emergency communications.

1879
03:04:15,000 --> 03:04:17,000
The call taker positions are already funded in the budget.

1880
03:04:17,000 --> 03:04:23,000
So that aspect would just be a transfer of funds representing a little over $5 million for the second half of the fiscal year.

1881
03:04:23,000 --> 03:04:29,000
The staffing and programmatic improvements to 911 cost a total of $1.7 million over 18 months.

1882
03:04:29,000 --> 03:04:33,000
1.1 million of which would be spent in fiscal year 27.

1883
03:04:33,000 --> 03:04:39,000
This amendment has a safety valve if for some recent city staff are unable to acquire the necessary certification to stand up.

1884
03:04:39,000 --> 03:04:43,000
The new emergency communications department within the fiscal year.

1885
03:04:43,000 --> 03:04:50,000
That said, we believe this time frame is entirely reasonable based on past efforts such as setting up an independent forensic department.

1886
03:04:50,000 --> 03:04:54,000
Now, in terms of why this amendment is important, there's a lot to say here.

1887
03:04:54,000 --> 03:05:06,000
First of all, last year during the budget process, a unanimous council directed staff to analyze how the city could form a standalone joint emergency communications department that was not under the direction of the police department.

1888
03:05:06,000 --> 03:05:17,000
The resolution sponsored by Councilmember Lane, which I co-sponsored and which was developed in consultation with city staff included a deadline of December 9, 2025 to present a strategic plan to council.

1889
03:05:17,000 --> 03:05:23,000
Unfortunately, that deadline passed and more than eight months after that deadline, we still don't have the strategic plan.

1890
03:05:23,000 --> 03:05:27,000
So the will of council has been frustrated by staff in action.

1891
03:05:27,000 --> 03:05:33,000
This sort of delay erodes public confidence and now instead of having a well studied plan and preparation for the budget cycle,

1892
03:05:33,000 --> 03:05:38,000
all we have is a memo that Council was sent approximately a week ago.

1893
03:05:38,000 --> 03:05:43,000
Even in this memo that states that staff don't—sorry.

1894
03:05:43,000 --> 03:05:49,000
Even though the memo states that staff don't believe moving 911 to an independent civilian department is necessary,

1895
03:05:49,000 --> 03:05:55,000
it still subsequently underscores the need for an independent joint emergency communications department.

1896
03:05:55,000 --> 03:06:00,000
And first and foremost, it's because we need to prioritize alternatives to police response.

1897
03:06:01,000 --> 03:06:09,000
A shift to standalone 911 is necessary to ensure that we are truly reimagining public safety as our city has declared its goal to be.

1898
03:06:09,000 --> 03:06:18,000
And that we are rigorously living up to our goals to divert mental health calls and other nonviolent calls towards emergency responders who are best equipped to respond effectively.

1899
03:06:18,000 --> 03:06:24,000
In the last year, Council unanimously prioritized restoring full funding for 247 mental health.

1900
03:06:24,000 --> 03:06:30,000
First response through EMCOT, we prioritize preserving our community paramedics who are called Chippers.

1901
03:06:30,000 --> 03:06:36,000
We unanimously passed the resolution to create a safe to call policy with working groups which met for the first time last week.

1902
03:06:36,000 --> 03:06:45,000
And we need to show the community that we are aware of the fundamental problem in this country that when we don't prioritize appropriate mental health response and alternatives to policing,

1903
03:06:45,000 --> 03:06:51,000
then we do default to a police response and the odds of injury and death unfortunately skyrocket.

1904
03:06:51,000 --> 03:06:58,000
Despite all the work we've done as a city, we still have a 911 system that even in the name presents police as the default.

1905
03:06:58,000 --> 03:07:00,000
It's called APD 911.

1906
03:07:00,000 --> 03:07:05,000
And it makes sense that this would happen when the call takers all report up to the chief of police.

1907
03:07:05,000 --> 03:07:13,000
When the city moved its forensics department out of the police department, there were similar arguments that it wasn't necessary or could be improved without such a shift,

1908
03:07:14,000 --> 03:07:16,000
but I believe history has vindicated that move.

1909
03:07:16,000 --> 03:07:21,000
And we can all agree that the department is stronger and performs better independently.

1910
03:07:21,000 --> 03:07:23,000
And that brings me to the second point.

1911
03:07:23,000 --> 03:07:27,000
911 is too important to be a sub-department.

1912
03:07:27,000 --> 03:07:32,000
The memo we received last week shows there critical improvements that we should make to our 911 system.

1913
03:07:32,000 --> 03:07:36,000
And without this memo, we never would have been presented with this information.

1914
03:07:36,000 --> 03:07:41,000
These improvements include, first, reducing duplicate call transfers and triage questions.

1915
03:07:41,000 --> 03:07:44,000
Second, strengthening quality assurance.

1916
03:07:44,000 --> 03:07:46,000
Third, modernizing technology.

1917
03:07:46,000 --> 03:07:50,000
Fourth, expanding and updating performance measurements.

1918
03:07:50,000 --> 03:07:53,000
Fifth, improving coordination between 911 and 911 and 911.

1919
03:07:53,000 --> 03:07:59,000
And tellingly, sixth, changing the leadership structure so that's not just sworn APD leadership.

1920
03:07:59,000 --> 03:08:06,000
The findings suggest that these improvements would shorten emergency response times which we all know could be the difference between life and death.

1921
03:08:06,000 --> 03:08:08,000
Why weren't these improvements identified sooner?

1922
03:08:08,000 --> 03:08:17,000
I believe it's because 911 reports up to the police chief whose primary focus cannot be improving synergy between call takers and dispatches and various departments.

1923
03:08:17,000 --> 03:08:20,000
She's the chief of police. She has so many other priorities.

1924
03:08:20,000 --> 03:08:24,000
Managing civilian call takers will never be at the top of her list.

1925
03:08:24,000 --> 03:08:31,000
If we create an independent department with a specialized director who's so focused is making our 911 system the best it can be,

1926
03:08:31,000 --> 03:08:36,000
we won't need another consultant contract like this to alert counsel of what we're missing.

1927
03:08:37,000 --> 03:08:40,000
We'll have somebody whose job it is to improve how we take calls.

1928
03:08:40,000 --> 03:08:48,000
An official entirely focused on improving coordination between departments and keeping up with the latest best practices, trainings and technologies.

1929
03:08:48,000 --> 03:08:55,000
In Austin, we're very, we're fairly unique in that we have a separate EMS department that isn't folded into another public safety department.

1930
03:08:55,000 --> 03:08:58,000
That's part of what makes our EMS services so good.

1931
03:08:58,000 --> 03:09:03,000
We have a separate department, so our EMS chief is focused on making EMS the best it can possibly be.

1932
03:09:03,000 --> 03:09:08,000
EMS performs some of the most important functions in our city. EMS isn't secondary.

1933
03:09:08,000 --> 03:09:13,000
And also forensics is not secondary and 911 shouldn't be either.

1934
03:09:13,000 --> 03:09:14,000
Thank you, ma'am.

1935
03:09:14,000 --> 03:09:24,000
Councilor Caudry, Councilor Dictioner, remember what we're trying to do is ask questions and make a comment if you want to.

1936
03:09:24,000 --> 03:09:28,000
We don't have all the time today to debate these.

1937
03:09:28,000 --> 03:09:30,000
Thank you, Councilor Caudry.

1938
03:09:30,000 --> 03:09:31,000
Is there.

1939
03:09:31,000 --> 03:09:33,000
No debate to my and on this.

1940
03:09:33,000 --> 03:09:35,000
I just have some clarifying questions.

1941
03:09:35,000 --> 03:09:40,000
What's the total cost to establish the office of joint emergency communications?

1942
03:09:40,000 --> 03:09:42,000
I know it's broken down, but I haven't.

1943
03:09:42,000 --> 03:09:43,000
I'm on the calculator.

1944
03:09:43,000 --> 03:09:47,000
No, so it's it's basically it's 1.7 million dollars.

1945
03:09:47,000 --> 03:09:52,000
One point one of which would be in the first fiscal year and that it's six months after that for the other point six.

1946
03:09:52,000 --> 03:09:57,000
And then and then just more of the curiosity are there other cities that have.

1947
03:09:57,000 --> 03:10:01,000
A is somewhere model of the office of joint emergency communications.

1948
03:10:01,000 --> 03:10:08,000
Well, one of the Texas examples is there's a joint emergency communications department in North Texas that several small municipalities participate in.

1949
03:10:08,000 --> 03:10:09,000
Great.

1950
03:10:09,000 --> 03:10:10,000
Thank you.

1951
03:10:10,000 --> 03:10:11,000
Thank you.

1952
03:10:11,000 --> 03:10:12,000
Thank you.

1953
03:10:12,000 --> 03:10:13,000
Thank you.

1954
03:10:13,000 --> 03:10:16,000
I've got a question for staff on this.

1955
03:10:16,000 --> 03:10:24,000
So Councilmember Seagull referred to the memo and mind understanding from that memo and I'll just go ahead and read it.

1956
03:10:24,000 --> 03:10:28,000
But that we're supposed to be getting a briefing next month.

1957
03:10:28,000 --> 03:10:30,000
About this from the consultant.

1958
03:10:30,000 --> 03:10:32,000
And I think it's probably important.

1959
03:10:32,000 --> 03:10:35,000
I put this that I get this out there because this is what it says.

1960
03:10:35,000 --> 03:10:38,000
A staff's going to bring the item to Council in September 22nd.

1961
03:10:38,000 --> 03:10:43,000
The work session for MCP the consultant to present their final report recommendations.

1962
03:10:43,000 --> 03:10:53,000
The support will provide a comprehensive overview of the studies evolution out on the legal and operational constraints that shape the analysis and further delineate the challenges.

1963
03:10:53,000 --> 03:10:58,000
And cost associated with creating a standalone joint emergency communications department.

1964
03:10:58,000 --> 03:11:03,000
This clarity is essential to ensure the complete understanding of the findings.

1965
03:11:03,000 --> 03:11:14,000
The factors that rendered certain options and feasible under current conditions and MCP's recommendations to prioritize operational enhancements of our organizational restructuring at this time.

1966
03:11:14,000 --> 03:11:17,000
We look forward to presenting the details at the center of the moment.

1967
03:11:17,000 --> 03:11:18,000
So the report.

1968
03:11:18,000 --> 03:11:21,000
My question for staff is does this need to be accelerated?

1969
03:11:21,000 --> 03:11:26,000
Can it even be accelerated if the ideas that we are voting on this next week?

1970
03:11:26,000 --> 03:11:33,000
How does this get to be?

1971
03:11:33,000 --> 03:11:42,000
I think it's enough to be very deliberative in establishing such a critically important service.

1972
03:11:42,000 --> 03:11:44,000
You just simply have to get it right.

1973
03:11:44,000 --> 03:11:53,000
My understanding of Council member and there are certain credentials and requirements that are necessary before we could have a standalone call center.

1974
03:11:53,000 --> 03:12:06,000
My understanding of Council member Seagull's budget amendment is that it would leave the positions in Austin police and it would leave half of the funding in the Austin police department before those call takers.

1975
03:12:06,000 --> 03:12:12,000
In anticipation that within six months we would have met the necessary certifications.

1976
03:12:12,000 --> 03:12:19,000
We would have the director for the new department established at which time those dollars could be moved over.

1977
03:12:19,000 --> 03:12:25,000
And if that timeline wasn't achievable, which I have to say I think that's going to be difficult to achieve.

1978
03:12:25,000 --> 03:12:30,000
But if it wasn't achievable, then the dollars would still be in this new department.

1979
03:12:30,000 --> 03:12:33,000
They could be transferred back to the police department.

1980
03:12:33,000 --> 03:12:37,000
So we would have the continuity of the call center.

1981
03:12:37,000 --> 03:12:48,000
But essentially until the call center was ready to operate at the necessary two coal operations or the department, I should say that those positions would not be moved under.

1982
03:12:48,000 --> 03:12:51,000
The proposal that's before Council.

1983
03:12:51,000 --> 03:13:03,000
So if I can just clarify quickly, it's this is authorizing essentially the funding for the new department and those and the requisite changes that are involved with that.

1984
03:13:03,000 --> 03:13:06,000
There's two parts of the consultant study.

1985
03:13:06,000 --> 03:13:09,000
One spoke to what it would take to stand up a department.

1986
03:13:09,000 --> 03:13:14,000
A one spoke to service and hands run technology and operational enhancements.

1987
03:13:14,000 --> 03:13:20,000
It could be made at the center that included additional staff positions and technology.

1988
03:13:20,000 --> 03:13:24,000
So this proposal from Councilmember Seagull would put money.

1989
03:13:24,000 --> 03:13:27,000
New money into the budget to fund those operational enhancements.

1990
03:13:27,000 --> 03:13:34,000
So it also put money in the budget for a director assistant director and support personnel for the new department.

1991
03:13:34,000 --> 03:13:37,000
And then looking over at the current police budget.

1992
03:13:37,000 --> 03:13:46,000
It's the last bullet on the slide up here is transferring a portion of the money that's currently in police into this new department.

1993
03:13:46,000 --> 03:13:52,000
Again, an anticipation within six months this new department would really be ready to take over.

1994
03:13:52,000 --> 03:13:57,000
And at which time the staff could be moved into the new department.

1995
03:13:57,000 --> 03:14:02,000
And again, if that didn't happen, they would remain in APD until that could actually happen.

1996
03:14:02,000 --> 03:14:08,000
Meaning that the plan would still be to get the briefing in September by MCP.

1997
03:14:08,000 --> 03:14:14,000
And at that point we would make whatever decision council makes regarding the recommendations.

1998
03:14:14,000 --> 03:14:22,000
And if that chose to fund the first the first recommendation, the 1.7 million dollar recommendation.

1999
03:14:22,000 --> 03:14:24,000
That would continue.

2000
03:14:24,000 --> 03:14:29,000
But if we made a different decision at that time to not proceed with funding a new department.

2001
03:14:29,000 --> 03:14:34,000
Our conversation, the legal and other things that we may not know at this moment.

2002
03:14:34,000 --> 03:14:38,000
This other funding would revert back as that correct.

2003
03:14:38,000 --> 03:14:39,000
That's correct.

2004
03:14:39,000 --> 03:14:40,000
Okay. Thank you.

2005
03:14:40,000 --> 03:14:44,000
My concern is that we may be getting ahead of our skis on this one.

2006
03:14:44,000 --> 03:14:49,000
Based on not yet having that MCP.

2007
03:14:49,000 --> 03:14:54,000
That works session with the MCP final report, the recommendations and their understanding around this item.

2008
03:14:54,000 --> 03:14:55,000
Thank you.

2009
03:14:56,000 --> 03:14:57,000
Thank you.

2010
03:14:57,000 --> 03:14:58,000
Thank you.

2011
03:15:00,000 --> 03:15:08,000
Question for APD. The chief could come down yesterday. Once she does, I do have a clarifying question.

2012
03:15:08,000 --> 03:15:15,000
On the first two bullets, there's the $859,000 that's edition, and then there's a separate edition.

2013
03:15:15,000 --> 03:15:22,000
Is the $600,000 part of the $859, or is it $859 plus $600,000?

2014
03:15:23,000 --> 03:15:29,000
It's plus, and a small amount in the third bullet of $37,000 is also a plus.

2015
03:15:29,000 --> 03:15:37,000
It was presented this week, because this is how it was presented by the consultant to staff, and then to have some rise in that memo.

2016
03:15:37,000 --> 03:15:47,000
The first bullet really speaks to these operational enhancements that the consultant identified that had a price tag of $1.7 million over an 18-month period,

2017
03:15:47,000 --> 03:15:53,000
which is how it was presented, but it's kind of, it's not very helpful to talk about 18-months when you're in a 12-month budget discussion.

2018
03:15:53,000 --> 03:16:02,000
So the $859 is the amount of funding that would be needed in fiscal year 27 for those operational enhancements,

2019
03:16:02,000 --> 03:16:11,000
accounting for the delayed timing of hiring positions, and what not, the $600,000 is the cost associated.

