Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on January 17, 2023 Name: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Applicant: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) Location: 8401 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas, 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consider a recommendation requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options to determine if there are certain levels of parking at which one option might be more than another. Presenter: Hanna Cofer, Environmental environmentally friendly Commission Member Consider a recommendation requesting funds to restore the Polo Field at Zilker Park. Presenter: Richard Brimer, Environmental Commission Member Consider a recommendation concerning updates to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, and Austin Equity Plan related to City Council’s resolution 20231109-029 regarding telework policies and resolution 20231102-002 regarding disposal rate goals. Presenter: Haris Qureshi, …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: February 7, 2024 Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) 8401 Southwest Pkwy COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Williamson Creek & Barton Creek Watershed/Barton Springs Zone Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommended with conditions. Development associated with C14-85-288.166(RCA), located at 8401 Southwest Pkwy, shall comply with the following requirements. a. Impervious cover limited to 55% gross site area b. Except for impervious cover, the site will comply with current environmental code including SOS non- degradation water quality treatment requirements c. Development will achieve a one-star Austin Energy d. A minimum of 4 public EV charging spaces will be Green Building rating provided on site e. Invasive species will be managed to result in less than 5% cover of any particular species within environmentally superior areas. f. Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building ST7 Light Pollution Reduction criteria g. Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence criteria C14-85-288.166(RCA) 1 RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 8 CASE: C14-85-288.166(RCA) – Sunset Ridge ADDRESS: 8401 and 8401 ½ Southwest Parkway SITE AREA: 9.606 acres EXISTING ZONING: GO-CO-NP PROPOSED ZONING: Amendment to Restrictive Covenant PROPERTY OWNER: Los Indios Ventures, Inc. AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko (512-974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommendation is pending the Affordability Unlocked determination. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ISSUES: Multifamily residential is not permitted in the general office (GO) district zoning category. However, if Affordability Unlocked is approved, then the Restrictive Covenant may be reviewed under the current (GO) district zoning. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: Comments are pending until the Affordability Unlocked process has been completed. Site North South East West C14-85-288.166(RCA) 2 EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: Zoning Land Uses GO-CO-NP Not applicable Undeveloped Southwest Parkway SF-2-CO-NP; SF-3-NP Single-family residences SF-2-CO-NP Single-family residences; Undeveloped GO-MU-CO-NP; RR-NP Single-family residences NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING AREA: Oak Hill Combined (West Oak Hill) WATERSHED: Williamson Creek – Barton Springs Zone (Contributing Zone) SCHOOLS: Oak Hill Elementary RELATED CASES: SPC-2023-0448C.SH – Site plan is currently in review. ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS: Comprehensive Planning Small Middle School Austin High School Imagine Austin The initiation, termination or amending of a Restrictive Covenant is not under the purview …
Sunset Ridge 8401 Southwest Parkway C 1 4- 8 5- 2 8 8 . 1 6 6 ( R C A ) R e s t r i c t i ve C o ve n a n t A m e n d m e n t L e s l i e L i l l y, E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o n s e r va t i o n P r o g r a m M a n a g e r E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n S t a f f P r e s e n t a t i o n F e b r u a r y 7 t h , 2 0 2 4 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Restrictive Covenant Amendments • Re s t r i c t i ve C ove n a n t s ( RC s ) d e f i n e r e s t r i c t i o n s o n p ro p e r t i e s r e l a t e d t o z o n i n g o r o t h e r l a n d d eve l o p m e n t s t a n d a r d s. • O l d e r RC s o f t e n s e t s t a n d a r d s t h a t a r e l e s s r e s t r i c t i ve t h a n c u r r e n t c o d e a l l ow s. • O a k H i l l RC s e s t a bl i s h e d p r i o r t o t h e a d o p t i o n o f t h e …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands that hotels, hospitals, cluster or tower housing, schools, shopping centers, parks, sports centers, and businesses still need parking options for their workers and clients to conduct business; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine if what are the most environmentally friendly options. 1 of 2 When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to capture/treat stormwater, associated heat island effects, light pollution, and any other environmental impacts. The study should also reflect what types of parking options people prefer. The Environmental Commission desires this report to be a tool for city staff, public space planners, and developers to determine what parking options are environmentally superior in; reducing impervious cover, reducing pollution from runoff during rain events, reducing heat island effects, reducing light pollution, and increasing solar …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: David Sullivan Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Zilker Park Polo Field Restoration Motion by: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20230724-5 on July 24, 2023 to eliminate permanent parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field (with exception for overflow for advance-schedule events) and recommended the Austin City Council approve funding for Polo Field Restoration, alternative parking solutions including free shuttles managed by PARD, multi-modal transportation, and establish loading and no loading zones for shuttles and park users. the Environmental Commission passed Recommendation 20230920-004 WHEREAS, requesting the Austin City Council to add money to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for FY2025 budget for the restoration of the Zilker Park Polo Field, ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field, and add additional parking elsewhere within or near Zilker Park that protects that natural assets in Zilker Park. WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20231102-028 amending City Code Title 25 to eliminate minimum motor vehicle parking space requirements except for accessible space parking. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Board request funding from the Austin City Council to restore the Zilker Park Polo Field by adding top soil, planting native grasses, providing for stormwater diversion, and any other steps to prevent further degredation of the Zilker Park Polo Field and ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field beginning in FY2025. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-005 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Motion by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20190808-078, declaring a climate emergency in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20190411-033 adopting amendments to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021 the Austin City Council approved the adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net- zero community-wed greenhouse gas emissions by 2040; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023 the Planning Commission approved an action making recommendations to the Council to initiate amendments to the Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to the City’s telework policies; and WHEREAS, Joint Sustainability Committee approved Recommendation 2024124-002 to add explicit language supporting telework policies ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% of Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose to work from home. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin City Council adopt the Recommendation of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2 Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240124-002 Date: January 24, 2024 Subject: Recommendations on amendments to the Ausitn Climate Equity Plan on telework and disposal rate goals Motioned By: Haris Qureshi Seconded By: Anna Scott Recommendation: The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends and supports the following updates to the Austin Climate Equity Plan: 1. Adding language to explicitly support telework policies as outlined in City Council Resolution No. 20231109-029, including ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all new City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose work from home. 2. Equity Plan a. The Joint Sustainability Committee further recommends that the Austin Climate 3. Amend Food and Production Consumption Goal 3 on page 75 to reflect the disposal rate goals in the 2023 Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-002 Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166 (RCA) located at 8401 Southwest Parkway Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Restrictive Covenant Amendment; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Williamson Creek & Barton Creek Watersheds and Edward Aquifer Zone and Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the Amendment with the following conditions: THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the amendment request with the following staff and Commission conditions: Staff Conditions: Impervious cover limited to 55% gross site area • • Except for impervious cover, the site will comply with current environmental code including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment requirements • Development will achieve a one-star Austin Energy Green Building rating • A minimum of 4 public EV charging spaces will be provided on-site • Invasive species will be managed to result in less than 5% cover of any particular species within environmentally superior areas. • Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building ST7 Light Pollution Reduction criteria • Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence Environmental Conditions: Increase EV charging stations from 4 to 8 • • Request the City of Austin provide a public transit stop within ¼ mile of the entrance of the housing development. • Request the applicant provide parkland on-site and/ or sidewalks connecting to parkland within ¼ mile walking distance. • Staff shall follow up in regard to the Endangered and threatened species on the property. • The applicant will focus on planting native plants that support native pollinators. • Work with a local group to harvest native seeds and plants prior to development. • Restrict vehicle access to Sunset Ridge to emergency vehicles only. • Reduce impervious cover from 55% to 50%. • Development will use Affordability Unlocked requirements. For: Bedford, Bristol, Cofer, Krueger, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Brimer, Einhorn Abstain: none Recuse: none Absent: Schiera Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair VOTE Attest: 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-003 Second by: Collin Nickells Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, as the City of Austin is actively engaged in making policy decisions concerning the amount and type of parking that should be utilized in new development, understanding the environmental benefits and harms for each option would better inform these decisions; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; WHEREAS, there is existing parking facilities and infrastructure that have excess capacity or are underutilized during certain times of day. The maximal use of these facilities should be studied. THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified independent