Dear Neighbors,
The last year has challenged our community in new and unanticipated ways, from the global pandemic that continues to claim lives and overwhelm our hospital system to the unprecedented winter freeze that threatened our statewide power grid. To the east, our neighbors are facing the impacts of severe tropical storms and hurricanes, and to the west, wildfires have burned millions of acres of land and thousands of structures. As part of our efforts to mitigate and protect against the impacts of all kinds of emergencies, local, state, and federal leaders are working with community members to improve emergency preparedness and resilience. Knowing you need to prepare is the first step towards mobilization.
Throughout September, which is National Preparedness Month, I invite you to engage with the City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and learn how to take action on the key steps to emergency preparedness. Each week this month, HSEM will be sharing tips and resources for each of the four steps: Sept. 5-11 - Make a Plan: Have a plan to communicate and meet during an emergency. Make sure all members of your family are aware of the plan and practice it. Consider what emergencies could happen where you live, what to do if you are separated, and how you will let loved ones know you are safe. Sept. 12-18 - Build a Kit: Pack essential items in an easy-to-carry container including a gallon of water per person per day for everyone in your family for up to three days; non-perishable food; flashlight; personal hygiene items; copies of important documents; extra cash and any medical supplies. Sept. 19-25 - Know your Neighbors: Emergency preparedness requires participation from the whole community. Knowing your neighbors is a simple step that can help when an emergency strikes the community. When the whole community comes together to respond to and help recover from these emergencies - neighbor helping neighbor - we can often meet the needs of everyone. Sept 26 – Oct. 2 - Stay Informed: Register with Warn Central Texas, the regional emergency notification system, and learn what disasters are common to your area. Make sure you monitor local news outlets during an emergency.
You can find more information and ways to prepare for emergencies or disasters at AustinTexas.gov/HSEM or at Ready.gov.
Emergency preparedness can involve the whole family! HSEM is inviting Austin students in 1st through 5th grades to learn about preparedness and submit artwork for the annual Emergency Preparedness Calendar. Learn more about the 2022 Emergency Preparedness Calendar Contest and how to participate here.
Additionally, I recently co-hosted a Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall with Travis County Commissioners Brigid Shea and Ann Howard, and Council Member Kelly. The town hall included a panel of experts who provided information to help folks understand wildfire risks, best practices for wildfire preparedness, available resources, how neighborhoods can become Firewise Communities, and what actions people can take to better protect their homes, including how to get a free Home Ignition Zone Assessment. Fire experts consistently warn that it is not a matter of “if” but “when” Austin will face its next major wildfire event, and I invite you to take advantage of the information we covered in the town hall by watching the full recording of the event here or via this Microsoft Teams link, which includes the links and questions submitted in the chat. You also can find more wildfire preparedness resources at wildfirecoalition.org and wildfire-austin.hub.arcgis.com.
Emergency preparedness must be a community-wide effort. I hope you will share these resources with your friends and neighbors.
In this newsletter, you will find ways to help Afghan refugees resettling in Texas, opportunities to serve on various city boards and task forces, an invitation to provide feedback on the I-35 expansion proposal, and more.
Regards,
Alison Alter Council Member, District 10 | | How to Help: Refugee Services of Texas Redistricting: Austin City Council Districts I-35 Public Comment Period Extended to Friday September 24th Loop 360 Fire/EMS Station Public Meeting Recording Help Update the City’s Sidewalk/Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trails Plans Finalized Fiscal Year 2022 Tax Payer Impact Statement District 10 Opening: Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals District 10 Opening: Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force District 10 Highlight: Lourdes Zuniga named in the Austin Business Journal’s Profiles in Power District 10 Highlight: Ambica Yellamraju, Chess Champion Waterloo Park is Open! In-Person Public Meetings Are Back Following Expiry of Governor’s COVID-19 Exemptions Apply to Be a City of Austin Employee Retirement System Trustee Apply to Serve on the Austin Police Retirement System Board of Trustees Permitless Carry Signage for Businesses from Moms Demand Action Lights Out Texas! Dark Skies for the Birds Utility Relocation Continues for Loop 360 at Westlake Drive Project
| | | | | | Redistricting: Austin City Council Districts Austin's redistricting process is well underway, and your feedback is needed to shape Austin's future! At the Sept. 8 meeting of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission's (ICRC), the mapping specialist presented the first draft Austin district map to the public. The ICRC will be meeting again on Sept. 15 to vote on adoption of a preliminary map. Please review the current draft map here. The ICRC is seeking public feedback on the draft map and has scheduled several forums and avenues for residents to weigh in on the maps.