2020
03:16:11,000 --> 03:16:21,000
Again, with the delay timing of the hiring of these positions, the $600,000 is the amount that would be needed in fiscal year 27 for the new director and assistant director,

2021
03:16:21,000 --> 03:16:24,000
and what would be three support personnel.

2022
03:16:24,000 --> 03:16:29,000
Okay, so $1.46 million ongoing.

2023
03:16:29,000 --> 03:16:30,000
Yes.

2024
03:16:30,000 --> 03:16:42,000
My question for the chief is, which, this speaks to this civilian personnel, remind me the sworn personnel involved with the call center,

2025
03:16:42,000 --> 03:16:51,000
I know, I think that the top supervisor is a sworn person, but you should remind me all the sworn personnel involved with the 911 call center.

2026
03:16:51,000 --> 03:16:55,000
It's Commander Lee Davis and one lieutenant.

2027
03:16:55,000 --> 03:17:02,000
And so if this was moved out of PD, those two individuals would just be reassigned to some other duty.

2028
03:17:02,000 --> 03:17:09,000
I guess we'd have to see how it works, I think they would have to be some kind of liaison work that's done, you know, between the two, for sure.

2029
03:17:09,000 --> 03:17:10,000
Okay.

2030
03:17:10,000 --> 03:17:24,000
If I could, if I could just add, you said 1.4 million ongoing, which is correct, but there would be a cost escalation in fiscal year 28 as you move from partial year funding for those positions to full year funding.

2031
03:17:24,000 --> 03:17:31,000
So the full annualized cost, beginning in fiscal year 28 would be closer to $2 million.

2032
03:17:31,000 --> 03:17:33,000
Thank you.

2033
03:17:33,000 --> 03:17:36,000
Council member Segel was going to see them too.

2034
03:17:36,000 --> 03:17:41,000
That was a one correction because the version two that we handed out had an update.

2035
03:17:41,000 --> 03:17:53,000
The midyear funding transfer would be $8.8 million in the differences because the CFO correctly added the associated C tech cost that would be part of the midyear transfer.

2036
03:17:53,000 --> 03:18:08,000
And I guess just to the time and question to respond briefly, I know we're not too into date mayor, but one reason why we think this is possible is because previously the city was able to stand up for forensics department in similar amount of time and obtain certifications in similar amount of time.

2037
03:18:08,000 --> 03:18:09,000
All right.

2038
03:18:09,000 --> 03:18:10,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2039
03:18:10,000 --> 03:18:12,000
So I'll go to Segel motion sheet too.

2040
03:18:12,000 --> 03:18:17,000
This is for Violet, keep safe storage.

2041
03:18:17,000 --> 03:18:25,000
So I'm bringing to a budget amendment to add $500,000 in ongoing funding to the Violet keep safe storage program.

2042
03:18:25,000 --> 03:18:31,000
When our homeless strategies and operations office explain the new ramp up in camp enforcement plan.

2043
03:18:31,000 --> 03:18:40,000
We were told the plan involved offers of storage for people's belongings before sweeps through the Violet keep safe storage program.

2044
03:18:40,000 --> 03:18:42,000
However, it's now clear that's not happening.

2045
03:18:42,000 --> 03:18:48,000
We've spoken about HSO and the Downtown Austin Community Court which manages Violet keep safe.

2046
03:18:48,000 --> 03:18:54,000
And we've learned that there's a weight list of over 100 people and that demand has exceeded capacity for some time.

2047
03:18:54,000 --> 03:19:01,000
This means that unfortunately people are having their belongings including diables and vital documents swept and tossed away without recourse.

2048
03:19:01,000 --> 03:19:08,000
Yesterday the city received a letter from attorneys at the ACLU of Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project outlining.

2049
03:19:08,000 --> 03:19:18,000
Not just the humanist of the situation, but also the fact that the city could be sued for violating the constitutional protections against illegal seats in the right to do process.

2050
03:19:18,000 --> 03:19:20,000
The letter I quote says,

2051
03:19:20,000 --> 03:19:27,000
We have received reports from community organizations that raise concerns about whether the city of Austin's current practices comply with these constitutional guarantees.

2052
03:19:27,000 --> 03:19:36,000
People have reported 10 sliced open by city staff and the seizure of belongings including medication, birth certificates and other government issued identification documents.

2053
03:19:36,000 --> 03:19:44,000
People reported that these items were then thrown into dumpsters after officials gave people only minutes or sometimes seconds to gather what they can carry.

2054
03:19:44,000 --> 03:19:52,000
People further reported that affected individuals are not offered ways to store their belongings and that they have been threatened with arrest during these encounters.

2055
03:19:52,000 --> 03:20:05,000
My office spoke with Robert Kingdom at the Downtown Community Court and he assured us that with this extra funding they would be able to double the capacity of the Violet keep safe storage program.

2056
03:20:05,000 --> 03:20:09,000
The organizations to provide the service in locations across the city.

2057
03:20:09,000 --> 03:20:14,000
Director Gray also agreed there's a great need for this enhancement due to his department's enforcement initiative.

2058
03:20:14,000 --> 03:20:20,000
Given all this, I believe it is our moral and legal obligation to prioritize this funding.

2059
03:20:20,000 --> 03:20:21,000
Councillor Harvus.

2060
03:20:21,000 --> 03:20:23,000
Thank you Mr. Marion.

2061
03:20:23,000 --> 03:20:32,000
Generally speaking, this is an item that I would be happy to support, but especially given that it was referenced during Council Member Seable's commentary.

2062
03:20:32,000 --> 03:20:39,000
I'd really like for the Council to have an opportunity we haven't talked about that letter, the contents of the letter or the implications of the letter yet.

2063
03:20:39,000 --> 03:20:51,000
So I'd feel uncomfortable with us making reference to it in relation to this amendment until we as a body have had an opportunity to be briefed and discuss the letter and its implications.

2064
03:20:51,000 --> 03:20:52,000
Thank you.

2065
03:20:52,000 --> 03:20:56,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2066
03:20:56,000 --> 03:20:58,000
This last item is for fair free voting.

2067
03:20:58,000 --> 03:21:08,000
This amendment would transfer $75,000 to cap metro one time to fund one day of fair free transit service during early voting for the 2026 general election.

2068
03:21:08,000 --> 03:21:22,000
This is following the resolution Council adopted in May and the African American Resource Advisory Commission recommendation in April to increase access to the polls by expanding the existing and successful program run by cap metro, which provides free transit service on election day.

2069
03:21:22,000 --> 03:21:32,000
This program has been demonstrated to increase ridership and the amendment builds off the staff memo of July 31 and will provide free ridership on the highest voter participation day of the early vote period.

2070
03:21:32,000 --> 03:21:41,000
My goal is also to connect with county officials who expressed an interest in matching the city's contribution to add one more day of free ridership during early vote and I'd love your support for this amendment.

2071
03:21:41,000 --> 03:21:42,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2072
03:21:42,000 --> 03:21:44,000
Thank you.

2073
03:21:45,000 --> 03:21:47,000
Councillor Ellis, we'll go to you.

2074
03:21:47,000 --> 03:21:48,000
All right. Thank you, Mayor.

2075
03:21:48,000 --> 03:21:53,000
I will flag that my motion sheet number one is partnered with the IFCs.

2076
03:21:53,000 --> 03:21:57,000
So I guess the question is, are we going to go to the IFCs after we do all the amendment?

2077
03:21:57,000 --> 03:21:58,000
That was the plan.

2078
03:21:58,000 --> 03:22:00,000
Okay.

2079
03:22:00,000 --> 03:22:02,000
We also have some other items on the agenda.

2080
03:22:02,000 --> 03:22:06,000
So, but I meant the will is the council.

2081
03:22:06,000 --> 03:22:07,000
So, however you want to do it.

2082
03:22:07,000 --> 03:22:09,000
Well, I didn't write a speech for this one.

2083
03:22:09,000 --> 03:22:10,000
Okay.

2084
03:22:10,000 --> 03:22:15,000
I just flag that it partners with the IFC just in case we need to reallocate dollars.

2085
03:22:15,000 --> 03:22:19,000
But it is to look at park security and safety.

2086
03:22:19,000 --> 03:22:22,000
And so we have parks and recreation department.

2087
03:22:22,000 --> 03:22:27,000
Security, audit, findings and recommendations report, which will be the foundational resource for it.

2088
03:22:27,000 --> 03:22:37,000
But it is in response to issues with crime and shootings and parks and how to better amplify our public safety response until we get parks police back.

2089
03:22:37,000 --> 03:22:41,000
So, that is a placeholder and I'll go over the IFC later if we get to it.

2090
03:22:41,000 --> 03:22:43,000
Thank you.

2091
03:22:43,000 --> 03:22:45,000
Okay.

2092
03:22:45,000 --> 03:22:46,000
Council member cadre.

2093
03:22:46,000 --> 03:22:48,000
I'm sorry. Yes. Council representative.

2094
03:22:48,000 --> 03:22:52,000
Not for today's conversation, but for next week.

2095
03:22:52,000 --> 03:22:57,000
If we can have staff speak to the surveillance component of investing in this type of technology and equipment.

2096
03:22:57,000 --> 03:23:00,000
Just flagging that for next week's discussion.

2097
03:23:00,000 --> 03:23:02,000
Good. Thank you.

2098
03:23:02,000 --> 03:23:04,000
Okay. Council member cadre.

2099
03:23:05,000 --> 03:23:06,000
On cadre one.

2100
03:23:06,000 --> 03:23:07,000
Great. Thank you, Mayor.

2101
03:23:07,000 --> 03:23:12,000
So, the first sheet everyone should have in front of them is to see them gather in the number one.

2102
03:23:12,000 --> 03:23:20,000
The amendment provides one million dollars in additional funding for critical services supporting the survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

2103
03:23:20,000 --> 03:23:31,000
This investment will help ensure survivors and families continue to have access to safe housing and crisis support and services that permit long terms stability.

2104
03:23:32,000 --> 03:23:39,000
Is this type of service within our bucket of social services or is this something separate?

2105
03:23:39,000 --> 03:23:41,000
This is separate.

2106
03:23:41,000 --> 03:23:42,000
Okay. That's a lot.

2107
03:23:42,000 --> 03:23:43,000
Thank you.

2108
03:23:43,000 --> 03:23:44,000
Council member cadre.

2109
03:23:44,000 --> 03:23:45,000
On item two.

2110
03:23:45,000 --> 03:23:46,000
Great.

2111
03:23:46,000 --> 03:23:47,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2112
03:23:47,000 --> 03:23:48,000
So, item number two.

2113
03:23:48,000 --> 03:23:52,000
For those of you who are in the council back in 2023.

2114
03:23:52,000 --> 03:23:54,000
I bought forward in a pilot program.

2115
03:23:54,000 --> 03:23:56,000
The ship safely pilot program.

2116
03:23:56,000 --> 03:24:02,000
Which at the time was the largest local funded driven spike in prevention pilot in the country.

2117
03:24:02,000 --> 03:24:07,000
Since launching in April of 2024 more than 70 bars and venues have participated.

2118
03:24:07,000 --> 03:24:11,000
Everywhere from rainy street to sixth street to the east side.

2119
03:24:11,000 --> 03:24:18,000
And it's been a valuable resource for prevention across across Austin.

2120
03:24:18,000 --> 03:24:23,000
So, I'm bringing forward this amendment to continue that investment and cover the relatively minimal cost of purchasing test trips.

2121
03:24:23,000 --> 03:24:28,000
And other supplies needed to sustain the program that the pilot itself was $100,000.

2122
03:24:28,000 --> 03:24:32,000
What we're looking at is ongoing funding amounting to about $20,000.

2123
03:24:32,000 --> 03:24:35,000
And this is a modest investment in my opinion.

2124
03:24:35,000 --> 03:24:48,000
And a preventative tool that APD has identified as effective, particularly given that an estimated 10 to 14 percent of reported sex crime cases have a connection to a bar or nightclub.

2125
03:24:48,000 --> 03:24:49,000
Thank you.

2126
03:24:49,000 --> 03:24:50,000
Thank you.

2127
03:24:50,000 --> 03:24:52,000
Now we'll go to cadre three.

2128
03:24:52,000 --> 03:24:53,000
Great.

2129
03:24:53,000 --> 03:24:54,000
Okay.

2130
03:24:54,000 --> 03:24:55,000
Last amendment.

2131
03:24:55,000 --> 03:24:57,000
A cadre amendment three.

2132
03:24:57,000 --> 03:25:02,000
I wanted it to daily in an item that we're excited to bring forward.

2133
03:25:02,000 --> 03:25:06,000
We learned that the amendment that is in front of y'all.

2134
03:25:06,000 --> 03:25:09,000
We'll have to be turned into an IFC so we're going to work on that.

2135
03:25:09,000 --> 03:25:11,000
But I wanted to thank council members.

2136
03:25:41,000 --> 03:25:47,000
And tenant representation, education and legal services, which I know is a key priority of many of us in council.

2137
03:25:47,000 --> 03:25:55,000
These housing related services run out of Austin's community keeping people in their homes and communities both upstream and downstream of eviction.

2138
03:25:55,000 --> 03:26:05,000
I remember in calls to restore ongoing funding to these services and our displacement prevention program and to evaluate the performance and impact alongside our social service contracts.

2139
03:26:05,000 --> 03:26:10,000
Some of these programs listed here aim to continue to fund important work, such as the displacement, navigation program,

2140
03:26:10,000 --> 03:26:12,000
and our upstream legal services.

2141
03:26:12,000 --> 03:26:19,000
Others are new programs, such as a cord-based downstream legal services contract and attacks in a state-finding program.

2142
03:26:19,000 --> 03:26:23,000
Both data-driven programs helpful in rounding out displacement prevention.

2143
03:26:23,000 --> 03:26:30,000
Lastly, all remaining funds would go towards additional relocation assistance as we see this funding bucket run out quickly every year.

2144
03:26:30,000 --> 03:26:37,000
The request from our community is $3 million every year and this item would get us $260,000 closer to that goal.

2145
03:26:37,000 --> 03:26:48,000
Our item also calls for these programs to be evaluated and prioritized in the ongoing work on social services, so that they are not overlooked as meaningful contributions to our housing and homelessness goals.

2146
03:26:48,000 --> 03:26:51,000
Thank you, council member.

2147
03:26:51,000 --> 03:26:55,000
Okay, that will take us to council reduction.

2148
03:26:55,000 --> 03:26:57,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2149
03:26:57,000 --> 03:27:00,000
I'd like to introduce.

2150
03:27:00,000 --> 03:27:06,000
Teaching one, which is an amendment to help the Parks Department acquire a woodchipper.

2151
03:27:06,000 --> 03:27:17,000
Currently our understanding is that Austin resource recovery enterprise department charges parks around $80,000 a year for similar services.

2152
03:27:17,000 --> 03:27:24,000
And this would allow parks to be able to acquire chipper and essentially pay for the item within two or three years.

2153
03:27:24,000 --> 03:27:29,000
I also understand that parks is found a partner for this that is quote unquote chipped in for the chipper.

2154
03:27:30,000 --> 03:27:33,000
Which is why the cost.

2155
03:27:33,000 --> 03:27:38,000
I was probably four years old now.

2156
03:27:38,000 --> 03:27:40,000
So I'll just say very quickly.

2157
03:27:40,000 --> 03:27:51,000
I think this is the kind of economics we ought to be investing in both in terms of leveraging other dollars as well as, as well as the quick turnaround on the ROI on this.

2158
03:27:51,000 --> 03:27:53,000
So look forward to discussion next week.

2159
03:27:53,000 --> 03:27:55,000
Thank you, council member.

2160
03:27:55,000 --> 03:27:59,000
Council member Vlaskers, you're recognized if you won't be as chippy.

2161
03:27:59,000 --> 03:28:01,000
Oh man.

2162
03:28:01,000 --> 03:28:11,000
See, Mayor, I was going to I was going to support your amendment for there are elevators and now I'm going to have.

2163
03:28:11,000 --> 03:28:18,000
Mary and colleagues I apologize, I don't have a speech for each one of my items, but we were waiting for a few answers to mine.

2164
03:28:18,000 --> 03:28:24,000
I don't, uh, aren't in the, in the back up, but we'll be putting up a message word poster there, but he has access to them.