research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine what are the most environmentally friendly options that would advance the City’s goals, including achieving net-zero carbon 1 of 2 emissions in the Climate Equity Plan, Austin’s Strategic Mobility plan, SOS ordinance, and the city ordinance to eliminate parking from commercial developments. When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Zilker Park Polo Field Restoration Motion by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20230724-5 on July 24, 2023 to eliminate permanent parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field (with exception for overflow for advance-schedule events) and recommended the Austin City Council approve funding for Polo Field Restoration, alternative parking solutions including free shuttles managed by PARD, multi-modal transportation, and establish loading and no loading zones for shuttles and park users. the Environmental Commission passed Recommendation 20230920-004 WHEREAS, requesting the Austin City Council to add money to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for FY2025 budget for the restoration of the Zilker Park Polo Field, ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field, and add additional parking elsewhere within or near Zilker Park that protects that natural assets in Zilker Park. WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20231102-028 amending City Code Title 25 to eliminate minimum motor vehicle parking space requirements except for accessible space parking. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Board request funding from the Austin City Council to restore the Zilker Park Polo Field by adding top soil, planting native grasses, providing for stormwater diversion, and any other steps to prevent further degradation of the Zilker Park Polo Field and ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field beginning in FY2025. In addition, require the city to ensure that additional parking elsewhere or near Zilker Park is found and allow some waivers to restrictions for special events, conditional on means to remediate for any damages to parkland. In addition, allocate parking within Zilker Park for senior citizens, families with small children, and persons with limited mobility. Vote: 7-1 For: Cofer, Einhorn, Krueger, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Bedford 1 of 2 Abstain: Bristol Absent: Brimer and Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-005 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Telework Policies Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20190808-078, declaring a climate emergency in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20190411-033 adopting amendments to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021 the Austin City Council approved the adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net- zero community-wed greenhouse gas emissions by 2040; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023 the Planning Commission approved an action making recommendations to the Council to initiate amendments to the Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to the City’s telework policies; and WHEREAS, Joint Sustainability Committee approved Recommendation 2024124-002 to add explicit language supporting telework policies ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% of Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose to work from home. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin City Council increase the share of City of Austin employees who work at home, use mass transport to travel to work, bicycle to work, walk to work, use micro-mobility or assisted mobility devices instead of driving to work and ensure that whenever appropriate city telework, remote work, and green commuting policies contribute to the goal of achieving 20% of Austin residents not driving alone to work by 2039. Additionally, to achieve this goal, implement a city telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees are allowed to work from home. Vote: 8-1 For: Bedford, Bristol, Cofer, Einhorn, Krueger, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Nickells 1 of 2 Abstain: none Absent: Brimer and Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Melina Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Diana Prechter, Stratford/Butler Landfill Cap Roy Wayley, Zilker Park and mass transit APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on January 17, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on January 17, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Applicant: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) Location: 8401 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas, 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommendation: Recommended with conditions 1 Speakers: Liz Johnston, Watershed Protection Richard Suttle, speaking for the applicant Stuart Goodman, speaking against the RCA Chandler Harris, speaking against the RCA Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs, Roy Waley, Sierra Club Nancy Estrada, Zoning Department Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was absent. A motion to approve the requested Restrictive Covenant Amendment with conditions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8-2 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Einhorn voted nay. Commissioner Schiera was absent. Chair Ramberg called for a recess at 7:36. Chair Ramberg reconvened the meeting at 7:47. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Consider a recommendation requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options to determine if there are certain levels of parking at which one option might be more environmentally friendly than another. Presenter: Hanna Cofer, Environmental Commission Member Speakers: Hanna Cofer Tanya Payne Diana Pretcher Mark May Gail Rothe Mike Cannatti Cedar Stevens Patricia Bobeck Phillip Thomas Roy Waley A motion requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission January 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 6, 2023 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the creation, continuation, termination, and status of a concession including issuance of a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually. Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II and Pat Rossett, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee Chair), Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, and Melinda Schiera Update from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Haris Qureshi (member) and Richard Brimer (alternate member) Update from the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Jennifer Bristol Update from the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi, and Kevin Ramberg …
