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Dear Neighbors,
On May 9, the Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution I sponsored to create a comprehensive plan for transportation electrification as part of next year’s update to the Community Climate Plan. The resolution recognizes that to achieve our net-zero greenhouse emission goals by 2050, we must shift our mobility systems towards clean energy. That includes electrifying our bus systems, the city’s own fleet, load-carrying trucks, and personal vehicles.
Here in Austin, we own our own utility. This has enabled us to make progress on our net-zero goals through investments in renewable energy. With further electrification, we can take advantage of smart, demand-responsive technology (similar to what we do with NEST thermostats) and integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into our grid in ways that will allow us to more effectively manage energy loads and usage over time.
Planning for an electric future also means making EV technology more accessible and affordable for all Austinites. Within the next few years, owning an EV will be cheaper than owning a traditional vehicle. My resolution prepares for the shift by ensuring Austin has the infrastructure in place to take full advantage of the benefits of electrification, which will help us achieve our net-zero goals.
I firmly believe that doing good by the environment also can yield substantial economic and social benefits. Electrification of transportation is a good example of the value of sustainable planning. |
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| On May 9, I was pleased to join with the co-sponsors of my electrification resolution – Council Members Leslie Pool, Kathie Tovo, Ann Kitchen, and Paige Ellis – to put forward another resolution in support of the Green New Deal and accelerating our climate resilience preparedness. That effort was led by Council Member Pool and both resolutions received unanimous support from the dais.
To learn more, I invite you to view the press conference we held regarding the resolutions, along with these linked articles from Think Progress, the Austin Chronicle, and FOX 7.
Regards,
Alison Alter
Council Member, District 10
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Table of Contents - Austin Energy Electric Vehicle Tips
- District 10 Spotlight – Highland Park Archery Team & Canyon Vista Middle School National Junior Honor Society
- Loop 360 Project: Lakewood/Spicewood Springs Workshop – June 6
- Shakespeare in Ramsey Park – June 6-22
- Exposition Blvd. Water Improvement Project
- AISD School Changes Meetings – Multiple Dates
- CapMetro Exposition Circulator Survey – Closes June 17
- Water Conservation Strategies Workshop – June 19
- Creative Space Bond Funding Community Meeting – June 8
- 2019 Summer Swim Season Updates
- Lifeguards Needed
- District 10 Opening: Human Rights Commission
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| | | Austin Energy Electric Vehicle Tips
Austin Energy has several programs in place to help electric vehicle (EV) owners take advantage of the features of their vehicle:
- EV360℠ Time-of-Use Rate Pilot Program allows drivers to charge at home and on the go. EV drivers can take advantage of a fixed, time-of-use rate that includes unlimited charging at Plug-In Everywhere℠ stations and unlimited off-peak charging at home for as low as $30/month.
- EVs can be plugged into any 110-volt outlet just like your cellphone so there are already more places to charge in Austin to “fuel” your EV than gas stations. Austin Energy also offers EV owners a rebate of 50% of the purchase and installation cost of an approved Level 2 (240V) charging station if customers would like to add this to their homes for fast charging.
- EV drivers can also join Austin Energy’s Plug-In Everywhere℠ Program and can get unlimited charging for your vehicle at over 800 public charging ports all over Austin powered by 100% renewable Texas wind energy through Austin Energy's GreenChoice® program for only $4.17 a month.
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| | District 10 Spotlight – Highland Park Archery Team & Canyon Vista Middle School National Junior Honor Society
I am proud to congratulate two outstanding District 10 student groups on their recent accomplishments!
Highland Park Archery Team
Highland Park Elementary School's archery team, the Scottie Shooters, recently won the state championship for the second year in a row and set a state record as they did it. The team, which consists of 47 fifth-graders and five-fourth graders, then traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete at nationals for the third time in program history. Led by coach Jim Deline, the Scottie Shooters ultimately placed fourth out of 190 teams from across the country! Coach Deline deserves applause for his work creating this amazing learning opportunity for these students, and a special thank you goes to the parents and teachers who have done so much to support this team
Following their outstanding performance at nationals, it was my honor to present the Scottie Shooters with a proclamation naming May 17, 2019, as Highland Park Elementary Scotties Archery Day. While visiting Highland Park Elementary, I was fortunate to receive some great, albeit quick, instruction on how to shoot an arrow from 5th grader Amelia McRoberts. I am thrilled to report that I hit a bullseye with my one arrow! You can watch the proclamation and my intro to archery here. |
| | Canyon Vista Middle School National Junior Honor Society
On May 7, I was graciously invited to speak at Canyon Vista Middle School's National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony. To be accepted, students must have a 95% or higher average and show good leadership qualities as well as a desire to serve their community. These students have a bright future ahead, and I am proud to see such capable leaders developing. |
| | | | Loop 360 Project: Lakewood/Spicewood Springs Workshop – June 6
Loop 360 has severe and increasing traffic congestion, causing both mobility and safety concerns. The Loop 360 program will upgrade multiple intersections along the roadway. To address issues on Loop 360 at Lakewood Drive/Spicewood Springs Road, TxDOT will be hosting a public workshop on Thursday, June 6.