2165
03:28:24,000 --> 03:28:39,000
I, uh, I, Belaskers number one is going to be 352, H, S, O to change the status of three full time temporary positions to full time permanent and 250 and funding to continue street and community outreach contracts with partner organizations.

2166
03:28:39,000 --> 03:28:42,000
Number two is going to be to parks increase, uh,

2167
03:28:42,000 --> 03:28:46,000
be our budget by 500,000 to maintain funding for operations and maintenance costs.

2168
03:28:46,000 --> 03:28:54,000
And the third one is a library allocation to APL for social worker related community support and library locations across the city as appropriate.

2169
03:28:54,000 --> 03:28:56,000
And I hope that was quick enough.

2170
03:28:56,000 --> 03:28:57,000
Yes.

2171
03:28:57,000 --> 03:28:58,000
Very well done.

2172
03:28:58,000 --> 03:28:59,000
I have everybody.

2173
03:28:59,000 --> 03:29:03,000
No, no, that's what I was saying is that my, our way in France, but they'll be on the message board soon.

2174
03:29:03,000 --> 03:29:05,000
Thank you, council member.

2175
03:29:05,000 --> 03:29:18,000
And members, I had that proposed amendment that we've, because of what council, I mean, what staff is doing with regard to the change in the base budget.

2176
03:29:18,000 --> 03:29:20,000
Any kind of going over it.

2177
03:29:20,000 --> 03:29:22,000
Councilor production, you want to be recognized again?

2178
03:29:22,000 --> 03:29:23,000
Yeah, thank you.

2179
03:29:23,000 --> 03:29:25,000
So I forgot to mention I know that conversation came up.

2180
03:29:25,000 --> 03:29:30,000
Councilor Flint has referred to it earlier about sort of how do we pay for the items?

2181
03:29:30,000 --> 03:29:37,000
And so I just want to briefly call the retention to review when you have an opportunity.

2182
03:29:37,000 --> 03:29:44,000
They, what I posted the message board yesterday afternoon, which is essentially a collection of proposals for.

2183
03:29:44,000 --> 03:29:49,000
They could eventually arrive at a reduced budget, even a two and a half percent budget.

2184
03:29:49,000 --> 03:29:52,000
I recognize we're not going to agree on some of those items being included on there.

2185
03:29:52,000 --> 03:29:59,000
But I do believe we could agree on some of them that could ultimately fund some of the priorities that we're talking about this afternoon.

2186
03:29:59,000 --> 03:30:00,000
Thank you.

2187
03:30:00,000 --> 03:30:06,600
We have seen amendments very briefly, we worked very hard to work with departments, get information

2188
03:30:06,600 --> 03:30:14,800
and trying to identify kind of the most palatable or most tolerable cuts, knowing that all of those cuts,

2189
03:30:14,800 --> 03:30:22,000
really any of those cuts are not easy cuts to make. I do think that there were well distributed across 20 plus departments.

2190
03:30:22,000 --> 03:30:29,000
I'd certainly be happy to entertain other cuts that other members would like to offer, but at this time I think other than myself and Council Member Ulter,

2191
03:30:29,000 --> 03:30:33,880
we don't have a lot to choose from. So I'd encourage y'all to consider that there is value in

2192
03:30:33,880 --> 03:30:39,960
least working through some of those items and having the appearance of considering kind of both sides

2193
03:30:39,960 --> 03:30:45,400
of our ledger. Because I think we're in a moment, especially now that we've got a bond in the ballot,

2194
03:30:45,400 --> 03:30:51,080
I think there's value in showing that we can exercise the same kind of discipline and circumstance that

2195
03:30:51,080 --> 03:30:57,000
pretty much every family and business and our community also has to consider that there's wisdom

2196
03:30:57,000 --> 03:31:01,080
in doing that. That's all. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Funtus. Do you want to say something?

2197
03:31:01,080 --> 03:31:06,440
Yes. I just wanted to highlight for my colleague, Councillor Rduchen, my second amendment. It

2198
03:31:06,440 --> 03:31:12,040
seeks to cut 10% from consultant spending on the general fund. So also providing an area where we can

2199
03:31:12,040 --> 03:31:18,040
save costs. Councillor Rduchen, I really appreciate you taking the time to identify cuts overall with

2200
03:31:18,040 --> 03:31:22,440
the city of Austin. I can tell you spent a lot of time on it and a lot of hard work and consideration

2201
03:31:22,440 --> 03:31:28,920
went into it and I think it would be fair. Manager perhaps next week you could offer a response

2202
03:31:28,920 --> 03:31:34,360
as to what those proposed cuts how they would impact city services. Instead of going line by line,

2203
03:31:34,360 --> 03:31:38,760
maybe we can just have a general comment on it. That'd be helpful for the conversation.

2204
03:31:38,760 --> 03:31:46,840
I agree. Thank you. Thanks, Councillor Rduchen. All right. Members, I think we're ready to go to

2205
03:31:46,840 --> 03:31:54,920
proposed IFCs. And we'll go in the order of the packet. Councillor Beraltor, you're recognized first

2206
03:31:54,920 --> 03:32:05,080
on Alter IFC1. Very good. This is around a Parks Maintenance Study when we set our fees for

2207
03:32:07,080 --> 03:32:14,120
in this case when people use our parks and have to restore them. We have not just done the cost of

2208
03:32:14,120 --> 03:32:20,280
study analysis as it relates to both the maintenance of that space to restore it. And some of the

2209
03:32:20,280 --> 03:32:28,680
fees, things like load in times and just associated costs with those. So this is to charge staff

2210
03:32:28,680 --> 03:32:37,480
to go to the park staff to go do that study and then come back to us and give any recommendations on

2211
03:32:37,480 --> 03:32:45,080
how our fee structure might need to be updated as a reflection of this. And the hope is to then

2212
03:32:45,080 --> 03:32:54,280
use any additional dollars if there are some from that recommendation to go into a fund we established

2213
03:32:54,280 --> 03:33:00,200
year to provide supplemental funding for our parks, which is something we're always trying to find,

2214
03:33:00,200 --> 03:33:08,360
but never really able to do. So that's IFC number one. And I appreciate why I wish I had

2215
03:33:08,360 --> 03:33:12,040
listened to my co-sponsors. If you're, I know Councillor Ellis says I can't remember what else I'm

2216
03:33:12,040 --> 03:33:17,880
sorry. But I appreciate you very much. Yeah. Well, you've read the love. And part of what

2217
03:33:18,600 --> 03:33:27,240
can happen with the layout of these is if somebody wants to sign on to an IFC, we now it's laid out there

2218
03:33:27,240 --> 03:33:33,640
and let us know or let staff know and we'll get that get that done. And I do want to just make one

2219
03:33:33,640 --> 03:33:37,480
clarification on the update. We worked with Councillor Harper Madison's office to make sure that

2220
03:33:37,480 --> 03:33:44,600
we're recognizing that some this funding and the study should look at some of our parks like

2221
03:33:44,600 --> 03:33:51,480
Walter Lone that have not been invested in and we should be doing that. So I really appreciate your addition

2222
03:33:51,480 --> 03:34:01,320
there to that. I see two. Number two, this is looking at the fiscal year 2728 social service

2223
03:34:01,320 --> 03:34:09,720
conversation. I really want to thank you, Mayor Watson, for your starting this process as it relates

2224
03:34:09,720 --> 03:34:16,200
going back and looking at our social services and figuring out what's the right framework for that.

2225
03:34:16,200 --> 03:34:23,640
And then through this budget being figuring out how we can make the smartest investments in the

2226
03:34:23,640 --> 03:34:29,800
most prudent investments in the current budget. And I think this is hopefully intended to build on that.

2227
03:34:29,800 --> 03:34:35,880
And as you mentioned in your IFC, we're going to you're asking the manager to come back and work with the

2228
03:34:35,880 --> 03:34:42,760
council and it's just kind of lays out some additional metrics or parameters for that work so that we can

2229
03:34:42,760 --> 03:34:48,680
be part of the process and understand what exactly is going on so that we're not caught at the end.

2230
03:34:48,680 --> 03:34:57,800
And I know manager you always intend to keep us well informed. So this is not an indictment of that.

2231
03:34:57,800 --> 03:35:03,640
But I think utilizing our committees as a potential space to do that and we have listed here

2232
03:35:03,640 --> 03:35:09,240
some of the categories where it makes most sense with the committees. And so I think that's going to be a

2233
03:35:09,320 --> 03:35:15,640
good all. This venue for us to have that discussion before we do any kind of resolicitation

2234
03:35:15,640 --> 03:35:19,960
as part of the social service reset. And I appreciate my co-sponsors council member Velasca's

2235
03:35:19,960 --> 03:35:26,200
point as cadre and the mayor. Thank you. Let's go to all of your three. I actually three.

2236
03:35:27,080 --> 03:35:35,160
This is a marketing on the discussion I had with APD just having them go look at their KPIs and figure

2237
03:35:35,160 --> 03:35:42,840
out are they really the type of outcomes focus targets we want rather than just looking at

2238
03:35:43,640 --> 03:35:49,160
some of the front end of the system. Let's focus on what results we want to see and so this will

2239
03:35:49,800 --> 03:35:57,560
have that study occur that review and then go to the Public Safety Commission committee where I know

2240
03:35:57,560 --> 03:36:05,240
chair Velasca's will pick it up and make it happen. And that's it. Okay.

2241
03:36:07,080 --> 03:36:11,720
Then we'll go to council member Fuintus and then she'll be followed by council member Ellis.

2242
03:36:11,720 --> 03:36:16,920
Thank you colleagues my I've see it relates to adding and emphasizing micro businesses these

2243
03:36:16,920 --> 03:36:22,200
are businesses with 20 employees or less into the city's economic framework they've developed

2244
03:36:22,200 --> 03:36:26,840
a map that has a number of new economic development tools and really just want to underscore

2245
03:36:27,400 --> 03:36:33,080
and emphasize micro businesses you're true small mom and pop shop so direct staff to

2246
03:36:33,960 --> 03:36:40,280
look at creating a fee waiver program for those emerging businesses and it provides direction around

2247
03:36:40,280 --> 03:36:47,640
that program. Thank you. Okay let's go to council member Ellis. Thank you mayor.

2248
03:36:48,360 --> 03:36:54,120
So my first resolution is going to be the one that I had alluded to earlier and it is for our

2249
03:36:54,120 --> 03:36:58,920
park security items. Approva resolution directing the city manager to develop the security

2250
03:36:58,920 --> 03:37:04,280
implementation plan. I've had a really really great conversation with Chief Davis yesterday and so we're

2251
03:37:04,280 --> 03:37:08,920
going to keep working through some of those details but it does specify that it would be in full compliance

2252
03:37:08,920 --> 03:37:14,120
with the trust act and also makes reference to I think we're going to update the language to say city

2253
03:37:14,200 --> 03:37:20,440
parks with a history of violent crime we had started with crimes against persons and the reasoning

2254
03:37:20,440 --> 03:37:25,160
behind that is specifically around we know that you know different parks different users different neighborhoods

2255
03:37:25,160 --> 03:37:31,960
have different desires about how park safety is going to work for them but I know that I have had a murder

2256
03:37:31,960 --> 03:37:36,840
on my side of Barton Springs. Ryan has had a murder on his side of Barton Springs and we just need to

2257
03:37:36,840 --> 03:37:41,240
make sure that our parks are not a free for all for crime and they aren't the places where people go to

2258
03:37:41,240 --> 03:37:46,760
commit crimes because they don't think anybody's around so that is what this item aims to tackle and

2259
03:37:46,760 --> 03:37:54,280
I appreciate my co-sponsors Chris Elaine Ryan Alter, Mark Duchen and Tito Villa and then should I move on to

2260
03:37:54,280 --> 03:38:00,840
the police going to this is I have seen number six yes 10th anniversary we all come to my

2261
03:38:00,840 --> 03:38:06,040
relatives would you accept an amendment that basically precludes artificial intelligence powered cameras

2262
03:38:06,600 --> 03:38:12,520
the intent is not to use AI or cloud storage or anything like that thank you yeah that that's perfectly

2263
03:38:12,520 --> 03:38:19,560
in line with what I'm hoping to achieve and and because we have the trust act and what she and as she laid it out she

2264
03:38:19,560 --> 03:38:27,080
indicated that the trust act would be followed the council passed the trust act with the idea that it would be

2265
03:38:27,080 --> 03:38:34,520
what we could then utilize to create guardrails for these sorts of things and and so now that we have that

2266
03:38:34,600 --> 03:38:39,560
people can have confidence and then you know I want to make sure that everybody understands that

2267
03:38:40,360 --> 03:38:46,840
thank you thank you can's been relis and this next item is to solve a very interesting problem in

2268
03:38:46,840 --> 03:38:52,760
circle C which is that we have an amazing circle C metro park which is soon to get its phase one dog park

2269
03:38:53,800 --> 03:38:59,720
and we have the hillster tracked green belt and there's about 250 feet that separate connecting the

2270
03:38:59,720 --> 03:39:06,120
trail into the metro park but what is next to it is water quality protection land that's

2271
03:39:06,120 --> 03:39:14,600
vents off and a little pocket HOA within circle C and so we're just trying to fill that 250 foot gap

2272
03:39:14,600 --> 03:39:19,640
talking with Austin water and talking with parks and recreation to help figure out how we can all be

2273
03:39:19,640 --> 03:39:25,320
team players and achieve the goals of connecting parks and trails together while also being able to

2274
03:39:25,320 --> 03:39:31,320
keep and maintain our water quality protection land standards thank you questions and thank you to the

2275
03:39:31,320 --> 03:39:40,760
co-sponsors all right that will take us to council member lane on what is IFC seven in your packet

2276
03:39:42,120 --> 03:39:48,280
and I see eight will be can a member pretend they will so council remain thank you bear

2277
03:39:49,400 --> 03:39:54,680
I would like to speak to my budget resolution creating an office of joint emergency communications

2278
03:39:54,680 --> 03:40:00,760
within the management services department I'd like to thank my co-sponsors on this council number

2279
03:40:00,760 --> 03:40:07,480
of Alaska's what's hope I do not forget someone council member of Alaska's council member altering council member

2280
03:40:07,480 --> 03:40:13,560
SQL thank you very much for helping me bring this forward the IFC allocates resources

2281
03:40:15,080 --> 03:40:21,880
I'm sorry the office the IFC directs to create is our first step towards creating an independent nine one one

2282
03:40:21,880 --> 03:40:26,280
department it allocates resources towards those efforts and allows city staff to determine the best

2283
03:40:26,280 --> 03:40:35,480
path forward while ensuring that council stays engaged in the process I I am not bringing a budget amendment for the

2284
03:40:35,480 --> 03:40:41,960
IFC and so I know we have council member SQL's budget amendment I think in form has been very helpful

2285
03:40:42,840 --> 03:40:47,880
but because of the difference I would like to ask a couple questions myself of staff I think that they'll

2286
03:40:47,880 --> 03:40:52,040
primarily be for ECM Batista but feel free to talk to me if you need to

2287
03:41:12,840 --> 03:41:17,640
thank you thank you for coming forward ACM Batista welcome to Austin

2288
03:41:17,880 --> 03:41:26,840
so my first question have you had the opportunity to review the IFC that I'm bringing forward and

2289
03:41:26,840 --> 03:41:34,040
it's entirety good afternoon smear mr mayor pro ten council council member laying yes I have

2290
03:41:34,040 --> 03:41:42,920
okay do I think do I have staff support for the IFC and it's entirety or do I not you do have our support

2291
03:41:42,920 --> 03:41:52,600
and moving this forward thank you and when you say that I have staff support in the IFC

2292
03:41:52,600 --> 03:42:00,200
contemplates a couple of different stages I have comments related to his comments the IFC

2293
03:42:01,080 --> 03:42:07,560
contemplates stages the first stage in your one being the creation of an office of joint emergency

2294
03:42:07,560 --> 03:42:17,800
communications when you say that I have staff support I'd like to understand what level of first

2295
03:42:17,800 --> 03:42:23,560
higher for that department is supported is it a director level higher is it a

2296
03:42:25,960 --> 03:42:30,840
some form of manager or coordinator level of higher what level of higher are you supportive of

