July 2, 2019
District 9 Newsletter
Hi Neighbors!

All of us in the District 9 office hope you are enjoying your summer. In this newsletter, you'll find updates on key citywide and district issues and events. If you need assistance from our office or want to find volunteer opportunities in the community, visit our District 9 web page here.

Best,
Kathie Tovo, Council Member District 9, and the District 9 staff
The Palm District Master Plan
On May 23, City Council unanimously passed my resolution to create a Palm District Master Plan.
The Plan calls for preserving Palm School (owned by Travis County) and the surrounding site and expanding the City’s Convention Center in a manner that reshapes its relationship to Waller Creek and creates a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape.
The Palm District Plan also aims to improve mobility in and around Rainey Street, to improve connections east and west of I35, and to fund several projects that recognize the area's Mexican American history.
The Palm District Plan will create a more comprehensive and coherent vision for this area of Downtown. In the photo above, you'll see colleague Council Member Renteria and many of the community leaders who helped craft the resolution. You can view the final draft of this resolution here .
The Travis County Commissioners Court is currently deliberating on whether to sell Palm School. The Palm District resolution encourages Travis County to partner with the City in preserving Palm School and the site as a place for cultural programs rather than to sell it into private hands. Please let us know if you would like to stay informed about ways to participate in that conversation.

(Photo courtesy of District 6 Communications)
Salvation Army Rathgeber Center To Open Soon
On June 6, I attended the ribbon-cutting of the Salvation Army Rathgeber Center. This beautiful new facility will provide Austin families experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and assistance in obtaining permanent housing. It will also enable the Salvation Army to move families with children out of its Downtown location and will thus make available more beds for individuals in an area of town where those shelter beds are in high demand.
The Rathgeber Center has not yet raised the money it needs to operate this emergency shelter at full capacity. Last spring, I sponsored a resolution directing the City Manager to identify some city funding to help with operations at the Rathgeber Center and to provide the resources needed for the Downtown location to become a housing-focused shelter. As most of you know, we have too few shelter beds to serve those experiencing homelessness in this community -- and no one should be forced to sleep in cars or in unsafe or unsheltered spaces. My hope is that, with help from the community and the city, the Rathgeber Center can soon operate at full capacity.
Changes to Homeless Ordinances

As many of you know, at its June 20 meeting, the City Council made changes to panhandling, camping, and sit/lie ordinances to decriminalize actions associated with individuals experiencing homelessness. I supported the changes to remove the sit/lie ordinance and modify the solicitation ordinance to prohibit all but “aggressive confrontation.” After supporting an unsuccessful vote to delay final passage of the camping ordinance changes, I voted against lifting the camping ordinance citywide and urged instead that we identify areas in every Council district where camping is permitted. The majority of the City Council did­­­ vote to lift the camping ban; at the same meeting, the Council voted unanimously on a separate resolution directing the City Manager to explore multiple initiatives and efforts related to homelessness, including returning in August with possible recommendations for areas where camping might be limited or allowed. For now, camping is generally allowed anywhere that is not private property or parkland (or where it is otherwise prohibited through administrative rules, such as at City Hall) and where the camping does not impede access or endanger safety.
 
Our office has received hundreds of emails related to the ordinances described above. We are aiming to send out an FAQ later in the month after we have received detailed information from staff that will, I hope, respond to the most common questions. In the meantime, please contact my office if you have questions. 
Scooter Safety
On June 22nd, our District 9 office held a "Scooter Summit" in partnership with the Austin Transportation Department, the Austin Police Department, and other city departments, community nonprofits, and scooter companies. This event provided a fun way to educate the community about e-scooter rules and safety.

For those who were unable to attend, here is a helpful e-Scooter Safety FAQ:

Q: Are e-scooters allowed on sidewalks?
Both e-scooters and bicycles are allowed on sidewalks as long as they are handled in a “reasonable and prudent manner.” Yield to pedestrians, and do not leave a device in such a way that impedes accessibility or threatens public safety. Do not obstruct paths or entryways and be especially mindful of access for people with disabilities.