Thursday, June 6 4-6 p.m. Westover Hills Church of Christ 8332 Mesa Drive
Proposed improvements at Lakewood Drive/Spicewood Springs Road include:
- Removal of the traffic signals from the Loop 360 mainlanes at Lakewood Drive, Spicewood Springs Road (W) and Spicewood Springs Road (E)/Bluffstone Drive.
- Construction of overpasses (where the Loop 360 mainlanes go over the cross streets) with non-signalized U-turns in both directions at Lakewood Drive and Spicewood Springs Road (E)/Bluffstone Drive.
- Addition of shared-use paths and sidewalks within the project limits to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
At the workshop, the project team will gather feedback on the proposed improvements. There is no formal presentation; please come and go at your convenience.
A virtual workshop will be also available on the website at Loop360Project.com from June 6 until June 21 where you can view meeting materials and comment online.
Official written comments will also be received and accepted by the project team via email at cwotip-c@txdot.gov or by mail at:
Crystal Wotipka TxDOT Austin District Office Attn: Loop 360 Project 7901 N. I-35 Austin, TX 78753
Comments must be received by Friday, June 21, 2019, to be included in the official record of this public workshop. For more information, please visit the project website. |
| | | Shakespeare in Ramsey Park – June 6-22
I am proud to sponsor the tradition of free Shakespeare in Ramsey Park once again this spring. Bring a blanket or chairs, pack a picnic, and invite some friends to join you for Something for Nothing Theater's 2019 spring show. Shows will run Thursday-Saturday from June 6-22, and all shows will begin at 8 p.m. A full list of shows can be found here.
About the Show: Through the magic of extreme casting, Something for Nothing Theater will perform Shakespeare’s Cymbeline with just five actors playing all 32 characters. Join the cast for a highly entertaining take on this lively romp through the classic Shakespearean themes of forbidden romance, dangerous deception, and dramatic revelations of hidden identity, among others.
Who will the young lover Posthumus choose to trust when his wife’s faith is tested? How will our heroine, Imogen, survive in the harsh wilderness after fleeing mortal danger at court? Will King Cymbeline and the British army triumph over the invading legions of Rome? Find out in Ramsey Park starting June 6!
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| | | Exposition Blvd. Water Improvement Project
Austin Water began work on the Exposition Blvd. Water Improvement Project on Saturday, May 25, 2019. The project is part of the Renewing Austin Program, an ongoing program to replace and upgrade aging infrastructure, and will replace aging water and wastewater lines on Exposition Blvd. between Enfield Road and West 35th Street. Construction is expected to take about one year to complete.
Water line breaks are well documented in the Exposition area, and the project is necessary to increase reliability of service and avoid further expenditures to maintain water lines that have broken frequently. A portion of a wastewater line will also be improved in the area. The project will replace approximately 900 linear feet of existing wastewater line and approximately 8,000 linear feet of existing water line, including making service connections and replacing old fire hydrants.
Work will start with construction of the water main on Exposition Blvd. between Westover and West 35th Street. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction throughout the construction. However, motorists can expect to experience delays in this area and should use caution.
For more information and to sign up to receive project updates, visit austintexas.gov/expositionblvd. A project video is also available at this link.
Project Contacts: Eric Oldham, Project Inspector 512-520-6846
Larry Mendez, Project Manager 512-974-7124
Emlea Chanslor, Outreach 512-972-0145 |
| | | AISD School Changes Meetings – Multiple Dates
The Austin Independent School District is hosting several community meetings designed to hear community feedback on the "Reinvest Phase" of the School Changes Process. Attendees are invited to share their thoughts regarding what they perceive to be going well in their school communities and where they see opportunities for growth. AISD is seeking input so they can better align resources to support their academic vision.
Most meetings will be region-specific but not geographically exclusive, and all are welcome. Two district-wide events will be held this week, with one at O. Henry Middle School tomorrow evening (June 6) and the other at Eastside Memorial High on Saturday, June 8. Details about all upcoming events can be found below and on AISD's Facebook events page.
All Regions Thursday, June 6 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. O. Henry Middle School 2610 W. 10th St.
Saturday, June 8 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. Eastside Memorial Early College High School 1012 Arthur Stiles Road
Region: North Tuesday, June 5 5:30–7:30 p.m. Burnet Middle School 8401 Hathaway Drive
Region: North Central Tuesday, June 11 5:30–7:30 p.m. Bertha Sadler Means YWLA 6401 N. Hampton Drive
Region: Central Wednesday, June 12
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Pease Elementary School
1106 Rio Grande St.
Region: South
Thursday, June 6
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Akins High School
10701 S. First St.
Child care and Spanish interpretation services will be provided at all meetings.
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| | | CapMetro Exposition Circulator Survey – Closes June 17
Capital Metro is bringing an on-demand ride service to the Exposition area. The service, called Pickup, will take users from their front doors to any location within its service zone. You’ll be able request a ride directly from your phone, either through the app or by calling our Pickup Service Center. With the Pickup app, you’ll be able to arrange on-demand transit service from your home to a doctor's appointment, a shopping trip or anywhere within its service zone.