2297
03:42:31,400 --> 03:42:37,160
we're supportive of a director level higher with the caveat of course that we have indications

2298
03:42:37,640 --> 03:42:44,040
from the the consultant that this is not the preferred method but at the end of the day if this is

2299
03:42:44,040 --> 03:42:49,800
the way the council wants to go we're prepared to go in that direction another major caveat is the amount of

2300
03:42:49,800 --> 03:42:56,760
time that it would take in order to be able to complete this transfer in a safe way because unlike

2301
03:42:57,480 --> 03:43:03,640
the forensic science area which is vitally important 911 is the entry point to all emergency

2302
03:43:03,640 --> 03:43:08,680
communications with the city and are response to those calls so it is vitally important

2303
03:43:08,680 --> 03:43:14,600
do we get that right and that's what requires more time and more staff work in order to get it off the ground

2304
03:43:14,600 --> 03:43:21,240
safely thank you if the intention of my IFC is to ultimately create an independent department of joint

2305
03:43:21,240 --> 03:43:24,920
emergency communications what do you believe to be the most effective first higher

2306
03:43:26,920 --> 03:43:33,480
this director level higher or something different I would tend to go with the recommendation

2307
03:43:33,720 --> 03:43:39,720
from the consultant but if the wish is to start with a director we can start with a director

2308
03:43:39,720 --> 03:43:45,720
and begin to lay the path frame the path towards creating a joint emergency communication center

2309
03:43:46,840 --> 03:43:53,480
my next question is for a director laying sometime within the last week or so I asked for the cost

2310
03:43:53,480 --> 03:44:02,680
difference between if we think of the memo that lays out alternative A with a 911 communications manager

2311
03:44:02,680 --> 03:44:07,400
an alternative scene with a director and a system director and support staff and as I asked

2312
03:44:07,400 --> 03:44:14,200
a week or two ago to understand what the what the cost difference is and the salaries for three levels

2313
03:44:14,760 --> 03:44:21,240
the director the assistant director and this 911 communications manager that you're more supportive of

2314
03:44:21,240 --> 03:44:26,520
if you were given a choice I assume it's to and so have you been able to find the answer to that

2315
03:44:27,080 --> 03:44:33,560
I can hear that answer council member thank you Mr. Renew the but we're estimating for the

2316
03:44:34,280 --> 03:44:39,480
these are all fully loaded you know salaries benefits retirement contributions that everything the

2317
03:44:39,480 --> 03:44:52,520
director position about 284,000 annually assistant director 240,000 and the like a manager level civilian

2318
03:44:52,520 --> 03:44:59,720
leadership position for the center hundred and ninety thousand dollars and then

2319
03:45:00,000 --> 03:45:02,000
None of the fully loaded figures you just provided.

2320
03:45:02,000 --> 03:45:07,000
I don't have them in front of me, but we absolutely have them and could get them to you.

2321
03:45:07,000 --> 03:45:15,000
Thank you. You know, take about 35% off of those, you know, about 35% of that total number is probably for, you know, benefits and retirements.

2322
03:45:15,000 --> 03:45:27,000
But we can provide you that information and, you know, pursuing to the consultants report it's that civilian leadership position and what the consultant recommended was a manager level position.

2323
03:45:27,000 --> 03:45:34,000
If we went with the standalone department and had a director and an assistant director, you wouldn't need that position. Those would be duplicative.

2324
03:45:34,000 --> 03:45:45,000
Can either of you describe the difference in skills and experience that you believe would come from this level of manager versus a director level higher?

2325
03:45:45,000 --> 03:45:56,000
My experience is that a manager of this level would be able to work in order to address the outlying issues regarding call processing times.

2326
03:45:56,000 --> 03:46:06,000
The acquisition of technology and bringing expertise from the communications world into the communication center. Yes.

2327
03:46:06,000 --> 03:46:15,000
So years of experience, type of experience, any difference for this manager versus the director?

2328
03:46:15,000 --> 03:46:25,000
I think the director would bring those things that would just be obviously at a higher level with a higher expectation in their mind of what their responsibilities would be in the long term.

2329
03:46:25,000 --> 03:46:35,000
Okay. So as I said, I haven't brought a budget amendment. I haven't found a source of funds.

2330
03:46:35,000 --> 03:46:49,000
We have stated that you are as staff recommendation fully supportive of my IFC which would preserve fully preserve the possibility of the efficiently establishing an independent joint emergency communications department.

2331
03:46:49,000 --> 03:47:03,000
So with that in mind is to bring their recommendation of a source of funding for alternative A with the exception that a director level higher is made as the first higher of the office.

2332
03:47:03,000 --> 03:47:23,000
And I know that yes, the answer is yes, but we also you know we have a number of resolutions from council members requesting us to identify different fund this and so that's what we're going to be working on over the course of the next week is looking at your proposals and how they might be funded and what opportunities or recommendations we can come back with here is just one of those videos we will do that work.

2333
03:47:23,000 --> 03:47:34,000
Well, so director, I mean, would you be able to provide me as follow a draft of some sort of outline or is it better to just wait until you consider all of them.

2334
03:47:34,000 --> 03:47:38,000
And outline for the funding sources or is it funding?

2335
03:47:38,000 --> 03:47:51,000
I can't do that right now because we're going to be looking at if there's anything on the revenue side we're going to be looking at other reductions it could be you know potentially made at the end of the day the budget has to be balanced.

2336
03:47:52,000 --> 03:48:03,000
There's a difference between one time funds and ongoing funds capital funds so we're going to be looking at all the recommendations and trying to come up with a way to get you where you want to be when we come back to you.

2337
03:48:03,000 --> 03:48:12,000
Next week hopefully with some type of omnibus package but you know it's kind of a complex equation so I don't have right now for you with the outline for how we're going to get there.

2338
03:48:12,000 --> 03:48:20,000
What that will be but we'll be fair and that out over the remainder of this week over the weekend and leading up to next Wednesday's budget option hearing.

2339
03:48:20,000 --> 03:48:25,000
Okay, this is where I need to think council member Siko for.

2340
03:48:25,000 --> 03:48:29,000
He was not an original co sponsor when I brought this IFC last year.

2341
03:48:29,000 --> 03:48:38,000
And he came to me and asked if he could join in co sponsorship in order to help with finding sources of funds.

2342
03:48:38,000 --> 03:48:46,000
And I was very grateful for any assistance in that department and I.

2343
03:48:46,000 --> 03:48:56,000
I'm going to continue this thought in a moment I have one more question first which is council member alter asked about the ongoing costs of.

2344
03:48:56,000 --> 03:49:01,000
My IFC with council member singles amendment okay and you provided an answer.

2345
03:49:01,000 --> 03:49:07,000
I have an estimate of the ongoing cost if a director level higher is made and.

2346
03:49:07,000 --> 03:49:18,000
Alternative a is implemented and full and if you don't I would love to have that as follow up.

2347
03:49:18,000 --> 03:49:27,000
So you're saying the consultants recommended alternative a but with the director level position.

2348
03:49:27,000 --> 03:49:37,000
We'll provide the number for you in response as well but click that would be about 1.25 million.

2349
03:49:37,000 --> 03:49:38,000
Okay.

2350
03:49:38,000 --> 03:49:46,000
And I ask for that ongoing cost because one I know that some of the financial mines up here really want to know about recurring costs.

2351
03:49:46,000 --> 03:49:48,000
I do as well.

2352
03:49:48,000 --> 03:49:59,000
And I'm certainly aware of the possibility that a consultant report comes in and staff makes recommendations and all this and then and the director level higher is made.

2353
03:49:59,000 --> 03:50:09,000
And then an ultimate conclusion is presented to council that perhaps passes and that does not form that independent department instead it sticks with this office.

2354
03:50:09,000 --> 03:50:20,000
I myself need to have a director level higher is the first higher to preserve the possibility of the independent department, which is the intent of the IFC in order to.

2355
03:50:20,000 --> 03:50:26,000
To support anything other than council member singles amendment so saying that in public.

2356
03:50:26,000 --> 03:50:30,000
And now I am returning to questions.

2357
03:50:30,000 --> 03:50:32,000
Council member.

2358
03:50:33,000 --> 03:50:36,000
Um, I'd like to be called on again if I might not have time.

2359
03:50:36,000 --> 03:50:38,000
That's what we'll have to do.

2360
03:50:38,000 --> 03:50:40,000
Okay. Sounds good to me.

2361
03:50:40,000 --> 03:50:44,000
Um, I have what last question in that case.

2362
03:50:44,000 --> 03:50:46,000
Thank you for letting me know.

2363
03:50:46,000 --> 03:50:53,000
Actually, I'll return. Thanks.

2364
03:50:53,000 --> 03:50:58,000
Okay. Thank you.

2365
03:50:58,000 --> 03:50:59,000
Thank you.

2366
03:50:59,000 --> 03:51:04,000
Council member will go to council member to Mayor Potembaela. He is two proposals.

2367
03:51:04,000 --> 03:51:09,000
Thank you very much, Mayor. The first one is.

2368
03:51:09,000 --> 03:51:11,000
And just to be frank.

2369
03:51:11,000 --> 03:51:18,000
The result of the horrible flooding that we saw in the Hill Country both last year.

2370
03:51:18,000 --> 03:51:22,000
And then again this year.

2371
03:51:22,000 --> 03:51:27,000
The and in just discussion with watershed.

2372
03:51:27,000 --> 03:51:34,000
We really need to invest in our flood control in Austin.

2373
03:51:35,000 --> 03:51:39,000
We have many, many low water crossings.

2374
03:51:39,000 --> 03:51:46,000
We have many different small spots that will flood that do flood.

2375
03:51:46,000 --> 03:51:50,000
And even sometimes a moderate rain.

2376
03:51:50,000 --> 03:51:56,000
And our just capital needs for flood control in watershed.

2377
03:51:56,000 --> 03:52:01,000
Just so far outpace the dollars that we have available.

2378
03:52:01,000 --> 03:52:08,000
I know that the staff is proposing an increase to the drainage.

2379
03:52:08,000 --> 03:52:16,000
Utility, the charge that everybody pays on the on there as part of their utility bill.

2380
03:52:16,000 --> 03:52:22,000
And and just to make a point that that charge is a authorized by state statute.

2381
03:52:22,000 --> 03:52:30,000
That that this was I think a response decades ago to major flooding that it give us an avenue for investing in flood control.

2382
03:52:30,000 --> 03:52:34,000
I just there's an urgency to that right now.

2383
03:52:34,000 --> 03:52:46,000
And so I'm proposing an IFC to direct the city manager to go back and look at the amount of the increase and see if it's sufficient.

2384
03:52:46,000 --> 03:52:53,000
And if not to raise it and to dedicate that additional money that's brought in from the increased surcharge.

2385
03:52:53,000 --> 03:52:57,000
Specifically to capital improvements that that's really where.

2386
03:52:57,000 --> 03:53:03,000
I think we need to to get the money and again we're not going to solve this in one year when I could solve this in two years.

2387
03:53:03,000 --> 03:53:12,000
But we just need a steady and sustained investment in our watershed and flood control systems over a matter of decades.

2388
03:53:12,000 --> 03:53:18,000
To in order to protect for you know people and property here in Austin Texas.

2389
03:53:18,000 --> 03:53:21,000
So that's my first one.

2390
03:53:22,000 --> 03:53:24,000
Very good. Yes, can we refer to this.

2391
03:53:24,000 --> 03:53:25,000
A customer.

2392
03:53:25,000 --> 03:53:26,000
Mayor.

2393
03:53:26,000 --> 03:53:27,000
This.

2394
03:53:27,000 --> 03:53:33,000
I see that we have in our that I'm looking at and I don't know if there's been some updates sent to us via email.

2395
03:53:33,000 --> 03:53:39,000
Says it's an increased by nine percent within this year's budget and it's directing supporting an increase nine percent.

2396
03:53:39,000 --> 03:53:50,000
Yeah, and I there's going to be a version two of this that is going to leave it up to the manager and staff to look at that number and come back to us with.

2397
03:53:50,000 --> 03:54:00,000
And number right now the increase was I think it's about a six percent increase year over year and my thought would be.

2398
03:54:00,000 --> 03:54:05,000
Again to bump it up to a nine percent increase, but I'm going to leave that.

2399
03:54:05,000 --> 03:54:12,000
I'm going to give that to staff to pause with and see what what they would recommend.

2400
03:54:12,000 --> 03:54:18,000
But it would be separate from our budget conversations, but it would affect this year's fiscal year.

2401
03:54:18,000 --> 03:54:22,000
So my understanding is that.

2402
03:54:22,000 --> 03:54:33,000
There is a publication notice where they have to give a 30 day notice before any adjustment to the increase.

2403
03:54:33,000 --> 03:54:37,000
And I will turn it over to the director.

2404
03:54:37,000 --> 03:54:39,000
What at this to go through the detail of that.

2405
03:54:39,000 --> 03:54:40,000
Good afternoon, council.

2406
03:54:40,000 --> 03:54:42,000
What is the record of watershed protection.

2407
03:54:42,000 --> 03:54:44,000
So yes, that's part of this budget.

2408
03:54:44,000 --> 03:54:47,000
We're proposing a six point two increase to the drainage utility fund.

2409
03:54:47,000 --> 03:54:57,000
And if we want to go higher than that, we definitely would have to do as thick and posting and come back with a different public hearing for that.

2410
03:54:57,000 --> 03:54:58,000
Okay.

2411
03:54:58,000 --> 03:55:06,000
So we couldn't just you can just offer an amendment to increase it due to posting requirements, which is why we're considering and be a IFC.

2412
03:55:06,000 --> 03:55:16,000
That was my preference would have been a straight budget amendment, but in conversation with staff, we realize that that's not that wouldn't be appropriate.

2413
03:55:16,000 --> 03:55:27,000
The conversation for next week, but I just want to have more a better understanding as to the rationale of adding an additional 3% how you got to that number.

2414
03:55:27,000 --> 03:55:35,000
Director, what else of that at six point two percent increase, what proportion will go to capital and what proportion will be for operating.

2415
03:55:35,000 --> 03:55:40,000
Yeah, so that roughly would be about 3.5 million increase to the 25 million that we're proposing this year.

2416
03:55:40,000 --> 03:55:52,000
Okay, and you know, in terms of an and of that amount of what goes toward capital versus operating like what's because I know we've had that conversation before and again,

2417
03:55:52,000 --> 03:55:59,000
I believe that the drainage utility fee essentially, at this point funds most of the watershed department.

2418
03:55:59,000 --> 03:56:06,000
And I present funds the operation and the CIP, so the 25 million we're speaking of is CIP specifically.

2419
03:56:06,000 --> 03:56:10,000
So this would increase that specifically as you requested to CIP.

2420
03:56:10,000 --> 03:56:21,000
Okay, and that would be the increase would largely my suggestion again to the manager and staff would be to to boost that.

2421
03:56:21,000 --> 03:56:37,000
Yeah, but especially given that my other concern, I know we couldn't get watershed into the the bonds that that you know for 2026, but when was the last watershed bond 2018 bonds for the last funds.

2422
03:56:37,000 --> 03:56:48,000
So that that was my other concern is that they do have some, you know, capital funds through the the the the the death there,

2423
03:56:48,000 --> 03:57:00,000
but they're not going to have any additional capital money until presumably watershed gets included in a 2028 bond and even then, you know, that's going to be a little bit of a lifetime.

2424
03:57:00,000 --> 03:57:08,000
And so that's also driving my concern is that they don't only have a lot of capital funds to make the improvements that I think we badly need.

2425
03:57:09,000 --> 03:57:17,000
Thank you very much. I mean just to clarify we do have an annual cash transfer to the CIP, but as we've been presented through the various bond conversations, there's a lot of needs.

2426
03:57:17,000 --> 03:57:22,000
And so this additional CIP just gets us to increase that annual cash transfer.

2427
03:57:22,000 --> 03:57:32,000
And thank you, and I just to to that I know that the additional million dollars or so that and a, you know, a further increase is not going to in and of itself solve the problem.

2428
03:57:32,000 --> 03:57:38,000
I don't think we're going to do that in the next five years. This is kind of over the next 20 years though.

