REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. 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 Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Karly Jo Dixon Mikaela Frissell Faye Mills Amanda Marzullo Katy Jo Muncie Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson Roy Woody AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JULY 18, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Status update following the Gallatin/Kapadia) – Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist. implementation of the Apricot Software – (Downey 3. Status of Austin Community Court operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager; Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager; and Robert Kingham, Court Administrator. ACTION ITEMS 4. Adopt meeting schedule for 2026 (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission September 17, 2025, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may 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 Nicole Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: John Mc Nabb, Chair Charles Curry, Vice Chair Zachary Bird Ramiro Diaz JC Dwyer Stephen Gonzalez Bob Libal Russell Korte Santiago Rodriguez Kenneth Standley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on August 20, 2025. Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Austin Fire Department and Austin/Travis County EMS on Public Bond Projects. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force recent meeting items. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. 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 comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Armando Gonzales Bryce Laake-Stanfield Anita Carmichael Roberts Jose Reyes VACANT – D4 VACANT – D1 VACANT – D6 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Aug 20, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Shafina Khaki and Dr Lindsey Wilson on the function of the Department of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Austin. 3. Presentation and discussion by Patricia Morgan from Texas Veterans Network/Combined Arms on their services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
SPECIAL MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at 1:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7852. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Kristi-Anne Shaer, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on September 8, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and Action of the recommended changes to Ordinance Chapter 7-2 per Resolution No. 20250306-029. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 7852 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday September 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may 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 or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI). Presentation by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office. 3. Update from the Public Safety Commission representative regarding the Austin Police’s response to questions about their process with regards to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Public Safety Commission’s future discussions regarding this topic. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792.
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday August 20, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2025. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The minutes from the meeting of July 16, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on a 10-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin, regarding possible downtown site developments. The presentation was made by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, regarding Austin Texas Musicians. The presentation was made by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Texas Musicians and Frances Ferguson, Community Member and Member of the Austin Presbyterian Church. 4. Presentation by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy, regarding the Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy. The presentation was made by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access. The motion to approve the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was made by Commissioner McDaniel and seconded by Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to move the move the last Whereas clause on page 1 to the top of page 2 and add the first Whereas clause on page 2 to the end of page 1 and strike the words “on Friday and Saturday nights.” The amendment was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. The Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access was approved as amended on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner McDaniel’s second a 10-0 vote. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan and offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed Downtown Commission (DTC) of the City of Austin is charged with stewarding the DAP; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, Downtown, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission as set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Kr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide 15 recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in 2025; …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. 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 Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner VACANT Ofelia Zapata Appointment District 1 District 2 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) District 3 Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed District 4 District 5 District 6 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding collaborative partnerships to support economic opportunity. Presentation by Christy Moffett, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Investments, Travis County. Discussion regarding potential overlap in work between the Economic Prosperity Commission and other city boards and commissions, as related to approved recommendations. Discussion regarding a potential report on large enterprise employers within the City of Austin that are or are not participating in the summer youth internship program, including feedback from commissioners. Discussion regarding vacancies on the Economic Prosperity Commission and how the commission can encourage people to apply. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 17, 2025 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 Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3rd, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Thank Commissioner Cofer for her service to the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 1404 East Riverside Drive, located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0002 (District 3). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group. Staff: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Department, and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and possible recommendation on Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073, related to Bird-Friendly design – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. Staff briefing on Austin Water’s Wildlands – Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Justin Bates, Environmental Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Staff briefing on a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin Parks and Recreation – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin …
RESPONSE TO COUNCIL RESOLUTION 20241121-073 BIRD-FRIENDLYDESIGN REPORT 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Overview of Bird Friendly Design .......................................................................................................... 5 Migration and Habitat in Austin............................................................................................................ 5 Glass and Building Design Elements ..................................................................................................... 6 Lighting Standards to Minimize Light Pollution .................................................................................... 9 Behavioral practices ............................................................................................................................ 10 Benchmarking Report on Bird Friendly Design in North America ....................................................... 11 New York City, NY ............................................................................................................................... 11 Madison, WI ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Portland, ME ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Berkeley, CA ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Toronto, ON ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Arlington County, VA........................................................................................................................... 14 Bird Friendly Design in Austin ............................................................................................................. 15 Austin Energy Green Building ............................................................................................................. 15 Lights Out Austin! ................................................................................................................................ 16 Site Specific Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 16 Glass and Lighting Requirements in Code ........................................................................................... 17 Case Studies of Bird Friendly Projects in Austin.................................................................................. 17 Considerations for New Construction ................................................................................................. 19 Co-Benefits of Bird Friendly Design .................................................................................................... 19 The 100/100/100 rule ......................................................................................................................... 21 Best Practices for Low-, Mid-, and High-Rise Buildings ...................................................................... 21 Feasibility of Bird Friendly Building in Austin ....................................................................................... 23 Cost Estimates ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Building Plan Review ........................................................................................................................... 25 Inspection and Compliance ................................................................................................................. 