February 2003

The public can now turn to the Austin City Connection to find out how the City supports the Austin music industry.

Visit the Music Page online at www.cityofaustin.org/music/. The site provides information for musicians and fans in the "Live Music Capital of the World."

At Your Doorstep Departments

Neighbor to Neighbor

City closes Barton Springs pool temporarily

City Manager Toby Hammett Futrell announced on Sunday, Jan. 19, that the pool would remain closed while personnel with the Texas Department of Health (TDH), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed data, did independent sampling and conducted site assessments.

All four agencies represent the definitive, independent authorities for this kind of investigation and are working collaboratively to determine (1) if there is any human health and/or ecological risk and, (2) determine whether a cleanup is necessary and what steps to take, if warranted.

Preliminary results from the TCEQ were released Tuesday, Jan. 28, noting that "sampling of water from Barton Springs Pool did not detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the water meets federal drinking water standards for benzo(a)pyrene…." Benzo(a)pyrene is considered to be a probable human carcinogen.

"Benzo(a)pyrene is a common environmental chemical. It is found in urban air, in cooked foods, and in runoff from urban roads or parking lots," said K.C. Donnelly, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M University. "Benzo(a)pyrene has not been detected in the water in Barton Springs pool, and the concentration detected in sediment in the pool is very low. Similar levels of this and other PAHs are not uncommon in urban soils or sediments."

"That's very reassuring for the thousands who enjoy the pool annually," Futrell said. "In fact, the Texas Department of Health experts have told me that any potential exposure to the contaminants that one might receive while swimming at Barton Springs pool would be much less than what they would be exposed to every day in the food they eat and in the air they breathe."

However, Futrell said there is concern about levels of contaminants found from testing of soil and sediment in a drainage area above Barton Creek, and elsewhere in the city. Levels of PAHs, including Benzo(a)pyrene, were found in soil samples in a drainage area adjacent to an apartment complex's parking lot. This dry tributary drains to Barton Creek above the pool. (Barton Creek bypasses the pool except during high flood events.) The City is doing further analysis of these sites, as is the TCEQ. TCEQ's test results from the drainage area are consistent with the City's findings.

Staff continues to investigate potential sources of the PAHs. Currently, chemical analysis of commonly available seal coat products used on parking lots and driveways, suggests that these might be a source of the PAHs.

The City is proud of its unique proactive testing and monitoring efforts. Test results are routinely shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and U.S. Geological Survey.

In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized the City's Watershed Protection and Development Review Department, which has responsibility for the quality of Barton Springs, for its "extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the nation's watersheds and help further national clean water goals."

For more information about the testing at Barton Springs pool, visit the Austin City Connection, the City's official Web site, at www.cityofaustin.org/news/2003/2003bartonsprings.htm or call the hotline at (512) 972-5889. You can also tune into Channel 6, the City's cable station, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, for the Austin City Council work session. (If you miss it that day, it will be rebroadcast several times.) City staff will present a public involvement communications plan to help in the public dialogue being lead by Council Member Darryl Slusher and update the Austin City Council on investigatory results.

Barton Springs pool: Additional online information

• City Manager Toby Hammett Futrell's Op-ed to Austin American-Statesman (1/19/03) - http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2003/futrell_oped_011903.htm.
• August 2002 letter from Texas Department of Health. (PDF format, 3,230 KB) - www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2003/downloads/tdhletter.pdf.
• August 2002 letter from Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (PDF format, 2,834 KB) www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2003/downloads/tnrccletter.pdf.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Soil Screening Guidance: Fact Sheet - www.epa.gov/superfund/resources/soil/fact_sht.pdf.
• Clean Water Partner Designation by EPA. (PDF format, 2,291 KB) - www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2003/downloads/tnrccletter.pdf.

City starts naming process for recreation center in Colony Park

Facilities may be named after individuals (living or dead) or something other than an individual such as a place or natural feature. The recreation center is expected to be under construction by spring 2004 and completed in about a year.

The 18,000 square foot facility will include a gym, weight room, classrooms and activity rooms. Colony Park is off Loyola Lane, just east of U.S. 183. A small park was established at the site in the late 1970s. Recently, the City has purchased 75 additional acres to increase its size to 95 acres.

Once the nomination deadline passes, the Parks Board will schedule a public hearing for public comment about suggestions. The Parks Board will recommend a name to the City Council within 45 days of the public hearing for final approval. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled in February or March.

Nomination forms are available at the Parks and Recreation main office, 200 S. Lamar Blvd., or from Austin City Connection at www.cityofaustin.org/parks/namingform.htm.

Forms may be returned in the following ways:

• Online at www.cityofaustin.org/parks/namingform.htm.
• Submitted at the Parks and Recreation Department, 200 S. Lamar Blvd.
• Faxed at (512) 974-6774.
• Mailed to the Facilities Naming Nomination, Attn: Parks and Recreation Department Director; 200 S. Lamar Blvd.; Austin, Texas 78704.