Public Forums The public is invited to attend and give verbal or written feedback at the following meetings (Note: one meeting is virtual):
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Gus Garcia Recreation Center Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021: 1-3 p.m. George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021: 6-8 p.m. Via Videoconference on Zoom Register in advance for this webinar: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Travis County Community Center at Oak Hill
Submit Written Feedback To submit feedback directly to the commission about redistricting please email icrc.commissioners@austintexas.gov or write to: Housing and Planning Department, Attn: ICRC, P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767.
Due to rapid changes in scheduling due to COVID restrictions, for the most up-to-date events information from the ICRC please refer to the Austin Redistricting Facebook Page or this SpeakUp Austin! website. | | | I-35 Public Comment Period Extended to Friday September 24th
The I-35 Capital Express Central project virtual public meeting is hosted from Tuesday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. (TxDOT extended the comment period from Sept. 8, 2021).
The purpose of the virtual public meeting is to provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on results of the alternatives evaluation, findings from an independent study of the community alternatives, and proposed build alternative layouts. You may view the public comment website here.
At the most recent Council work session, my colleagues and I received briefings from city staff and TxDOT on the current proposal. Staff outlined the city’s goals for the I-35 project and a desire for the proposed project to better align with those goals. I encourage you to view the recording of the session to learn more. | | | Loop 360 Fire/EMS Station Public Meeting Recording
On Monday, August 30, Public Works provided community members an update on efforts to build a new Fire/EMS station for the Loop 360/Davenport area. City of Austin representatives from various departments, such as Public Works, AFD, and EMS provided an overview of what is planned and answered questions from neighbors. You may view the recording of the meeting here. | | | Help Update the City’s Sidewalk/Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trails Plans Help shape the future of Austin’s streets, sidewalks, and urban trails! Take the ATX Walk Bike Roll survey now through Sept. 26 to provide feedback on Austin's Urban Trails Plan, Sidewalk/Pedestrian Plan, and Bicycle Plan. All three plan updates will center equity in their planning efforts. Get involved at AustinTexas.gov/ATXWBR. | | | Finalized Fiscal Year 2022 Taxpayer Impact Statement The city’s Budget Office has finalized the FY22 taxpayer impact statement in alignment with the actions taken by Council during budget adoption. You may view the taxpayer impact statement here for an overview of how different fees and rates impact the typical ratepayer or see the photo below. | | | | District 10 Opening: Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals The District 10 office is seeking a new representative to serve on the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. Duties for this commission can be found here.
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.
Please join me in thanking departing commissioner Pieter Sybesma for serving so well in this role since 2017. Feel free to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors. | | District 10 Opening: Integrated Water Resource Planning
The District 10 office is seeking a new representative to serve on the Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force, which helps to oversee implementation of Austin Water's 100-year integrated water resource plan, known as the Water Forward Plan. Water Forward is an adaptive plan to be updated on a 5-year cycle and evaluates and plans for water supply and demand management strategies for the City of Austin in a regional water supply context. Through public outreach and coordination of efforts between City departments and the Water Forward Task Force, Water Forward is a holistic and inclusive approach to water resource planning.
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: A statement describing why you are interested in serving on this specific body. 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.