Q: Are helmets required for e-scooter riders?
Helmets are not required by law for adult riders. Per city ordinance, riders under 18 must wear a helmet or face a citation and possible fine of $20-$40.

Q: Are minors allowed to ride e-scooters?
E-scooter company rules determine the minimum age for riders. Some companies allow riders age 16 and older, and some require a minimum age of 18.
           
Q: What happens if an offense on a e-scooter takes place?
Riders will be warned and informed of the City’s laws; offenders can be cited and possibly fined $20 for the first offense and $40 for the second offense.

Q: How do we enforce the 15 mph speed limit for e-scooters?
Most e-scooters are designed to not exceed 20 mph. Transportation staff use speed measuring devices to spot test the various e-scooters.

Q: What is the consequence for riding e-scooters while under the influence?
 Riding a e-scooter while under the influence could result in a public intoxication fine.

Q: What should citizens do if they see a discarded or broken e-scooter?
Citizens should call 311 if they see a e-scooter that is broken or has been discarded. E-scooter companies are responsible for collecting these.

Q: What should citizens do if they see an e-scooter being vandalized?
 Vandalism of e-scooters being committed in the moment warrants a call to 911.

Q: Is double riding on e-scooters allowed?
No, double riding is not allowed unless the e-scooter has been designed for more than one rider.

Q: Are e-scooter riders required to yield to pedestrians?
Yes, e-scooter riders must yield to pedestrians just as bicyclists and motorists should.

Q: What is process for enforcing e-scooter traffic rules?
APD patrol officers may stop a rider, give a warning, or write a ticket.

Q: Are e-scooters allowed on trails?
The Parks and Recreation Department has a pilot program for e-bikes and e-scooters on some Austin trails, and APD has a Parks Unit that monitors e-scooter use in park areas. The speed limit on all trails is 10 mph. If the e-bike or e-scooter has a maximum speed that exceeds 20 mph, it is not allowed on the trail. Electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters are allowed on the following trails for the duration of the pilot porogram:
·         Johnson Creek
·         Shoal Creek (south of 15th Street)
·         Northern Walnut Creek
·         Southern Walnut Creek Trail

During the pilot program, the following trails allow electric bikes only -- not scooters .
·         The Boardwalk*
·         Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake*
City Manager Spencer Cronk and I took a short scooter ride -- WITH HELMETS!
Our staff appreciates the Austin Police Department for taking time to educate and engage with participants at this event.
Around Town










During the month of June, crews completed a new shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path as well as new sidewalks on Guadalupe Street betwe en 18th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard . Additionally, crews made space for a new northbound contraflow lane for buses.
Construction began in May on transit improvements to Guadalupe Street and Lavaca Street, marking the first project to begin construction as part of the  Corridor Construction Program . if you like, v iew a fact sheet and illustration  of the planned improvements. 

 This project is funded by the  2016 Mobility Bond  and is part of the Corridor Construction Program . The improvements are being expedited and constructed this year as a partnership among Austin Transportation, the City of Austin Corridor Program Office, and Capital Metro. Learn More
Cap Metro and the Austin Parks Foundation are working together to help families enjoy Austin's backyard, save some money, and avoid the hassles of searching and then paying for parking. This summer, you can get $2 off admission to Barton Springs or Zilker Botanical Garden when you take Cap Metro's Route 30 to Zilker Park. Combine it with the Kids Ride Free program, and the whole family can have a great time! Learn more here .
Community Events

HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks, 8:30 p.m. at Auditorium Shores

Blues on the Green July 17 and August 7,
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Zilker Park

Keep Austin Playing July 13, 10:00 a.m. at Palmer Events Center. Fun and FREE recreational activities, rock climbing, ninja warrior course, human foosball and more!

Austin Energy Summer Savings Community Outreach Learn how to lower your utility bills on these dates:
  • Thursday, July 11 — 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave Street
  • Wednesday, July 17 — 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive
  • Thursday, July 25 — 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 5226 W William Cannon Drive