A suggestion for naming a facility must include:

• If an individual - A biographical sketch; a description of the individual's involvement in the community; and the individual's connection, if any, to the facility or activity for which the facility will be used.
• If other than an individual - Justification for the suggested name.

Annual HIV/AIDS event targets African-American community Feb. 7

Austin Mayor Gus Garcia and representatives of the Austin HIV Planning Council encourage community members to get involved Friday, Feb. 7, in the Second Annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

The event includes a series of activities throughout Austin to educate and bring particular attention to the impact HIV has on the African-American community.

HIV and AIDS have impacted the African-American community across the country disproportionately. Locally, African-Americans have the highest incidence and prevalence rates with nearly 32 percent of all HIV cases in the Austin area.

Mayor Gus Garcia will present a proclamation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Austin City Council Meeting, Lower Colorado River Authority, Hancock Building, 3700 Lake Austin Blvd.

For a complete list of events from Thursday, Feb. 6, to Saturday, Feb. 8, recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.cityofaustin.orgnews/2003/hiv_schedule.htm. To participate in the scheduled events, contact Linda Moss, (512) 835-8552, or visit www.blackaidsday.org for more information.

Austin designated as 'American Capital of Culture 2004'

An international organization has chosen Austin as an "American Capital of Culture 2004" to showcase the City's vibrant arts and cultural activities throughout the western hemisphere.

Mayor Gus Garcia and Xavier Tudela, President of the American Capital of Culture, signed the agreement last month at the Austin Art Museum, 823 Congress Ave.

Austin and Santiago, Chile, were selected from cities within member countries of the Organization of America States. Austin is the first United States city awarded this honor. City international relations and cultural arts representatives hope that arts organizations will encourage their members to use Pan-American and Caribbean themes in their works during 2004.

The City of Austin's Sister Cities International program, the City's Arts Commission, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the International Partnership of Greater Austin and the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau all supported Austin's bid to win this designation.

The American Capital of Culture initiative seeks to develop relationships within the Americas, highlighting each selected city's uniqueness as well as its common cultural heritage with other member countries.

For more information contact Camille Donoghue, Sister Cities Coordinator, (512) 974-3485.

Austin Public Library celebrates Black History Month

Austin Public Library will host the Elizabeth Kahura African Safari presentations throughout February.

Youth ages 5 and older are invited to share in the rich culture of Africa through dance, clothing, cuisine and jewelry.

Following are scheduled presentations this month at community libraries:

Library exhibit features photographs from UT community living abroad

Photographs depicting Eastern Europe, Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union captured through the lens of University of Texas at Austin students and faculty who lived there may be seen at the John Henry Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St.

The exhibit, "Through Our Lens: Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Siberia", is the compilation effort of students associated with the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. The students collected hundreds of slides and snapshots from students and faculty. The Faulk Central Library has selected 10 of the 45 images for display through February 2003.

One-sixth of the world's landmass, covering 12 time zones, Eastern Europe and Northern Asia have witnessed some of this century's most dramatic events. The region contains some of the world's richest cultures and most beautiful landscapes.

Together these images convey the extraordinary diversity of a region often thought to be uniformly "Russian" or "Slavic."

The exhibit can be viewed in the front lobby of the library. For additional information call (512) 974- 7400 or visit the City's Web site at www.cityofaustin.org/library.

Racial profiling focus of Police Monitor's forum

Racial profiling is considered one of the nation's most pressing civil rights issues today. It also undermines effective policing.

In response, the Office of the Police Monitor is hosting open forums throughout Austin aimed at defining, recognizing and responding to biased/racial profiling.

The next forum is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. For additional information including location, contact the Office of the Police Monitor, (512) 974-9090.

"My office has worked very hard to prepare informative and balanced learning tools that will benefit the public and the Austin Police Department," said Police Monitor Iris Jones. "We must take into account the basic rights of our citizens and the challenge police officers face in protecting and serving our community in a manner that is free of racial profiling."

The educational forum features a multi-media presentation, breakout sessions and speakers. The award-winning video "Silent Beats," depicting a youth's shopping experience at a small food mart, will also be shown.

For more information about racial profiling, call (512) 974-9090.

Putting a stop to traffic congestion

Graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin are exploring strategies to reduce traffic congestion in Austin.

This highly-innovative strategy, called Credit-Based Congestion Pricing, is a method to address traffic congestion anywhere in the world.

Austinites are being asked to fill out a survey online, www.cbcp.hypermart.net for feedback about this new strategy. The study's goal is to accurately reflect the opinion of travelers about the implementation of a credit-based policy on congested roadways.

Dr. Kara Kockelman, C.B. Luce Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, at the University of Texas at Austin is overseeing the study. For more information, contact (512)475-8061.