2429
03:57:38,000 --> 03:57:50,000
In that that slide increase, I think we'll be able to to make improvements that that we would otherwise not be able to make again like that's not going to help a bunch in, you know, 27 per se, but down the road.

2430
03:57:50,000 --> 03:57:55,000
And again, to relaying a conversation that direct and what else and I had.

2431
03:57:55,000 --> 03:58:00,000
We've been lucky that that rain didn't hit the Austin metropolitan area.

2432
03:58:00,000 --> 03:58:07,000
And if it had and again, please direct and what else correct me if I'm wrong, we would have seen catastrophic flooding here in Austin.

2433
03:58:07,000 --> 03:58:15,000
Yes, that's correct. Generally speaking, we've got flash flood alley here in Austin as we're discussing so that we have many systems that are undersized.

2434
03:58:15,000 --> 03:58:18,000
Thanks.

2435
03:58:19,000 --> 03:58:33,000
Yes, I'll go to my next one relates to the G file, which as part of the vote to approve the police contract back in 2024 now.

2436
03:58:33,000 --> 03:58:49,000
The contract included the full opening up of the G files both, I guess, the Austin police oversight act and the contract in combination essentially opened up the G files.

2437
03:58:49,000 --> 03:59:04,000
Unfortunately, it's it's been very difficult, I know a lot of G files have gone out, but comprehensively speaking, it has been difficult just kind of administratively to get those documents out.

2438
03:59:04,000 --> 03:59:20,000
This, my resolution would first ask for a list of the G file information in terms of the officer, you know, the allegation and the outcome.

2439
03:59:20,000 --> 03:59:37,000
And then also ask staff to prepare a cost estimate, if we were to go through there, because there's going to be a lot of work involved in pulling scanning, redacting what not, you know, potentially thousands of pages of documents, what would be the cost estimate for that.

2440
03:59:37,000 --> 03:59:41,000
All right, thank you. I would just like to be added as a co-sponsor of I have seen.

2441
03:59:41,000 --> 03:59:44,000
I'm going to make sure that I get listed. Okay, thank you.

2442
03:59:44,000 --> 03:59:59,000
All right, the next one is mine and what this is what we've been talking about with regard to the allocation of the 4.7.

2443
04:00:00,000 --> 04:00:10,000
It also goes into the second step, which is the evaluation of the contracts. It has a third step right now, and that is the longer term.

2444
04:00:10,000 --> 04:00:16,000
But the amendments that I offered to council member, alters, I have seen that he's already laid out.

2445
04:00:16,000 --> 04:00:21,000
As I indicated earlier, probably what I'm doing is subsumed in that.

2446
04:00:21,000 --> 04:00:29,000
So, count on me to make a couple of amendments to this, I have seen so that it's more in harmony and not there's no conflict between the two.

2447
04:00:29,000 --> 04:00:31,000
Yes, Councillor Fuentes.

2448
04:00:31,000 --> 04:00:42,000
And this, I see, and you have it here directing the manager to notify council and the providers of any changes to their contracts.

2449
04:00:42,000 --> 04:00:43,000
Yes.

2450
04:00:43,000 --> 04:00:52,000
I just want to make sure that we get to a process that allows us to provide direction on that overall funding amount, because, you know, is this your laying out here?

2451
04:00:52,000 --> 04:00:54,000
Does that give, like, when does that happen?

2452
04:00:54,000 --> 04:00:59,000
And does that give us enough time to provide direction to the manager on the category?

2453
04:00:59,000 --> 04:01:05,000
And I've talked to the manager about that, and he wants specifically enough time to make sure that we have input.

2454
04:01:05,000 --> 04:01:16,000
And so, I'll make sure that I see list that, and if you have an idea, feel free to share that, and we'll make sure it be corresponds.

2455
04:01:16,000 --> 04:01:37,000
Clearly, clearly the goal, and I've said this over and over again, and I know you agree with me, is that the audit that was done, the concept for performance, whatever strategic alignment was, those sorts of things.

2456
04:01:37,000 --> 04:01:41,000
Don't necessarily say we don't want the service.

2457
04:01:41,000 --> 04:01:47,000
If we have a contractor that is not providing the service, we may very well want the service.

2458
04:01:47,000 --> 04:02:02,000
And so that's why this talks in terms of making sure that we deal with it holistically, and the council priorities are there, and in some instances, there may be money goes to another provider in order to make the example I gave you,

2459
04:02:02,000 --> 04:02:12,000
because there was food for kids and one might be failing in the other one pick it up, so we're going to need to have appropriate amount of time to make those sorts of evaluations.

2460
04:02:12,000 --> 04:02:27,000
But ultimately, we're going to have to have a recommendation from the manager based upon what the contracts do, what they were supposed to do, what they've indicated is a performance issue, or what they've indicated is outside of strategic alignment, something like that.

2461
04:02:27,000 --> 04:02:39,000
Thank you, anything else on that? Okay, then council member, I don't have any other IFCs, let me make sure I'm correct on that.

2462
04:02:39,000 --> 04:02:46,000
I think that concludes all of the IFCs that were filed, so with that, I'll go back to council member lighting.

2463
04:02:46,000 --> 04:02:57,000
Thank you, Mayor. I stopped for because before my time was up, because I learned alumni at some of the things, some of the questions and the things that I was going to say, and I have done that.

2464
04:02:57,000 --> 04:03:12,000
And so therefore, I don't have any more questions for ACM Batista, I will, I've come to every single meeting that I've been on the dios with at least one different example of why this is needed, why this changes needed.

2465
04:03:12,000 --> 04:03:20,000
And I will share those examples with you offline during our next meeting at CM Batista. I am skipping running through them now, some of them are quite compelling.

2466
04:03:20,000 --> 04:03:37,000
I will note that there are examples relating to mental health response, active fire incidents, and wildfire evacuation, and any form of staged evacuation that may be needed.

2467
04:03:37,000 --> 04:03:45,000
I know that that last one is near and dear to your heart, council member to do tune as it is to mine and council member Ellis and much of this dios.

2468
04:03:45,000 --> 04:03:53,000
I cannot, I cannot, I cannot stop talking before I have shared that.

2469
04:03:53,000 --> 04:04:02,000
The only reason that this report is coming next month is because staff did not follow the unanimously passed guidance.

2470
04:04:02,000 --> 04:04:13,000
I also would like to have the benefit of reading a report before I am in the second budget cycle in which I am bringing this forward, but I don't have that benefit.

2471
04:04:13,000 --> 04:04:21,000
Not because I haven't been deliberative and careful and thoughtful and how I have approached the process of bringing this IFC forward.

2472
04:04:21,000 --> 04:04:26,000
I have been nothing but that. I have had countless meetings.

2473
04:04:26,000 --> 04:04:34,000
I won't ask you to raise your hands now leadership, but you might not ask a leadership meeting at some point city manager.

2474
04:04:34,000 --> 04:04:48,000
How many of your staff have been in meetings with me on this topic individually to then within the last month still be hearing comments from people unnamed.

2475
04:04:48,000 --> 04:04:56,000
Who I hope by the end of this will not agree with the statement anymore thing, but aren't we already doing this the thing you're concerned about?

2476
04:04:56,000 --> 04:05:15,000
No we are not and I have been working on this since the day I arrived because as you all know, there are very real problems in my district relate that this IFC is designed to solve for and now I need to return to my thank you to my colleague council member Seagull.

2477
04:05:16,000 --> 04:05:26,000
Because I've done my very best as a newcomer to the political game as a newcomer to city politics city dynamic city council all of these things my district we don't get down here that often.

2478
04:05:26,000 --> 04:05:38,000
I came here as I have said to work for change and I mean change in city services that are more effective and more efficient for all of us and I've worked my hardest but you know what.

2479
04:05:39,000 --> 04:05:56,000
My colleague council member Seagull has a lot more experience with this than I do and I knew that if I couldn't come up with sources of funding I ran the risk of this getting delayed even more because despite very clear guidance to council that we wanted to report back.

2480
04:05:56,000 --> 04:06:07,000
At by the end of last year despite my many attempts to get this on the agenda of the public safety committee as vice chair, but no we're not ready yet.

2481
04:06:07,000 --> 04:06:11,000
Finally to have a special call meeting about one month ago that I chair.

2482
04:06:11,000 --> 04:06:18,000
Thank you very much for everything you do on public safety committee my fellow chair and post funds on this council member Velasquez.

2483
04:06:18,000 --> 04:06:23,000
We're not for some of these things I've said for the dias we wouldn't be getting a report next month.

2484
04:06:23,000 --> 04:06:30,000
I feel quite confident because I have seen plenty of signs that a good faith.

2485
04:06:30,000 --> 04:06:31,000
I won't say that.

2486
04:06:31,000 --> 04:06:36,000
I have seen plenty of signs that insufficient effort has been put forth.

2487
04:06:36,000 --> 04:06:46,000
To follow the guidance in that unanimously past IFC and so now I return to the difference between the IFC that I am now bringing forward.

2488
04:06:46,000 --> 04:06:56,000
Thank you very much with staff support I do very much appreciate that shift and that it has come in the last couple days.

2489
04:06:56,000 --> 04:06:58,000
But I will tell you this.

2490
04:06:58,000 --> 04:07:01,000
I don't feel like I have been treated.

2491
04:07:01,000 --> 04:07:09,000
I don't know.

2492
04:07:09,000 --> 04:07:14,000
I don't believe that sufficient effort has been put forward and I can tell you uneclavically that lives are lost in my department I'm in my district over this.

2493
04:07:14,000 --> 04:07:25,000
And I can also tell you that I believe we wouldn't be here today even talking about an IFC related to this.

2494
04:07:25,000 --> 04:07:31,320
support, we're not for Council Member Seagull. And we're not for all of you who have sat through

2495
04:07:31,320 --> 04:07:36,120
this meeting for this long to get to the point that you hear what is said about the joint

2496
04:07:36,120 --> 04:07:40,760
emergency communications office or department and the amendment and what the funding will be and

2497
04:07:40,760 --> 04:07:46,520
and how much we are suggesting that the IOC with or without amendment that passes will do.

2498
04:07:47,640 --> 04:07:54,760
I thank you for coming because it's challenging representing a district that is only

2499
04:07:54,760 --> 04:08:00,840
outlined areas. I know the same experiences are happening that I give examples of from my

2500
04:08:00,840 --> 04:08:06,920
district all around the outline areas of the city. I actually have a few of them at this point.

2501
04:08:06,920 --> 04:08:13,880
But you know what else I know even with me working in the most appropriate ways and I know

2502
04:08:13,880 --> 04:08:19,800
that this what I'm doing right now may not be viewed as appropriate. But even with me working in

2503
04:08:19,800 --> 04:08:24,440
the most appropriate ways, but you're my professional experience and demeanor and the way that I look

2504
04:08:24,440 --> 04:08:32,280
and where I come from, this so would have failed. We're not for the very many advocates who began to

2505
04:08:32,280 --> 04:08:38,440
show up to public safety committee meetings asking for an update. So I've shown up time and time again

2506
04:08:38,440 --> 04:08:46,520
and while I did not coordinate with those of you who are in the room whatsoever when I put together this IOC

2507
04:08:47,480 --> 04:08:56,600
Please note that I appreciate you. I hear you. I appreciate you. It is time to move past the things

2508
04:08:56,600 --> 04:09:01,640
that are buying us down in this city or job as council members is to have the tough conversations

2509
04:09:01,640 --> 04:09:08,040
in public and transparently and that does mean doing things differently within public safety. It means

2510
04:09:08,840 --> 04:09:14,200
at least bare minimum that IOC that is not supported. I look forward to seeing funding sources.

2511
04:09:14,200 --> 04:09:21,800
But here's the thing, if I already feel borderline like I haven't been treated in good faith,

2512
04:09:23,800 --> 04:09:30,600
I can't imagine how all these advocates feel. Because it's one thing to stand up here and say that the

2513
04:09:30,600 --> 04:09:36,040
outlying areas of our city haven't received the same focus and resources regardless of the color of your

2514
04:09:36,040 --> 04:09:41,720
skin or your religion or any of the other things that just things will or income or any of these things.

2515
04:09:41,800 --> 04:09:49,640
It's one thing to say that. And it's another thing to hear the pain and the heartache

2516
04:09:49,640 --> 04:09:54,920
in the suffering that comes from delaying action on these matters.

2517
04:09:56,520 --> 04:10:00,760
That's what I'm going to see what was not at all involved in my original IOC when you're ago.

2518
04:10:03,240 --> 04:10:08,120
But there's it's not a coincidence that we've ended up on the same side this time.

2519
04:10:09,080 --> 04:10:13,960
And so I think everyone in this room and outside of this room and all of my colleagues,

2520
04:10:13,960 --> 04:10:19,000
every single one of you who have helped to bring this through. I also think staff,

2521
04:10:19,400 --> 04:10:25,560
because I know even though I just had some criticisms, I will say, I am a big fan of our city manager

2522
04:10:26,440 --> 04:10:31,400
and the many hires he has brought in including ACM Batista and some others,

2523
04:10:32,360 --> 04:10:38,760
as well as longstanding staff who do very important work very effectively like Mr. Vanineau

2524
04:10:39,400 --> 04:10:48,920
and Director Lang. However, I will say this. This is the difference between my IOC and my IOC

2525
04:10:48,920 --> 04:10:57,160
combined with Council Member Seagulls Amendment. The difference is whether we trust that the city will

2526
04:10:57,160 --> 04:11:05,080
work in good faith for the next year and put sufficient early effort into this matter that didn't

2527
04:11:05,080 --> 04:11:12,600
happen last year so that we do have the ability to make decisions fully informed and without delay

2528
04:11:13,560 --> 04:11:22,040
because these matters impact everyone in this city. And so thank you for allowing me to give a few

2529
04:11:22,040 --> 04:11:31,240
comments. I again extend my thank you to my co-sponsors and mayor. This was a legitimate oversight

2530
04:11:31,240 --> 04:11:37,640
and I apologize but thank you also for joining me last year in supporting this measure because I know

2531
04:11:37,640 --> 04:11:46,440
the work that you do to try to bring resources and comfort and improvement to this city. I believe this is

2532
04:11:46,440 --> 04:11:57,400
an important part of that so thank you. Thank you. Thanks Mayor. I just have a very quick

2533
04:11:57,400 --> 04:12:04,760
question for either Chief Davis or really request for Chief Davis or PCM Batista and while they're coming

2534
04:12:04,760 --> 04:12:10,040
up there I'll just ask you to save time. It's probably been six or nine months since I read the

2535
04:12:10,040 --> 04:12:14,440
very dumb report. I'm just curious if between now and when we take this up next week you'll

2536
04:12:14,440 --> 04:12:24,680
can share any information that's in there about this particular issue. The very done recommendation

2537
04:12:24,680 --> 04:12:31,640
does not recommend that we remove police from communications. Well can you send the report in any

2538
04:12:31,640 --> 04:12:35,480
details that's gotten there about context around this issue? That's really what the request is between

2539
04:12:35,560 --> 04:12:42,440
now and next week. Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor member. All right members.

2540
04:12:45,240 --> 04:12:48,440
I think that completes item number one.

2541
04:12:57,160 --> 04:13:05,400
I'm in clients just a journalist but so that'll take us to items two, three and four

2542
04:13:05,800 --> 04:13:15,560
obviously and so we have three items that all relate to elections and we have people that are

2543
04:13:15,560 --> 04:13:22,040
signed up to speak. What I think I'll do is go ahead and have the speakers called and then I want

2544
04:13:22,040 --> 04:13:28,200
to before we start on the items. I want to have legal come up so we can talk about what we need to do

2545
04:13:28,200 --> 04:13:35,160
because there are some legal aspects to what we need to do to call these elections. But we do have

2546
04:13:35,160 --> 04:13:40,200
people signed up to speak and so I'm going to turn to the city clerk and ask that you call those people.

2547
04:13:41,640 --> 04:13:47,880
May you're my calling for all items or may you know that let's do it that way because we have three items

2548
04:13:47,880 --> 04:13:53,560
and there is one I think I know how the council is going to want to go on the order we do that

2549
04:13:54,280 --> 04:13:58,520
there is a question about that so why don't you call two three and four.