2023 ANNUAL ANNUAL CONCESSION CONCESSION REPORT REPORT AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Concession Locations ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 Concession Contracts ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Contract Terms Solicitations and New Contracts Contract Extensions Expiring Contracts Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Zilker Café ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse ................................................................................................................ 7 EpicSUP/The Trail Conservancy .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Expedition School ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 Zilker Park Boat Rentals ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Other Contract Changes Zilker Eagle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Concession Revenue, Payments, and Expenditures ........................................................................................................ 11 Concessions Outside of Town Lake Park ......................................................................................................................... 18 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 19 Environmental Commission Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 20 Revenue Share Payments Capital Improvements Public Benefit Short-Term Permits Concessions at Golf Courses Marine Waste Disposal Watercraft Census Lake Safety Consistency Across Concession Contracts New Concessions Carrying Capacity 5 5 7 9 10 12 14 15 18 18 20 21 23 24 25 25 i Unlicensed Vendor Activity Zilker Eagle Updates 26 28 Appendix 1. Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Report FY23 .......................................................................... 29 Appendix 2. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste Information ............................................................. 32 ii Executive Summary The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. In carrying out its mission, PARD has established nine permanent concessions in Town Lake Park that provide recreation services. These services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs); rowing instruction and memberships; food and beverage sales; short-course golf; excursion boats; and a mini train. The concessions were established pursuant to City of Austin Code Section 8-1-71, which authorizes the director of the Parks and Recreation Department to allow a person to operate a food or beverage, rental, or service concession in Town Lake Park. Additionally, Section 8-1-73 requires PARD to present an annual report on the status of concessions operating in Town Lake Park to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission each year. At a minimum, the report must include the following information: • The name and location of each concession; • An income and expenditure statement for each concession; • The total number of boats rented on Lady Bird Lake; and • A statement describing any environmental or other problem caused or created by a concession. Within 30 days of receiving the Annual …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Presented by Denisha Cox and Patricia Rossett PARD Financial Services Division January 17, 2024 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires delivery of an annual report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission providing the following information regarding concessions on Lady Bird Lake Park: • Name and Location • Income and Expenditures • Total Number of Boats Rented • Environmental Concerns 2 Name and Location Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad (temporarily closed) Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms Concession Contract Begin Contract 0 0 0 End 2 Rowing Dock 2000 2024 2 5 5 5 5 1 1 5 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 5 1 0 2 0 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 0 3 0 2 5 3 0 2 0 4 0 2 Zilker Park Boat Rentals 2006 2024 5 5 5 1 18 mo. 2 2 5 5 2 5 5 4 3 2 . o m 6 2 5 10 10 10 5 5 5 5 10 Expedition School 2020 2024 Lone Star Riverboat 2015 2025 Austin Rowing Club 2012 2026 EpicSUP* 2013 2028 Butler Pitch & Putt 2019 2029 Texas Rowing Center 2020 2030 Zilker Eagle 2021 2031 Interim Period Basic Term Option Executed Option Remaining Extension *After May 15, 2021, all EpicSUP revenue share payments go to The Trail Conservancy. 4 FY23 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City s n o i l l i M $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Butler Pitch and Putt (Pecan Grove Golf Partners) Gross Sales Reported Expenditures Payments $2,838,411 $1,315,889 $227,266 EpicSUP $394,144 $292,719 $49,173 Expedition School Lone Star Riverboats Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Park Boat Rentals $51,404 $39,004 $4,750 $1,081,396 $1,035,469 $99,561 $2,206,240 $1,627,750 $262,403 $2,895,049 $2,688,421 $322,984 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse $3,010,728 $3,282,341 $247,901 $1,077,564 $615,248 $99,548 5 Annual Gross Sales Since 2015 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $78,795 • New low-voltage safety lighting • New courtyard fans, misters, and string lighting • New well water pump • New sprayer • Repair/replacement of the roofing and siding on the maintenance shed • Greenside collars expansion and sod replacement • Replacement …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240117-002 Date: January 17, 2024 Subject: 2023 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2023 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding the concessions for Lady Bird Lake. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends continuation of the concession contracts on Lady Bird Lake with the following conditions: Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Study and report the impact on watercraft rentals and use due to toxic algae and extreme heat. 2. Report back to commission about shuttles or transportation for underserved populations or people with limited abilities to the concessions and park. 3. Continue reporting on the public benefit concessions provide. 4. PARD staff should continue to review the number of public and private watercraft that are typically on Lady Bird Lake, what the safety strategies of City of Austin, and their ability to meet capacity. 5. Provide an update on any new concessions. 6. Provide information on how carrying capacity is being addressed. 7. Report on the Zilker Eagle reconstruction, track realignment, and environmental impacts be included in the final 2024 report. VOTE: 10-0 For: Ramberg, Bedford, Bristol, Brimer, Einhorn, Kruger, Nickells, Qureshi, Schiera, Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Cofer Absent: None Approved By: 1 Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alicia Valdes -Tree planting event APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 6, 2023 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on December 6, 2023 were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Nickells and Cofer abstained. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the creation, continuation, termination, and status of a concession including issuance of a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually. Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II and Pat Rossett, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department 1 Speakers Denisha Cox, PARD (Parks and Recreation Department) Kimery Duda, Expedition School Patricia Rossett, PARD Suzanne Piper, PARD A motion to support the 2023 Annual Report of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Cofer recused. COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Update from the Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee Chair), Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, and Melinda Schiera Commissioner Brimer shared an update on the Urban Forestry Committee and asked members to share agenda items. 4. Update from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Haris Qureshi (member) and Richard Brimer (alternate member) Commissioner Qureshi shared an update on a resolution on energy solutions from the Joint Sustainability Committee. 5. Update from the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Jennifer Bristol 6. Update from the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi, and Kevin Ramberg 7. Update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – David Sullivan Commissioner Sullivan shared an update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 16, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak remotely, call or email Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Melinda Schiera Audrey Barrett Bixler Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair Ana Aguirre Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice-Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on November 2, 2022 (5 minutes) 1 3. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES 2. Update on amendments to Title 25 related to environmental protection, landscape requirements, and site plan requirements—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Update on Bull Creek PUD Amendment #3, Case No. C814-2009-0139.03—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Name: 1703 N River Hills Road Marina Reconstruction, SP-2022-0167D Applicant: Janis Smith, Janis Smith Consulting, LLC Location: 1703 N River Hills Road, Austin, Texas, 78733 Council District: District 10 Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department and Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: 1. Request to vary LDC 25-8-261 Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) development to allow, in the CWQZ of Lake Austin, development of a gasoline fuel line with a dispenser at the dock for re-fueling private boats …
OLTORF SITE PLAN 4544 East Oltorf SP-2021-0091C Tunde Daramola Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 2 OUTLINE Property Data Synopsis Site Constriction/Regulation Variance Requests Grading and Slope Exhibits Variance Recommendation and Conditions Variance Exhibits 3 Property Data Country Club West Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Synopsis 1.96-acre site located at the intersection of East Oltorf and Wickersham Lane Project is a unified retail development with an associated detention pond and a rain garden. Elevation ranges from 558’ along Wickersham to 520’ in the west 4 Site Construction/Regulation Accessibility regulations and Drainage flows (the lowest portion of the site had to be raised to 552ft) Austin Commercial Design Standard Ordinance (access to Oltorf must cross existing slope greater of 15%) 5 North Variance Requests 6 To allow driveways on slopes over 15% within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-301) (LDC 25-8-341) (LDC 25-8-342) To allow cut over 4 feet on slopes over 15% within the Desired Development Zone. To allow fill over 4 feet on slopes over 15% within the Desired Development Zone. Grading Exhibit (Cut and Fill) 7 8 Slope Exhibit 9 Variance Recommendation and Conditions 10 Staff recommends the variance, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff also recommends and supports the following conditions in accordance to approved variance exhibits: • Provide 8 additional trees at 3 caliper inches on site. • Provide structural containment of fill with retaining walls Variance Exhibits 11 12 THANK YOU References Google Earth GIS property profile Variance packet 13