Please join me in thanking departing District 10 appointee Diane Kennedy for serving so well in this role. Feel free to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors. | | | District 10 Highlight: Lourdes Zuniga named in the Austin Business Journal’s Profiles in Power
I am proud to share that District 10 Hispanic Quality of Life Commissioner Lourdes Zuniga has been named to the Austin Business Journal’s 2021 Profiles in Power list. ABJ's annual Profiles in Power program honors the women shaping the future of Central Texas. They range from corporate executives to entrepreneurs, health care providers to small business owners. Read more about Lourdes and other women who are making an impact in our community here. | | District 10 Highlight: Ambica Yellamraju, Chess Champion Ambica Yellamraju, District 10 resident and junior at Westwood High School, recently became only the second person from Texas to win the title of US Chess WIM Ruth Haring National Girls Champion of Champions. This is a national tournament in which each state sends one representative to compete. As the co-champion of the 2021 Haring tournament (tied for first place, and 2nd on tie-breaks), Ambica won a scholarship of $5,000 to the university of her choice and a $650 cash prize. Ambica is one of the top chess players in the country in her age category, and has won several other major competitions. Hear more about Ambica and her accomplishments by watching her FOX 7 interview with Casey Claiborne clicking here or on the photo below. Congratulations, Ambica! | | | | Waterloo Park is Now Open!
Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater in downtown Austin is now open to the public! My staff and I recently joined Waterloo Greenway for a tour of the beautiful greenspace and gathering space before the Moody Amphitheater's inaugural concert with Gary Clark, Jr. I am proud to have helped shepherd and support this development, and I’m excited to see the expansion of our city park system. | | | In-Person Public Meetings Are Back Following Expiry of Governor’s COVID-19 Exemptions Members of the community seeking to comment at Austin City Council and Board and Commission meetings will be required to attend in-person effective September 1 following a decision by the Governor to restore State rules on open meetings.
In March 2020, following the arrival of COVID-19 in Texas, Governor Abbott suspended provisions of the Open Meetings Act that required government officials, members of their staff, and members of the public to be physically present.
Shortly following the Governor’s decision, the City of Austin shifted to virtual City Council and Board and Commission meetings so that City Council members, their staff, and the public could access meetings and participate from their homes. In June 2020 alone, the City was able to facilitate 2,762 speakers virtually. Unlike other municipalities, the City of Austin was able to maintain the regular Council meeting schedule, including the addition of a few special called meetings, without the need to cancel or postpone any meetings.
On June 30, 2021, Governor Abbott’s office approved a request by the Office of the Attorney General to lift the Open Meetings Act suspensions effective September 1, 2021.
From that date, all Council and Board and Commission meetings will return to pre-pandemic requirements (Texas Open Meetings Act Section 551.127 and City Code § 2-1-6 (E)).
This means: The presiding officer of the City Council (generally the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem) and chairs of Boards and Commissions must be physically present at each meeting. Quorum of Boards and Commissions must be physically present at each meeting.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler has stated that Council Members will still have the option of joining remotely as long as the Chair of the meeting is in-person and all aspects of the Texas Open Meetings Act are adhered to. Speakers may use the kiosks in the lobby of Austin City Hall to sign up to speak.
Members of the public attending meetings in-person will be required to wear face coverings, after Mayor Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued orders requiring individuals to wear masks in all City and County facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, occupancy limits have been reduced to allow for social distancing and seats have been blocked off in Council Chambers.
The community may also continue viewing Council and some board and commission meetings remotely on ATXN or at www.ATXN.TV. | | | Apply to Be a City of Austin Employee Retirement System Trustee The City of Austin is seeking residents interested in serving as a trustee on the City of Austin Employee Retirement System (COAERS). This position, appointed by the Austin City Council, is a volunteer position with a four-year term which will expire on 12/31/2025. Pension system trustees are fiduciaries of the pension plan and fulfill the following responsibilities: oversight of investment decisions and asset allocation of the fund; with the assistance of professional staff including the executive director, investment officer and plan actuary, establish the actuarial assumptions and determine contribution requirements; hiring and evaluation of the executive director; approval of system consultants; approval of the budget; oversight of benefit payments; approval of disability retirement applications.
To qualify, applicants must have been city residents for the preceding five years and must not be City of Austin employees, former employees, or officers of an employer.