2550
04:13:59,880 --> 04:14:03,960
Okay thank you sir starting with item two I have a remote speaker Pamela Vance.

2551
04:14:10,440 --> 04:14:15,960
Good afternoon there, Fiti Manager and council members. My name is Pamela Hall Vance and I'm calling

2552
04:14:16,040 --> 04:14:21,560
today at the Member of the George Washington's Carver Ambassador. I want to remind this

2553
04:14:21,560 --> 04:14:29,560
town folk that the citizens live bond election advisory task for the equity department and the city's

2554
04:14:29,560 --> 04:14:36,920
own professional staff all explicitly recommended that the cover needs and expansion be added to a bond

2555
04:14:36,920 --> 04:14:44,360
package. They recognize the outstanding promises to the citizens of often who overwhelmingly

2556
04:14:44,360 --> 04:14:53,720
staff pops the in 2022 which will mandate the expansion of the George Washington Carver Museum

2557
04:14:53,720 --> 04:15:00,280
Culture and Genealogy Center. With that in mind I have a direct question.

2558
04:15:00,000 --> 04:15:07,000
Council Member Chris Delay and Council Member Natasha Hartford, Madison. Is it possible to amend

2559
04:15:07,000 --> 04:15:16,360
opposition B to revise our spending and finally complete that 2022 voter approved mandate?

2560
04:15:16,360 --> 04:15:22,400
The Carver's expansion is still waiting on the completion of phase 1 and phase 2, through

2561
04:15:22,400 --> 04:15:27,000
the hyper-inslication and massive fights and local construction costs that voter

2562
04:15:27,000 --> 04:15:33,200
promise that it's solved and understanding in the architectural phase. While we fully understand

2563
04:15:33,200 --> 04:15:38,440
and respect indeed for your important new project, we cannot leave this historic youth

2564
04:15:38,440 --> 04:15:45,640
often and the structure, called in-limbo due to cost inflation. Can we reallocate these

2565
04:15:45,640 --> 04:15:53,280
funds so that the Hampton Library, Polynie Park and the Carver extension, all, receiving crucial

2566
04:15:53,280 --> 04:16:00,280
support by adjusting the flip to 10 million for Hampton, $15 million for calling cars, and

2567
04:16:00,280 --> 04:16:08,280
10 million can finish the carver. That way we create a fair revenue, neutral solution,

2568
04:16:08,280 --> 04:16:12,280
under the existing $35 million tax.

2569
04:16:12,280 --> 04:16:14,280
Thank you very much.

2570
04:16:14,280 --> 04:16:15,280
Thank you.

2571
04:16:16,280 --> 04:16:22,280
I will now go into the person's speakers for item 2, fill up this Gerald, Barbara Scott.

2572
04:16:22,280 --> 04:16:24,280
Barbara, are you here?

2573
04:16:24,280 --> 04:16:25,280
Yes.

2574
04:16:25,280 --> 04:16:27,280
Brian Dolazal here.

2575
04:16:27,280 --> 04:16:28,280
Galizo.

2576
04:16:28,280 --> 04:16:29,280
Yes.

2577
04:16:29,280 --> 04:16:36,280
Four minutes from Miss Scott, Jeff Diff, Dickerson, Zenovia Joseph, Monica Guzman and Bill Bunch.

2578
04:16:36,280 --> 04:16:41,280
If your name's been called, please come forward. Miss Scott will begin with you and you'll have

2579
04:16:41,280 --> 04:16:43,280
four minutes.

2580
04:16:46,280 --> 04:16:52,280
Good afternoon. I'm Barbara Scott. I'm representing the Colony Park Neighborhood Association.

2581
04:16:52,280 --> 04:16:58,280
I'm here today to thank the Council members who voted to include Colony Park Library Project

2582
04:16:58,280 --> 04:17:05,280
and the proposed November 2026 bond as well as those who voted to advance the resolution.

2583
04:17:05,280 --> 04:17:11,280
This project represents more than a new building. It is an investment in the Colony Park community

2584
04:17:11,280 --> 04:17:13,280
and the eastern crescent.

2585
04:17:13,280 --> 04:17:19,280
Bringing educational opportunities, access to technology and a gathering place for families and

2586
04:17:19,280 --> 04:17:21,280
residents of all ages.

2587
04:17:21,280 --> 04:17:26,280
It is a step toward addressing years of disinvestment.

2588
04:17:26,280 --> 04:17:32,280
And we hope that items 2, 3, 4 on today's agenda will continue to move forward.

2589
04:17:32,280 --> 04:17:38,280
I would also like to offer a special thank you to Council Member Natasha Harper Madison.

2590
04:17:38,280 --> 04:17:45,280
Your support for Colony Park has always met so much because it comes from lived experience.

2591
04:17:45,280 --> 04:17:54,280
You grew up in our community, attended our schools and understood firsthand both our challenges and our potential.

2592
04:17:54,280 --> 04:17:59,280
You have never forgotten where you came from and you have never stopped advocating for the people of

2593
04:17:59,280 --> 04:18:05,280
Colony Park and Lakeside. You have made sure our voices have been heard and you have fought to bring

2594
04:18:05,280 --> 04:18:09,280
long overdue investments to our neighborhoods.

2595
04:18:09,280 --> 04:18:17,280
Your support for this library will leave a legacy that will benefit our children, families and future generations.

2596
04:18:17,280 --> 04:18:23,280
Council Member Harper Madison, we want to thank you for your leadership, your partnership,

2597
04:18:23,280 --> 04:18:26,280
and your unwavering commitment to our community.

2598
04:18:26,280 --> 04:18:30,280
We wish you every success and every blessing on your next journey.

2599
04:18:30,280 --> 04:18:32,280
Thank you, Council.

2600
04:18:32,280 --> 04:18:35,280
Thank you, Ms. Scott.

2601
04:18:35,280 --> 04:18:37,280
Good afternoon.

2602
04:18:37,280 --> 04:18:40,280
Good afternoon. I'm Monica Guzman, Policy Director at Gava.

2603
04:18:40,280 --> 04:18:42,280
Go Austin, Vimal, Austin.

2604
04:18:42,280 --> 04:18:48,280
Gava resident leaders living in the runberg area, the community with increasing urban heat,

2605
04:18:48,280 --> 04:18:55,280
and existing urban canopy deficit and limited access to Walnut Creek Metropolitan Pool

2606
04:18:55,280 --> 04:19:03,280
have been advocating for a splash pad at the Garcia Recreation Center for almost four years.

2607
04:19:03,280 --> 04:19:09,280
Four years. Over the past five months, they advocated at the Bond Advisory Election Task Force

2608
04:19:09,280 --> 04:19:16,280
and Parks Forves meetings as well as sent emails to Austin Parks and Recreation, APR, requesting updates.

2609
04:19:16,280 --> 04:19:20,280
We received confirmation that APR heard the residents.

2610
04:19:20,280 --> 04:19:28,280
They agree the runberg area is a priority that extreme heat, urban canopy deficit, and other factors make it a priority.

2611
04:19:28,280 --> 04:19:36,280
Unfortunately, it is unclear if they agree that it is a priority now since they view it as new.

2612
04:19:36,280 --> 04:19:43,280
Contrary in aquatic facility such as a splash pad is an amenity from the original 2008

2613
04:19:43,280 --> 04:19:47,280
Gus Garcia Vision Plan almost 20 years ago.

2614
04:19:47,280 --> 04:19:51,280
How can APR consider it to be new?

2615
04:19:51,280 --> 04:19:57,280
Director Aguirre, Mayor Watson, Mayor Protem Velah and Council.

2616
04:19:57,280 --> 04:20:02,280
We urge you to add this amenity, specifically a Gus Garcia splash pad,

2617
04:20:02,280 --> 04:20:09,280
to APR's extreme critical needs priorities for the Austin 2026 Bond Package.

2618
04:20:09,280 --> 04:20:14,280
Thank you.

2619
04:20:14,280 --> 04:20:17,280
Hi, my name is Velah Fitzgerald district one.

2620
04:20:17,280 --> 04:20:23,280
Sitting here all day, I find some of the conversations to be quite discouraging.

2621
04:20:23,280 --> 04:20:28,280
When I look at the services that were cut to meet this budget,

2622
04:20:29,280 --> 04:20:33,280
and we're told that we just don't have the money and understand money's tight.

2623
04:20:33,280 --> 04:20:38,280
But we always seem to be able to lock in higher raises for the police.

2624
04:20:38,280 --> 04:20:43,280
We can't find money for the parks, so we have to have this bond election to support our parks.

2625
04:20:43,280 --> 04:20:50,280
And I'm fully in favour of it because our parks are a huge draw for our city and they get people outside.

2626
04:20:50,280 --> 04:20:55,280
But the reason we're having to have this bond election is because we don't support our parks year after year.

2627
04:20:55,280 --> 04:21:00,280
So the small cracks that you may see at a pool, or a tree falling down on the park,

2628
04:21:00,280 --> 04:21:02,280
is not addressed year after year.

2629
04:21:02,280 --> 04:21:05,280
So 10 years down the road, we have to do a major overhaul.

2630
04:21:05,280 --> 04:21:10,280
So if we want to avoid the bond elections, then we should be funding these services year after year.

2631
04:21:10,280 --> 04:21:14,280
But it also goes back to, as member,

2632
04:21:14,280 --> 04:21:20,280
a doucheon said about priorities and what's been clear to me because I come week after week.

2633
04:21:20,280 --> 04:21:25,280
And I hear people speak and I hear people advocate for funding these services.

2634
04:21:25,280 --> 04:21:29,280
What's clear to me is the priorities of the city council is not to fund these services.

2635
04:21:29,280 --> 04:21:36,280
And in fact, a lot of you believe that the only reason you're up here is to advocate for business and to fund the police.

2636
04:21:36,280 --> 04:21:41,280
And that's the way we're going to solve our problems is just by giving more money to the police.

2637
04:21:41,280 --> 04:21:45,280
So we splash them more money, we give them 5% 6% raises.

2638
04:21:45,280 --> 04:21:46,280
That's higher than inflation.

2639
04:21:46,280 --> 04:21:49,280
That's higher than the 3.5% property tax increase.

2640
04:21:49,280 --> 04:21:53,280
You know, every time we give them more and more increases, that's locked in by the state.

2641
04:21:53,280 --> 04:21:54,280
We can't cut it.

2642
04:21:54,280 --> 04:21:56,280
So we have to cut services year after year.

2643
04:21:56,280 --> 04:21:59,280
And I think frankly, a lot of dollar okay with that.

2644
04:21:59,280 --> 04:22:03,280
You want private businesses to step up and you're just going to divert our money to them.

2645
04:22:03,280 --> 04:22:08,280
But what we're seeing year after year is those needs are not being met.

2646
04:22:08,280 --> 04:22:13,280
You have to be more aggressive in your vision and aspire to do more.

2647
04:22:13,280 --> 04:22:16,280
Thank you.

2648
04:22:16,280 --> 04:22:18,280
Please.

2649
04:22:18,280 --> 04:22:21,280
Good afternoon Mayor council members.

2650
04:22:21,280 --> 04:22:27,280
I wonder if you heard how many times my job dropped on the table when I heard about spending reductions.

2651
04:22:27,280 --> 04:22:29,280
No.

2652
04:22:29,280 --> 04:22:36,280
Council members, you still have a spending problem and still have not learned the lessons of property.

2653
04:22:36,280 --> 04:22:38,280
Council member decision.

2654
04:22:38,280 --> 04:22:41,280
You supported an increase in tax rate.

2655
04:22:41,280 --> 04:22:45,280
That is a permanent increase in the base tax rate.

2656
04:22:45,280 --> 04:22:47,280
Council member Bella.

2657
04:22:47,280 --> 04:22:51,280
I disagree with your spend spend spend mentality.

2658
04:22:51,280 --> 04:22:58,280
There is a reason the TRE was sadly rejected but a majority of taxpayers.

2659
04:22:58,280 --> 04:23:04,280
We cannot afford all the grand products, projects and visions that you like.

2660
04:23:04,280 --> 04:23:07,280
It does not help low income.

2661
04:23:07,280 --> 04:23:14,280
Bits then come unemployed with the affordability mantra that I keep hearing and reading about.

2662
04:23:14,280 --> 04:23:17,280
What you guys are doing doesn't address this issue.

2663
04:23:17,280 --> 04:23:21,280
Let's talk about the go bond and 26 bond.

2664
04:23:21,280 --> 04:23:22,280
You see.

2665
04:23:22,280 --> 04:23:25,280
Yes, it's 32 million dollars.

2666
04:23:25,280 --> 04:23:27,280
But let's be basically honest.

2667
04:23:27,280 --> 04:23:31,280
The total repayment will probably be 50 million dollars.

2668
04:23:31,280 --> 04:23:32,280
Oh, yeah.

2669
04:23:32,280 --> 04:23:40,280
We forgot about the $18 and $22 million in bond interest payments that come out of the general bond.

2670
04:23:40,280 --> 04:23:42,280
Catscare is paid for that.

2671
04:23:42,280 --> 04:23:48,280
The 295 million bond package is geared for SIP.

2672
04:23:48,280 --> 04:23:56,280
This is a go bond masquerading at the SIP because you guys did not put it in budget.

2673
04:23:57,280 --> 04:24:02,280
At 4% the total cost of this will be $428 million.

2674
04:24:02,280 --> 04:24:06,280
We're at the $295 million.

2675
04:24:06,280 --> 04:24:11,280
That's fiscal insanity.

2676
04:24:11,280 --> 04:24:18,280
To use a popular phrase by many speakers, why don't we flatten the spending budget?

2677
04:24:18,280 --> 04:24:23,280
Thank you, sir.

2678
04:24:23,280 --> 04:24:24,280
Mr. Dickinson.

2679
04:24:24,280 --> 04:24:25,280
I also have you signed up for item three.

2680
04:24:25,280 --> 04:24:27,280
Would you like to speak to item three?

2681
04:24:27,280 --> 04:24:29,280
Mr. Dickerson.

2682
04:24:29,280 --> 04:24:32,280
Would you like to speak to item three?

2683
04:24:32,280 --> 04:24:33,280
Yeah.

2684
04:24:33,280 --> 04:24:42,280
Give me a paper.

2685
04:24:42,280 --> 04:24:44,280
While we wait for him to get his paperwork together.

2686
04:24:44,280 --> 04:24:48,280
Ms. Scott, I just wanted to say, of course I had to use the restroom at the moment that

2687
04:24:48,280 --> 04:24:50,280
somebody says it's a nice of me today.

2688
04:24:50,280 --> 04:24:55,280
So I just really appreciate your heartfelt thank you and I would just say boomerang.

2689
04:24:55,280 --> 04:25:02,280
Thank you very much for your leadership and your guidance and for the opportunity to work alongside you to do the work that we've gotten done so far.

2690
04:25:02,280 --> 04:25:04,280
And it's just so far.

2691
04:25:04,280 --> 04:25:05,280
Thank you.

2692
04:25:05,280 --> 04:25:06,280
Yes.

2693
04:25:06,280 --> 04:25:10,280
Please Mr. Dickerson on item three.

2694
04:25:11,280 --> 04:25:12,280
Mr. Dickerson.

2695
04:25:12,280 --> 04:25:13,280
District five.

2696
04:25:13,280 --> 04:25:14,280
Mayor.

2697
04:25:14,280 --> 04:25:15,280
Council members.

2698
04:25:15,280 --> 04:25:18,280
City units are written for the public.

2699
04:25:18,280 --> 04:25:25,280
But many are written in a legal style that makes them difficult or ordinary residents understand.

2700
04:25:25,280 --> 04:25:32,280
Hereby adopt their pursuit to ask specify in incorporated in part of this.

2701
04:25:32,280 --> 04:25:39,280
Really, this is not pretty average citizens and I'm talking about charter as well as ordinance.

2702
04:25:39,280 --> 04:25:41,280
That's simple about this.

2703
04:25:41,280 --> 04:25:43,280
This creates three problems.

2704
04:25:43,280 --> 04:25:49,280
They've reduced public understanding where's it and should not need legal training.

2705
04:25:49,280 --> 04:25:52,280
It offers less transparency.

2706
04:25:52,280 --> 04:25:55,280
It offers lower participation.