CapMetro is asking for residents' help to design the service in order to best meet the needs of each neighborhood. Please participate in the survey to provide your feedback. |
| | | Water Conservation Strategies Workshop – June 19
Austin’s Water Forward plan includes a robust set of strategies to conserve water and make our buildings and landscapes more water efficient. Drenner Group, Lionheart Places, and Texas Water Trade are cohosting an event where folks can hear from leading on-site water use experts about how certain strategies can create value for urban design and development. Attendees will learn about on-site (building-scale) alternative water use (for rainwater, stormwater, blackwater, graywater and AC condensate) as well as community stormwater harvesting as a strategy to meet non-potable demands at the neighborhood scale.
Wednesday, June 19 5-7 p.m. The Center for Social Innovation
1023 Springdale Road, Suite 11-A
Please register on Eventbrite. Beverages and light hors d'oeuvres will be available. |
| | | | Creative Space Bond Funding Community Meeting – June 8
In 2018, the City of Austin voters approved a bond proposition that would provide funding for acquisitions and improvements of creative spaces. To help the City determine creative space priorities and inform the process that should be considered for any specific project, the Arts and Music Commissions are hosting a joint meeting to receive community input.
Saturday, June 8
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd
Citizens wishing to speak will be asked to direct their comments towards this specific question: “Given the purpose of the bond funds and the parameters relating to the use of these bond funds, what would ‘success’ for the community look like?”
The City of Austin is Committed to Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable Modifications and Equal Access to Communications will be provided upon request.
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| | | 2019 Summer Swim Season Updates
The Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) is gearing up for summer with the opening of several aquatic facilities. The Aquatic Division operates 45 aquatic facilities including 33 pools, 11 splash pads, and Barton Springs Pool. Schedules and locations can be found at austintexas.gov/pools.
Various aquatic facilities remain under construction which may impact opening dates. These locations include:
- Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad: The Splash Pad was scheduled to open on May 18, but due to an improvement project at Ricky Guerrero Park, the opening has been delayed. Heavy rains stalled concrete work for sidewalks near the splash pad and shelter, and PARD is working diligently with the project contractor to have the splash pad open soon; the current expected opening date is June 15.
- Reed Pool: Aquatic staff noticed that Reed Pool was leaking a significant amount of water when they were preparing it for the 2019 summer season. A leak test confirmed that the pool is currently leaking approximately 27,000 gallons of water per day. Reed Pool was scheduled to open on June 3; however, the opening will be delayed in order to make the necessary repairs. PARD is working with a contractor, and anticipates the pool opening by June 20, 2019.
- Govalle and Shipe Pools: Both pools are currently under construction and will be completely replaced. These pool projects have incurred delays due to the recent heavy rains, adverse site conditions, and delays in the delivery of construction materials. The opening of the pools is currently expected in mid-July 2019. The Aquatic team is working on a schedule that will extend the swim season for Govalle and Shipe pools through September of 2019.
PARD will continue to post pool closures to the Park Closure website when they are scheduled to be closed for 24 hours or more, at austintexas.gov/parkclosures.
All other pools and splash pads are either currently open or will be opened according to schedule. |
| | | Lifeguards Needed
PARD currently has 432 lifeguards who have been properly trained and are ready to work, but still needs an additional 300 lifeguards for the 2019 summer season. Lifeguarding is a professionally rewarding experience, and the Aquatic Division is extremely passionate about the safety of visitors and staff at all City pools.
How to become an Austin Lifeguard
Apply Now! The Aquatic Division's hiring process is simple. All applicants need to complete an online application through the City of Austin Jobs website. Applicants must be 15 years of age or older. Follow the Aquatics Division on Facebook for the latest hiring day events.Get Hired! The Aquatic Division conducts interviews and hires staff year-round. After submitting an online application, please report to the Austin Aquatic Office (2818 San Gabriel St. Austin, TX 78705) within 7 days for an interview. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Get Trained! The Aquatic Division takes lifeguard training and certification seriously. Classes are offered for first-time lifeguards, returning lifeguards that need re-certification, and lifeguards that are interested in becoming an instructor.
Get Working! The Aquatic Division will sign you up for a City Skills class upon successful completion of the above steps. You're almost ready to start saving lives, so find out what pool is closest to you!
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| | District 10 Opening: Human Rights Commission
District 10 Human Rights Commissioner Joe Miguez has taken an exciting new position and is resigning from the City's Human Rights Commission. I'd like to thank Joe for all his hard work towards making Austin a better city for everyone. Following Joe's departure, my office is seeking a new District 10 representative to serve on the commission.
If you are interested in volunteering for this commission, please send your resume and a short memo with the following information to my office at district10@austintexas.gov:
- What is your assessment of the top three policy questions your commission will be dealing with over the next four years?
- A statement of the expertise and experience that you bring to these issues.
- A statement of what issues you anticipate emphasizing in your work supporting your commission.
Feel free to also share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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