If interested, please submit a 500 word or less statement of interest and a current resume to: city.clerk@austintexas.gov. In the subject line please note: “City of Austin Employee Retirement System - Statement of Interest” no later than October 11, 2021. The City of Austin Employees Retirement System (COAERS) Board of Trustees provides guidance to the retirement system. | | | Apply to Serve on the Austin Police Retirement System Board of Trustees
The City of Austin is seeking residents interested in serving as a trustee on the Austin Police Retirement System (APRS). This position, appointed by the Austin City Council, is a volunteer position with a four-year term. Pension system trustees are fiduciaries of the pension plan and fulfill the following responsibilities: oversight of investment decisions and asset allocation of the fund; with the assistance of professional staff including the executive director, investment officer and plan actuary, establish the actuarial assumptions and determine contribution requirements; hiring and evaluation of the executive director; approval of system consultants; approval of the budget; oversight of benefit payments; approval of disability retirement applications.
To qualify, applicants must be registered to vote in City of Austin elections who is a resident and has been a resident for the preceding five years, must not be an employee of the City of Austin or a member of the system, and have demonstrated experience in the field of finance or investments.
If interested, please submit a 500 word or less statement of interest and a current resume to: city.clerk@austintexas.gov. In the subject line please note: “Austin Police Retirement System - Statement of Interest” no later than October 11, 2021. The Austin Police Retirement System (APRS) Board of Trustees provides guidance to the retirement system. | | | Permitless Carry Signage for Businesses from Moms Demand Action
In June, Governor Abbott signed into law House Bill 1927. The new law, which goes into effect on September 1st, will allow residents to carry a handgun legally without a license, unless they are prohibited by state or federal law from possessing any firearm. With the elimination of the license to carry requirement, eligible Texans are no longer required to submit fingerprints, complete a training course, or pass written and shooting proficiency tests in order to carry a firearm.
Included below is information to help businesses and their customers stay informed on how the new legislation may affect them. While gun owners are no longer required to obtain a permit to carry a handgun in public, owners of private businesses or private property can still prohibit guns from being carried on their private property if they choose.
The new law will require property owners to post a 30.05 sign in a clearly visible spot at all entrances in order to prohibit people from carrying firearms without a permit on posted property.
For businesses that wish to prohibit a person with a License to Carry from carrying firearms, you will still be required to post the 30.06 (prohibiting concealed carry) and 30.07 (prohibiting open carry) signs in the same manner described above. Please note Texas law requires the lettering on all 30.05, 30.06 and 30.07 signs to be at least one inch tall.
Thank you to the Texas Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for providing the signage links and to the Austin area Moms Demand Action Groups for helping to keep us informed on all things gun safety related. If you would like more information regarding signage requirements, please contact us district10@austintexas.gov. | | | Lights Out Texas! Dark Skies for the Birds Let’s flip the switch for birds! Nearly two billion birds migrate across Central Texas skies each spring and fall, and many of them fly at night. Fall migration is already underway and we want to make birds’ journey as safe as possible. Artificial lighting can cause birds to collide with buildings, and these avoidable collisions kill up to one billion migratory birds annually in the United States.
The good news is that everyone can help. Let’s turn off all nonessential indoor and outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. through November 30, but especially during peak migration from September 5 - October 29. Please shut off porch and garage lights, close your curtains and shades, and ask your office building management to shut off their lights at night, too. You’ll be protecting birds while also saving money on energy.
Learn more at https://travisaudubon.org/lights-out-texas. | | | Utility Relocation Continues for Loop 360 at Westlake Drive Project
Overhead and underground utilities continue to be relocated to prepare for future construction of the Loop 360 at Westlake Drive/Cedar Street project.
Utility relocation includes tree trimming/removal and moving overhead/underground utility lines. You may see Google crews within the next few weeks alongside the corridor as they are the latest company to begin this process. This project has completed the necessary environmental study and received environmental clearance, which allows the project to move forward into the utility relocation phase. Utility adjustments began in May 2020. Roadway construction for this project is expected to begin in early 2022.
Occasional lane closures may be required for utility relocation. Service interruptions are not anticipated. However, if you experience any service interruptions, please contact Google at 855-867-5861.
The Loop 360 at Westlake Drive/Cedar Street project will improve safety and mobility by replacing the traffic signals on the Loop 360 mainlanes at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street with an underpass (where the mainlanes go under the cross street). Non-signalized U-turns will be added in either direction at Westlake Drive, and shared-use paths and sidewalks will also be added in the project limits to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. |
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