2707
04:25:55,280 --> 04:26:01,280
If you guys have some concern about wardeness of charters and length of charters.

2708
04:26:01,280 --> 04:26:08,280
Why I came to you simple by these ordinances and what you say and what you've.

2709
04:26:08,280 --> 04:26:11,280
provide for the public.

2710
04:26:11,280 --> 04:26:14,280
Future ordinances.

2711
04:26:14,280 --> 04:26:16,280
Proclamation.

2712
04:26:16,280 --> 04:26:17,280
Charters.

2713
04:26:17,280 --> 04:26:18,280
You shorter citizens.

2714
04:26:18,280 --> 04:26:20,280
Define the technical terms.

2715
04:26:20,280 --> 04:26:23,280
Explain the legal action.

2716
04:26:23,280 --> 04:26:28,280
Explain action before getting into legal jargon.

2717
04:26:28,280 --> 04:26:31,280
Government documents should be precise.

2718
04:26:31,280 --> 04:26:34,280
But they should be written so that people.

2719
04:26:34,280 --> 04:26:39,280
They sure can understand what is before them.

2720
04:26:39,280 --> 04:26:42,280
Thank you.

2721
04:26:42,280 --> 04:26:43,280
Thank you.

2722
04:26:43,280 --> 04:26:44,280
For item four.

2723
04:26:44,280 --> 04:26:45,280
Jeffrey Bowen.

2724
04:26:45,280 --> 04:26:46,280
Jeff Dickerson.

2725
04:26:46,280 --> 04:26:48,280
Susana Almanza.

2726
04:26:48,280 --> 04:26:50,280
Luis Gonzalez.

2727
04:26:50,280 --> 04:26:52,280
Zenobe Joseph.

2728
04:26:52,280 --> 04:26:54,280
Monica Guzman.

2729
04:26:54,280 --> 04:26:56,280
And Bill Bunch.

2730
04:26:57,280 --> 04:27:06,280
After new ladies and gentlemen Mr. Mayor.

2731
04:27:06,280 --> 04:27:07,280
Council members.

2732
04:27:07,280 --> 04:27:08,280
Jeffrey Bowen.

2733
04:27:08,280 --> 04:27:09,280
District.

2734
04:27:09,280 --> 04:27:11,280
On item four.

2735
04:27:11,280 --> 04:27:14,280
I just would like to remind everybody that.

2736
04:27:14,280 --> 04:27:16,280
We need to make sure that are.

2737
04:27:16,280 --> 04:27:19,280
That the language on these.

2738
04:27:19,280 --> 04:27:21,280
Meet the Secretary of State requirements.

2739
04:27:21,280 --> 04:27:24,280
We want to make sure that they're very clear.

2740
04:27:25,280 --> 04:27:30,280
Hopefully we don't want to go through the process that we went through last year.

2741
04:27:30,280 --> 04:27:35,280
So just just a friendly reminder to make sure that our ballot language.

2742
04:27:35,280 --> 04:27:38,280
And I have to also endorse what Mike.

2743
04:27:38,280 --> 04:27:39,280
Call it over here.

2744
04:27:39,280 --> 04:27:43,280
Mr. Dickerson just said about making him very clear.

2745
04:27:43,280 --> 04:27:49,280
So that people are understanding exactly what they're voting on.

2746
04:27:49,280 --> 04:27:53,280
I just wanted to make sure that we're getting that word out.

2747
04:27:53,280 --> 04:27:54,280
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

2748
04:27:54,280 --> 04:27:55,280
This time.

2749
04:27:55,280 --> 04:27:56,280
Thank you.

2750
04:27:56,280 --> 04:27:57,280
Mr. Bowen.

2751
04:27:57,280 --> 04:27:59,280
Please.

2752
04:27:59,280 --> 04:28:00,280
Good afternoon.

2753
04:28:00,280 --> 04:28:01,280
My Watson.

2754
04:28:01,280 --> 04:28:02,280
Good afternoon.

2755
04:28:02,280 --> 04:28:03,280
Council members.

2756
04:28:03,280 --> 04:28:04,280
My name is Luis Gonzalez.

2757
04:28:04,280 --> 04:28:06,280
The resident of district 10 and the current share of the independence

2758
04:28:06,280 --> 04:28:08,280
Citizens of District and Commission.

2759
04:28:08,280 --> 04:28:11,280
Before I begin my written testimony, I just want to commend everyone today for their

2760
04:28:11,280 --> 04:28:12,280
time and their testimony.

2761
04:28:12,280 --> 04:28:13,280
This is how democracy works.

2762
04:28:13,280 --> 04:28:16,280
And a reason why I applied to be on the ICRC.

2763
04:28:16,280 --> 04:28:19,280
I support keeping the APD budget flat.

2764
04:28:19,280 --> 04:28:22,280
And let's please prioritize support for mental health, food security.

2765
04:28:22,280 --> 04:28:25,280
And our neighbors expressing experiencing homelessness.

2766
04:28:25,280 --> 04:28:30,280
As established by the city charter, the ICRC has the low seat of sole legal standing to create

2767
04:28:30,280 --> 04:28:33,280
and adopt maps for our city council districts.

2768
04:28:33,280 --> 04:28:36,280
While maintaining strict independence from influence by city council.

2769
04:28:36,280 --> 04:28:40,280
The city council will vote to approve a proposed amendment to the city charter that would

2770
04:28:40,280 --> 04:28:43,280
directly impact the work of the ICRC.

2771
04:28:43,280 --> 04:28:47,280
And we'll help the next group of commissioners in 2031 accomplish their go of producing a new

2772
04:28:47,280 --> 04:28:51,280
map that prioritizes equal representation, resident input.

2773
04:28:51,280 --> 04:28:53,280
And takes into consideration the rapid growth.

2774
04:28:53,280 --> 04:28:56,280
Our city is experienced over the last decade.

2775
04:28:56,280 --> 04:29:00,280
While this amendment may appear small today, the proposed new city charter language

2776
04:29:00,280 --> 04:29:03,280
will define independent as free from city council influence.

2777
04:29:03,280 --> 04:29:05,280
The free that utilize necessary city resources.

2778
04:29:05,280 --> 04:29:08,280
The language will specify an effective date for future maps.

2779
04:29:08,280 --> 04:29:13,280
The new language will increase the number of qualified applicants eligible to serve on the commission

2780
04:29:13,280 --> 04:29:16,280
and clarify the method in timing for filling vacancies.

2781
04:29:16,280 --> 04:29:21,280
These changes appear minor, but speaking from direct experience, they will provide efficiency and clarity

2782
04:29:21,280 --> 04:29:26,280
to future commissioners as they focus on the work of redistricting and prioritizing public testimony

2783
04:29:26,280 --> 04:29:29,280
rather than worry about administrative red tape.

2784
04:29:29,280 --> 04:29:33,280
While I have seen concerns that this proposed charter amendment will change definitions and rules that

2785
04:29:33,280 --> 04:29:35,280
keep our commission independent.

2786
04:29:35,280 --> 04:29:41,280
I would say someone who helped draft the proposed amendment language that is not its intention.

2787
04:29:41,280 --> 04:29:45,280
The ICRC is and should always remain independent with a capital I.

2788
04:29:46,280 --> 04:29:54,280
Our but the fact is that our meeting just last week would not have been possible without staff support city expertise and communication.

2789
04:29:54,280 --> 04:29:59,280
And for one clarification, a student commissioner is already.

2790
04:30:00,000 --> 04:30:06,000
Parliament for the ICRC. However, clarifying eligibility, eligibility, language is a good thing. Thank you.

2791
04:30:06,000 --> 04:30:08,000
Thank you. This is Joseph.

2792
04:30:08,000 --> 04:30:15,000
Thank you, Mayor Council. I'm going to be a Joseph. I just wanted to mention as it relates to the independent redistricting

2793
04:30:15,000 --> 04:30:24,000
citizens' commission. I just wanted to call to your attention that when this committee met previously the chair had

2794
04:30:24,000 --> 04:30:32,000
had some problems and that was in the news. And so I'm not quite sure why you would amend the guidelines

2795
04:30:32,000 --> 04:30:39,000
to ensure that the chair is able to speak to staff off the record. I know Ms. Greenberg gave you testimony as well

2796
04:30:39,000 --> 04:30:47,000
in this report. And I would also ask you to recognize it is problematic that you would not have the rules that govern the

2797
04:30:47,000 --> 04:30:54,000
court that you do in the charter. And so it is difficult to trust the court that you do as you are well aware

2798
04:30:54,000 --> 04:31:00,000
whether we're talking about the bond or whether we're talking about the budget. And so it has to be transparent and

2799
04:31:00,000 --> 04:31:06,000
to recognize the need to ensure that that does not change. And so that is my opposition.

2800
04:31:06,000 --> 04:31:12,000
I did want to tell you however, as it related to some of the opaque decisions that you've made.

2801
04:31:12,000 --> 04:31:16,000
I would just give you the example of the Marshall and Yard, for example.

2802
04:31:16,000 --> 04:31:22,000
We were told that that was an emergency temporary solution back in 2023. Now it's permanent.

2803
04:31:22,000 --> 04:31:30,000
As it relates to the vision zero, I mentioned that before. The city manager said that it wasn't simply a policy.

2804
04:31:30,000 --> 04:31:38,000
But in fact, it is. And you've not used the data. You've been told that in 2023, 2026. And here we are today.

2805
04:31:38,000 --> 04:31:46,000
And so it is difficult to understand why you would want to have more leniency when we the taxpayers don't even know what you're doing now.

2806
04:31:46,000 --> 04:31:51,000
And so that is my opposition. If you have any questions, I'll go ahead and answer them at this time.

2807
04:31:51,000 --> 04:31:53,000
Thank you, Mr. Joseph.

2808
04:31:53,000 --> 04:31:55,000
Mr. Dickerson.

2809
04:31:57,000 --> 04:32:05,000
Jeff, Dickerson District 5. Why are we throwing up more barriers in less protection for current petition

2810
04:32:05,000 --> 04:32:11,000
bringers? Why was the wording changed from, it just isn't generally preceded in it,

2811
04:32:11,000 --> 04:32:19,000
but they all, they must wait until the next November election.

2812
04:32:19,000 --> 04:32:27,000
The impact of this is longer delays. You were electioned long await for voters to decide citizen petition.

2813
04:32:27,000 --> 04:32:35,000
This isn't unnecessary barrier. There's no justifiable reason or evidence for doing this.

2814
04:32:35,000 --> 04:32:39,000
The other thing is campaign reimbursements.

2815
04:32:39,000 --> 04:32:47,000
The original restrictions that office holders should not accept or solicit political contribution while in office.

2816
04:32:47,000 --> 04:32:55,000
However, somebody changed the wording and myths or things in here. They met campaign debt reimbursement, reimbursement,

2817
04:32:55,000 --> 04:33:05,000
a personal campaign spending, office accounts and future campaign fundraising all together to make this obtuse.

2818
04:33:05,000 --> 04:33:09,000
It is not understandable by the average voters.

2819
04:33:09,000 --> 04:33:17,000
This amendment also removes the barrier of accepting political contributions in the current

2820
04:33:17,000 --> 04:33:27,000
and creates the pathway for office holders to raise money for unpaid, campaign, future expenses.

2821
04:33:27,000 --> 04:33:33,000
This is on that behalf, and this should be reviewed, looked at again,

2822
04:33:33,000 --> 04:33:41,000
and should be retained back to the original wording. It is done, fundraise while you're in office.

2823
04:33:41,000 --> 04:33:43,000
Thank you.

2824
04:33:43,000 --> 04:33:47,000
Mayor all speakers for these items have been called.

2825
04:33:47,000 --> 04:33:53,000
Thank you very much. Members, all the people that signed up on items 234 have now had an opportunity to speak.

2826
04:33:53,000 --> 04:34:05,000
I'm going to ask legal staff to come up so that we can deal with a couple of items and get some clarity on a couple of things before we go to taking motions and discussion.

2827
04:34:05,000 --> 04:34:16,000
The first thing I want to ask about is whether there are any legal requirements on how these items are supposed to appear on the ballot,

2828
04:34:16,000 --> 04:34:24,000
and whether legal staff has looked at that from the perspective of how we organize those items on the ballot.

2829
04:34:24,000 --> 04:34:30,000
Good afternoon, Mayor, council members. I'm Neil Falgud, Deputy City Attorney.

2830
04:34:30,000 --> 04:34:40,000
I have Wajihah Resby, Assistant City Attorney, and Matt Hines, our outside bond council who's been working with us on the bond matters.

2831
04:34:40,000 --> 04:34:48,000
Mayor, you're correct. There is a new law that went into effect after the 89th legislature, SB 506,

2832
04:34:48,000 --> 04:34:56,000
and that legislation requires that ballot propositions, like the bond proposals and the charter amendment proposals,

2833
04:34:56,000 --> 04:35:06,000
be submitted to the voters with, quote, such a definiteness, certainty and facial neutrality, that the voters will not be misled.

2834
04:35:06,000 --> 04:35:15,000
And so we've worked very diligently to drop these amendments in the ballot language in a way that the voters can understand,

2835
04:35:15,000 --> 04:35:24,000
while also meeting the legal requirements that the ballot language reflect what is actually being amended in the charter.

2836
04:35:24,000 --> 04:35:34,000
Along those lines, so that if you look at a mechanism for placing items on the ballot and the order they might appear on the ballot,

2837
04:35:34,000 --> 04:35:42,000
so no one can come in and say, oh, you didn't have a good reason for doing it that way, you manipulated it,

2838
04:35:42,000 --> 04:35:48,000
or you're acting in a political way, anything like that, you have a recommendation in that regard.

2839
04:35:48,000 --> 04:35:54,000
Yes, Mayor, so like I said, the propositions have to be presented neutrally.

2840
04:35:54,000 --> 04:36:04,000
And again, we believe that the order that they are presented and also has to be neutrally, just for point of interest.

2841
04:36:04,000 --> 04:36:08,000
There are 10 ballot propositions that are being presented.

2842
04:36:08,000 --> 04:36:14,000
That means there would be about 3.6 million different variations on how they get presented to the voters,

2843
04:36:14,000 --> 04:36:18,000
when you calculate that all out, so we have to settle on one.

2844
04:36:18,000 --> 04:36:25,000
And the one that we have settled on for the charter amendments is to just list them in the way that they appear in the charter,

2845
04:36:25,000 --> 04:36:32,000
with the final amendment being the non-substantive edits to the entire charter.

2846
04:36:32,000 --> 04:36:39,000
So in other words, the first item that we would put on in terms of the charter amendments,

2847
04:36:39,000 --> 04:36:44,000
would be something that would appear highest in the charter if you were reading the charter.

2848
04:36:44,000 --> 04:36:47,000
The second would be the second, and then we'd go that way.

2849
04:36:47,000 --> 04:36:48,000
That's correct.

2850
04:36:48,000 --> 04:36:53,000
And so that means all through the eight charter amendments in that order,

2851
04:36:53,000 --> 04:36:56,000
that was the last one being the non-substantive changes.

2852
04:36:56,000 --> 04:37:04,000
Now that would include not only those that were approved last week that came from the charter commission or a staff recommendation,

2853
04:37:04,000 --> 04:37:06,000
but that would also be the petition.

2854
04:37:06,000 --> 04:37:07,000
Correct.

2855
04:37:07,000 --> 04:37:08,000
Correct.

2856
04:37:08,000 --> 04:37:15,000
Yes, the petition item is listed in the order that it also would appear in the charter.

2857
04:37:15,000 --> 04:37:16,000
Okay.

2858
04:37:16,000 --> 04:37:17,000
Thank you.

2859
04:37:17,000 --> 04:37:20,000
Does the council have any discretion?

2860
04:37:20,000 --> 04:37:27,000
We've got three items on the agenda today that we will vote on to determine whether we're going to put it on the ballot.

2861
04:37:27,000 --> 04:37:33,000
Does the council have any discretion in what order those go on the ballot?

2862
04:37:33,000 --> 04:37:34,000
Yes, they do.

2863
04:37:34,000 --> 04:37:49,000
With the caveat that the election for council offices has to be first, after that you can either do the bond or the charter amendments for purposes of not misleading the voters.