City requests feedback about duplex, garage apartment designs

The City of Austin has developed a survey to respond to Austin residents and development professionals who have expressed concerns about the development regulations, scale and design of duplexes and garage apartments.

City staff would like your input by Friday, Feb. 21, regarding two-unit residential uses. Whether you live in one, have developed or designed one or live near one, your feedback is important. Visit www.cityofaustin.org/development/codeamend.htm to respond to the City's survey. The information will be used to amend the Land Development Code requirements for two-unit residential development.

To have the survey be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to you, contact Katie Larsen, Transportation, Planning and Sustainability Department, (512) 974-6413, or email katie.larsen@ci.austin.tx.us.

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Environs

Growing green gardens at home

Austinites will have an opportunity to learn how to create a beautiful and earth-friendly yard at the "Transition to a Green Garden" seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.

The Green Gardening Landscape Class will be conducted by City of Austin Water Conservation officials at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Road. The cost is $10, which will include lunch.

Five specialists in the field of earth-wise landscaping will teach how to develop, or transition your yard to a green garden. Topics include soil preparation, plant and design choices, lawn care and yard maintenance.

For more information about the seminar, call the City of Austin Water Conservation, (512) 974-2199.

For the love of Austin: Award program recognizes beautification efforts

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Money Wise

Catch water, save money

Turn a cloudy, rainy day into something you look forward to – conserving water and saving money.

Capturing rainwater can have rewarding payoffs. For example, if you have plants in flowerbeds, a vegetable garden or in potted plants inside or outside your home, rainwater can be more beneficial to vegetation than tap water.

Tap water has chemicals in it that make it safe to drink. But, plants do better without those chemicals. The financial benefit is that rainwater is free.

The City of Austin sells rain barrels once a month and subsidizes most of the cost to consumers. Each of the City barrels holds 75 gallons. You can get up to four barrels, and the City also provides rebates on larger rainwater collection systems.

To find out more about water conservation programs, visit the Austin City Connection, www.cityofaustin.org/watercon, or call (512) 974-2199.

Conserve water, drain less expense

For many households, the washing machine is one of the largest users of water in the home. Recently, an improved model has become popular - the front-loading washing machine.

These machines have several advantages. First, they use less water, which is why the City will give the consumer a $100 rebate for purchasing and installing a front-loaded washing machine.

Also, your clothes will last longer because the tumbling action of these machines won't break down the fibers as quickly. The machines spin the clothes faster and get more water out of the clothes before going into a dryer. This creates a shorter dry cycle.

For this reason, Southern Union Gas also provides a rebate on more efficient dryers. If you're considering a new washing machine, visit www.cityofaustin.org/watercon or call the City of Austin at (512) 974-2199 for information about rebate options.

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Kid Stuff

Totally Cool, Totally Art: Exhibitions to celebrate teen talent

February kicks off the first of two biannual Young Artist Exhibitions honoring Totally Cool, Totally Art's teen participants at an exhibit from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Austin Recreation Center, 1300 Shoal Creek.

This exciting exhibition will feature photographs, paintings, illustrations, alternative shelters, mixed media portraits and architectural designs and models.

The Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., will also host a Totally Cool, Totally Art exhibit beginning Feb. 20 through March 6. An opening reception will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the museum.

Totally Cool, Totally Art is a nationally recognized arts program offered to teenagers by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

The program is funded by the Austin City Council's "Social Fabric Initiative," which offers teens free alternatives by creating after-school art opportunities at recreation centers throughout the community.

For more information about the exhibits or for Totally Cool, Totally Art program information, please contact Belinda Rubio, (512) 397-1481; or Tara Charpentier, (512) 397-1473.

Library sponsors programs for youth

Austin Public Library sponsors a variety of programs for Austin's youth.

Storytimes, special events, programs and activities for families and children are available at all 20 branch locations and at the John Henry Faulk Central Library. Community members can enjoy storytimes through May 9. Storytimes for infants, toddlers and preschool age children are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Call the Youth Services Events Hotline, (512) 974-7302, to hear the latest program or event information in your area.

You may also visit the Library's Web site, www.cityofaustin.org/library, for a program schedule.

The next time you're at the Library, pick up a copy of The Bridge, a youth services publication, which offers a full description of all youth programs.

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Zone In

The following zoning cases are tentatively scheduled for the Feb. 27 Austin City Council agenda.

1. C14-03-0002 – 9325 Inc. (Elliot Silverstone), by (Glen Weichert), 9325 Burnet Road. From LI to CS. (Little Walnut Creek). City Staff: Sherri Gager, (512) 974-3057.

2. C14-03-0008 – (Roger Mendoza), by the Ruiz Companies (Armando Ruiz), 7522-B North IH-35, southbound service road. From CS to CS-1. (Buttermilk Branch). City Staff: Glenn Rhoades, (512) 974-2775.