2864
04:37:49,000 --> 04:37:57,000
We recommend putting the bond propositions together and then the charter amendment propositions together.

2865
04:37:57,000 --> 04:37:58,000
Okay.

2866
04:37:58,000 --> 04:38:04,000
I want to say this back, just to make sure we're right, or that I understand.

2867
04:38:04,000 --> 04:38:06,000
We have three election items.

2868
04:38:06,000 --> 04:38:14,000
We are required to put the election for council members first.

2869
04:38:14,000 --> 04:38:15,000
Correct.

2870
04:38:15,000 --> 04:38:27,000
Then we have discretion, but the recommendation of council is, and by council I mean legal council, is that we go with the bond propositions first and then the charter propositions.

2871
04:38:27,000 --> 04:38:33,000
I think you could either do the bond propositions first or second, but we recommend.

2872
04:38:33,000 --> 04:38:36,000
First or second after the election for official.

2873
04:38:36,000 --> 04:38:37,000
Correct.

2874
04:38:37,000 --> 04:38:38,000
Yes, Mayor.

2875
04:38:38,000 --> 04:38:40,000
But you're making a recommendation.

2876
04:38:40,000 --> 04:38:41,000
Yes.

2877
04:38:41,000 --> 04:38:42,000
Okay.

2878
04:38:42,000 --> 04:38:43,000
Fair enough.

2879
04:38:43,000 --> 04:38:50,000
Now on the determination of letters, if we go with the bond proposition.

2880
04:38:50,000 --> 04:38:52,000
Well, let me ask you this way.

2881
04:38:52,000 --> 04:38:53,000
We made it.

2882
04:38:53,000 --> 04:38:58,000
We know and we're reminded frequently during days like today.

2883
04:38:58,000 --> 04:39:02,000
We made it all the way to cute.

2884
04:39:02,000 --> 04:39:07,000
And so as I learned that the next letter is or correct.

2885
04:39:07,000 --> 04:39:09,000
There may be dispute about that.

2886
04:39:09,000 --> 04:39:11,000
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

2887
04:39:11,000 --> 04:39:14,000
But we've probably got going to agree.

2888
04:39:14,000 --> 04:39:15,000
So that, that good.

2889
04:39:15,000 --> 04:39:21,000
So the next letter is or however it's my understanding that if you have a certain number.

2890
04:39:21,000 --> 04:39:23,000
You're allowed to start over.

2891
04:39:23,000 --> 04:39:24,000
Would you describe this?

2892
04:39:24,000 --> 04:39:25,000
Yes.

2893
04:39:25,000 --> 04:39:30,000
So the next letter in the alphabet alphabet available to us is R.

2894
04:39:30,000 --> 04:39:35,000
Between R and Z, there are nine letters.

2895
04:39:35,000 --> 04:39:38,000
We have ten ballot propositions.

2896
04:39:38,000 --> 04:39:48,000
So we could either do R through Z and then double A or we could just start at the beginning of the alphabet again.

2897
04:39:49,000 --> 04:39:55,000
So our rules do allow us if you're going to go pass Z, you can just start over again.

2898
04:39:55,000 --> 04:40:04,000
Well, the city code says that if there are more propositions than letters remaining in the alphabet, then you go back to A.

2899
04:40:04,000 --> 04:40:05,000
Got it.

2900
04:40:05,000 --> 04:40:07,000
Okay.

2901
04:40:07,000 --> 04:40:10,000
The ordinance has been provided in our backup.

2902
04:40:10,000 --> 04:40:14,000
It has blank spaces for all the letters.

2903
04:40:14,000 --> 04:40:16,000
Why do you do it that way?

2904
04:40:16,000 --> 04:40:17,000
Yes, Mayor.

2905
04:40:17,000 --> 04:40:31,000
Because we wanted to allow council to have the flexibility to decide which order the bond and charter amendments you wanted to go in.

2906
04:40:31,000 --> 04:40:32,000
Okay.

2907
04:40:32,000 --> 04:40:33,000
Members.

2908
04:40:33,000 --> 04:40:34,000
Council.

2909
04:40:34,000 --> 04:40:35,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2910
04:40:35,000 --> 04:40:37,000
And I appreciate the back of fourth of law.

2911
04:40:37,000 --> 04:40:42,000
And I just wanted to kind of subject my motion to the same scrutiny.

2912
04:40:42,000 --> 04:40:46,000
And so colleagues, I before the mayor posted his motion.

2913
04:40:46,000 --> 04:40:54,000
I posted a motion that kind of presented a way to organize the letters for the ballot measures.

2914
04:40:54,000 --> 04:40:59,000
And basically, I proposed that we would present the ballot measures to the voters in three chunks.

2915
04:40:59,000 --> 04:41:03,000
First, we will list the spending items, the two proposed bonds.

2916
04:41:03,000 --> 04:41:08,000
Second, we would present the city initiated charter amendments as a chunk.

2917
04:41:08,000 --> 04:41:12,000
Then third, we would present the petition initiated charter amendment.

2918
04:41:12,000 --> 04:41:16,000
And so my understanding was this would also be consistent with state law.

2919
04:41:16,000 --> 04:41:19,000
That it's with definite uncertainty and face neutrality.

2920
04:41:19,000 --> 04:41:28,000
And I also believe it would avoid voter confusion by not mixing in the petition initiated charter amendment with the city initiated charter amendment.

2921
04:41:28,000 --> 04:41:32,000
I want to ask Mr. Gallagher the same question.

2922
04:41:32,000 --> 04:41:37,000
Do you think that is a facially neutral way to present the ballot measures?

2923
04:41:37,000 --> 04:41:45,000
Council member, as you have laid it out, I believe that would be a defensible, facially neutral manner.

2924
04:41:45,000 --> 04:41:47,000
Thank you, Mayor.

2925
04:41:47,000 --> 04:41:55,000
So with that, what I'm going to ask us to do is go to the items.

2926
04:41:55,000 --> 04:41:59,000
Unless somebody else has a question.

2927
04:41:59,000 --> 04:42:01,000
Okay.

2928
04:42:01,000 --> 04:42:03,000
We'll go to the items.

2929
04:42:03,000 --> 04:42:16,000
And legal staff is recommending that we put the bond propositions before we put the charter provisions.

2930
04:42:16,000 --> 04:42:20,000
Unless there's disagreement on that, then we will go to item two.

2931
04:42:20,000 --> 04:42:26,000
If there's some disagreement, I want to hear about that because we might go ahead and take up item four first.

2932
04:42:26,000 --> 04:42:28,000
Fair enough, which question?

2933
04:42:28,000 --> 04:42:34,000
When we vote, an item four, are we voting for them?

2934
04:42:34,000 --> 04:42:38,000
No, we have a single ordinance to call the special election.

2935
04:42:38,000 --> 04:42:49,000
However, the motion that I will ask for is that we give guidance to legal staff on what the lettering will be.

2936
04:42:49,000 --> 04:42:58,000
So for example, if we go, if the council, the city council, is of the opinion we go with the bond propositions first.

2937
04:42:58,000 --> 04:43:00,000
I guess we have two questions.

2938
04:43:00,000 --> 04:43:06,000
Question one is, do we want to start with R or do we will start with A?

2939
04:43:06,000 --> 04:43:13,000
And then if we start with A, for example, the bond propositions would be A and B.

2940
04:43:13,000 --> 04:43:18,000
Then that would take us, when we get to item four, that would take us to that.

2941
04:43:18,000 --> 04:43:23,000
And we would need to give guidance about the order we go.

2942
04:43:23,000 --> 04:43:32,000
If we follow the legal recommendation that they've offered to us, it would be C through I guess J.

2943
04:43:32,000 --> 04:43:42,000
And so I would ask that we do that as part of the motion so that when they start drafting things, they'll be able to do it.

2944
04:43:42,000 --> 04:43:48,000
But it's just today is just a vote on approving the ordinance calling the election.

2945
04:43:48,000 --> 04:43:50,000
Thank you.

2946
04:43:50,000 --> 04:43:59,000
If I may, I think we would like to have council adopt the ordinance ordering the general election for council offices first.

2947
04:43:59,000 --> 04:44:06,000
So that then we can move on to the proposition ordinances, the two proposition ordinances.

2948
04:44:06,000 --> 04:44:09,000
Although we're legally required to do that anyway, regardless.

2949
04:44:09,000 --> 04:44:14,000
And y'all of the ones that wrote the agenda.

2950
04:44:14,000 --> 04:44:17,000
Just point that out.

2951
04:44:17,000 --> 04:44:18,000
Okay.

2952
04:44:18,000 --> 04:44:21,000
All right. Well, he's added to his own agenda.

2953
04:44:21,000 --> 04:44:24,000
So now we're on item number three.

2954
04:44:24,000 --> 04:44:31,000
Item number three is to approve an ordinance ordering a general election to be held in the city of Austin on November 3rd,

2955
04:44:31,000 --> 04:44:41,000
226 for the purpose of electing city council members for district one district three district five district eight and district nine.

2956
04:44:41,000 --> 04:44:57,000
And I'll note single member districts for those districts and then providing for the conduct of the general election authorizing the city clerk to enter into joint election agreements with other local political subdivisions is maybe necessary for the orderly conduct of the election and declaring an emergency.

2957
04:44:57,000 --> 04:44:59,000
That being the case.

2958
04:45:00,000 --> 04:45:29,040
Yes, something else you want to add? Okay. Is there a motion? Councilmember Segel moves approval? It is second by Councilmember Deution. Is there a discussion? Hearing none, without objection, item number three is adopted unanimously. Now that will take us back unless I hear the scent. And we'll have a discussion about it. We'll go back to item number two, because

2959
04:45:30,000 --> 04:45:34,960
this will be to put item number two on the agenda, which is the bond, the

2960
04:45:34,960 --> 04:45:42,400
bottom general obligation bond election. And the motion that I, well, I'll ask for a motion,

2961
04:45:42,400 --> 04:45:48,160
y'all can modify it if you want to. The motion would be to approve an ordinance ordering a general

2962
04:45:48,160 --> 04:45:54,320
obligation bond election to be held on November 3rd, 2026 in the city of Austin, Texas on a proposed

2963
04:45:54,320 --> 04:45:59,200
bond issue for Parks and Recreation and Library Improvements. The funding would be debt service on

2964
04:45:59,200 --> 04:46:04,560
the general obligation bond programs and be funded through an annual property tax levy. And

2965
04:46:04,560 --> 04:46:12,640
the items would be listed on the agenda as item A and item B, not on the agenda, on the ballot,

2966
04:46:12,640 --> 04:46:19,200
items A and item B. Councilmember Segel moves approval at a second by Councilmember Harper Madison.

2967
04:46:19,200 --> 04:46:26,240
Is there a discussion with regard to that motion? Mayor May I please? I would assume it's following

2968
04:46:26,240 --> 04:46:33,920
the order that's presented in the ordinance with A being the Parks and B being. That is my

2969
04:46:33,920 --> 04:46:41,840
assumption as well since that's the way we've listed it in the ordinance. But I'll ask for Council,

2970
04:46:41,840 --> 04:46:48,480
if anybody on the city council has dispute about that, item A would be Parks, item B would be library

2971
04:46:48,480 --> 04:46:55,120
improvements. They're being no further discussion without objection. Item number two is adopted

2972
04:46:55,680 --> 04:47:02,800
unanimously. That will now take us to item number four. For clarity purposes, I'll read what the

2973
04:47:04,800 --> 04:47:10,560
motion will be and provide a recommendation and then when we get the motion, we'll know where we have that

2974
04:47:10,560 --> 04:47:16,240
motion. The motion would be to approve an ordinance ordering a special election to be held in the city of Austin

2975
04:47:16,240 --> 04:47:22,800
on November 3rd, 2026 to submit to the voters proposed charter amendments, including a citizen initiated

2976
04:47:22,800 --> 04:47:30,000
charter amendment, certified sufficient on June 22nd, 2026 providing for the conduct of the special

2977
04:47:30,000 --> 04:47:37,200
election, authorizing the city clerk to enter into joint election agreements with other local political

2978
04:47:37,200 --> 04:47:43,440
sub divisions as may be necessary for the orderly conduct of the election and declaring an emergency.

2979
04:47:43,440 --> 04:47:51,600
The funding is available in the fiscal year 2025, 2026 operating budget of the city clerk. The motion

2980
04:47:51,600 --> 04:47:59,040
would be to approve that ordinance with the assignment of the charter amendment proposition letters

2981
04:47:59,040 --> 04:48:07,520
in the following manner. Proposition C through Proposition J with based upon the recommendation

2982
04:48:07,520 --> 04:48:14,640
of legal staff. Is there a motion? Motion's made by Councilmember Harper Madison. Is there a second?

2983
04:48:15,280 --> 04:48:19,680
Second by the Mayor Pro Tem. Is there a discussion on the motion? Councilmember Seagull.

2984
04:48:20,320 --> 04:48:26,800
I guess, Mayor, I would prefer that we move forward to see what the motion I filed that

2985
04:48:26,800 --> 04:48:32,080
the city amendments be placed first and then the citizen initiated amendment be placed after that.

2986
04:48:32,080 --> 04:48:36,720
My only concern about the weather. I have a number of concerns about that, but one of the concerns I have

2987
04:48:36,720 --> 04:48:44,000
about that is that I think if a petition, whether I agree with the petition or not, and before we vote,

2988
04:48:44,000 --> 04:48:48,800
I'll say I don't agree with that petition and I have publicly said I don't agree with the petition.

2989
04:48:49,840 --> 04:48:56,240
But if the citizens bring us a petition, I'm not sure we should relegate the citizen's petition

2990
04:48:56,240 --> 04:49:00,400
to something after what the council has decided to put on the ballot.

2991
04:49:02,320 --> 04:49:07,040
With that being said, is there any further discussion? The motion has been made and seconded.

2992
04:49:07,040 --> 04:49:13,040
The motion would be to approve the ordinance providing the letters proposition C through Proposition

2993
04:49:13,040 --> 04:49:18,480
J and those would be in the order that has been recommended by our legal council.

2994
04:49:20,240 --> 04:49:24,800
They're being no further discussion without objection. The motion is adopted.

2995
04:49:24,800 --> 04:49:28,480
Councilmember Seagull, how do you want to be shown voting? It's councilmember Seagull's vote.

2996
04:49:28,480 --> 04:49:36,240
So it passes unanimously. Members, first of all, did we cover everything that you guys need cover?

2997
04:49:36,880 --> 04:49:43,520
Yes, Mayor. Thank you. Good. Thank you. Appreciate all the thought and time you've put into this and thank you very much.

2998
04:49:44,480 --> 04:49:51,840
Members, we moved quickly to these items and probably did not say enough of a thank you

2999
04:49:51,840 --> 04:50:00,480
to our professional financial staff. I saw them leave, but I want them to know that we really do appreciate

3000
04:50:00,480 --> 04:50:06,400
them particularly when it comes to items like we first discussed what we're dealing with that $4.7 million

3001
04:50:06,400 --> 04:50:12,640
and they put such creativity and innovation into helping us get to where we wanted to get in a variety of ways

3002
04:50:12,640 --> 04:50:17,280
that appear to be in conflict and they figured out a way to help us with that and I appreciate all the time

3003
04:50:17,280 --> 04:50:23,360
they gave me in those discussions so that we could get to that point. So I want to say thank you to them.

3004
04:50:23,920 --> 04:50:30,160
That being said, there's no further business to come before the Austin City Council at this meeting of the Austin City Council.

3005
04:50:32,480 --> 04:50:40,640
We will meet again on Wednesday, August 12, Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14

3006
04:50:40,640 --> 04:50:47,600
that we will conduct another public hearing. We will have Council discussion and we will vote on the budget at that time.

3007
04:50:47,600 --> 04:50:52,160
They're being no further business to come before the Austin City Council at this meeting of the Austin City Council.

3008
04:50:52,160 --> 04:50:59,760
Without objection, the Austin City Council is adjourned at 321 PM Thursday, August 6. Thank you very much, Council.

3009
04:50:59,760 --> 04:51:03,200
Thank you for all members of the public that attended.

3010
04:51:10,640 --> 04:51:26,960
Thank you very much.