26 Education ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................................................................... 26 Boards and Commission ..................................................................................................................... 28 Staff Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 29 1. Land Development Code Amendment ............................................................................................ 29 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates ........................................................... 29 3. Residential Educational Campaign .................................................................................................. 30 Contributors: ..................................................................................................................................... 31 References:........................................................................................................................................ 32 Appendix A: Benchmarking Data and City Regulations ........................................................................ 33 Appendix B: Austin Energy Green Building Program Requirements ..................................................... 34 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Plan ........................................................................................ 36 Appendix D: Bird Friendly Design for Residential ................................................................................. 37 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Executive Summary implementation, In response to City Council Resolution 20241121-073, staff conducted comprehensive research on bird- friendly building design including stakeholder engagement with developers, environmental organizations, and the public through virtual sessions, public tours of the Austin Airport IT building, and professional roundtable discussions in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The following analysis provides an overview of the impact that building collisions have on bird populations and how Austin can address the problem through assessing local case studies, cost feasibility, and regulatory frameworks from peer cities including New York, Madison, Portland, Toronto, Berkeley, and Arlington County, VA. The report explores how Austin's built environment and land development regulations present many opportunities for bird-friendly design implementation, including already existing regulatory mechanisms and programs like Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning and the Austin …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut, Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. Commissioner Krueger was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: The Clovis at McKinney Falls, SP-2024-0202D Applicant: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC Location: 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction Staff: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. 1 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Mohamad Abdulkader, DSD J Segura, Engineer for the project A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. A motion to recommend the Clovis at McKinney Falls variance request with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second on a 7 –0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:23 pm without objection. 2
Bird Friendly Design in Austin Austin Watershed Protection Leslie Lilly City Staff Wa t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson A u s t i n E n e r g y G r e e n B u i l d i n g Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper D e v e l o p m e n t S e r v i c e s D e p a r t m e n t Farhana Biswas B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson A n i m a l S e r v i c e s Emery Sadkin P l a n n i n g Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 • Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin • Directs staff to: • Update on Light’s Out Austin • Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings • Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards • Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat • Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 • Austin within North America’s Central Flyway • Over 400 species of birds • Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat • Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. • Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem Bird collisions have both local relevance and enormous impact. Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. In nighttime, birds encounter artificial sources of light. Birds fly to these confusing features, without seeing the glass barriers. The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies B i r d - f r i e n d l y d e s i g n i n c l u d e s : • reducing the use of glass • reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) • incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass • UV coating, glazing, and etched or …
Wildlands for Water, Wildlife, and People Environmental Commission September 17, 2025 Environmental Resource Office (ERO) Wildland Conservation Division o Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) o Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) Center for Environmental Research at Hornsby Bend Climate Protection Austin: A biodiversity hotspot Austin’s population has doubled every 20-25 years Austin Austin Metro 87,930 214,603 186,545 301,261 345,890 585,051 656,562 1,249,763 961,855 2,283,371 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 Austin’s Wildlands: A Unique Gift A 30-year, $250M+ commitment to protecting Austin’s unique landscapes A large-scale network of conservation lands that benefit water, wildlife, and people • 49,000 acres and growing Managed under goals of two programs: • Balcones Canyonlands Preserve • Water Quality Protection Lands Intentionally placed with Austin Water to ensure support and stewardship into the future Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Goal: Protect woodland and cave habitat for endangered species & species of concern Provides mitigation for habitat loss from energy, communication and transportation infrastructure Public areas of preserve include some of Austin’s favorite places: o Barton Creek o Mt. Bonnell o Bull Creek Helps to protect quality of our water supply in Lake Travis & Lake Austin watersheds 33,000+ acres (COA + partners) Habitat Conservation Plan sets targets for size/configuration of land in each macrosite Protection of 62 named caves The BCCP facilitates development. 1,500+ landowners/ developers 400+ infrastructure projects 12,000+ acres Water Quality Protection Lands Goal: Protect and restore native grassland savannas and creeks that provide the main source of water flowing from Barton Springs Actively manage land over ¼ of the recharge zone to protect groundwater Prescribed burn program carefully mimics natural fire cycle using highly trained wildland fire professionals Goal of 100,000 acres protected over Barton Springs Zone 12,000+ acres in fee 22,000+ acres in conservation easements Plus regulatory protection Wildland Conservation Ongoing Management Understand • • Intensive monitoring of endangered species and species of concern Vegetation transects • Oak wilt monitoring • • • • Invasive species monitoring/mapping Drought, winter storm impacts Live fuel moisture monitoring In-house and external research Protect • • • • Boundary patrols Fence construction and repair Facility management Invasive species management • Wildfire fuel mitigation • Conservation easement reviews Restore/Enhance • Grassland and forest restoration Prescribed fire Seed collection Nursery operations • • • • Oak wilt trenching • • Karst feature …
Austin Parks and Recreation Policies and Procedures Update for Concessions in City Parks System Environmental Commission Meeting September 17, 2025 Presenters: Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Commercial Visitor Services Policy for Concessions in City’s Parks System Purpose Establish Policies and Procedures intended to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Authority In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. Supersedes Policy: • March 12, 1998, Adopted by Council Resolution 980312-25 Definitions Applicable Rules means the applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession means a business owned by a private citizen or a privately- owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Legacy Concession means an existing Permanent Concession that: • Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person or a Family Member for at least 30 years; • Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; • Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion; and • Has maintained the physical features of the Concession in good condition. Concessionaire means a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Parks System means all City of Austin parks, parkland, park amenities, facilities, buildings or bodies of water. Department means Austin Parks and Recreation. Director means the Director of the Department or designee. Permanent Concession means a Concession operating pursuant to an agreement between the City and the Concessionaire with a term of more than six months. Family Member means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, grandparent, or sibling of a …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 — 4:00 pm Austin Water Headquarters Waller Creek Center 625 East 10th Street, Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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, call or email the board liaison Vicky Addie at 512-972-0332 or Vicky.Addie@austintexas.gov. To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Amanda Marzullo (District 3) CALL TO ORDER Mike Reyes (District 4) Evan Wolstencroft (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Alex Ortiz (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón, Vice Chair (District 9) Shannon Trilli (District 10) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor- owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City’s corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. 3. Recommend approval to authorize two contracts for lab supplies and lab chemicals for Austin Water with Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International, each for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 4. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for Wastewater Line Renewal and Spot Rehab Service Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (2026 to 2028) for Austin Water with Santa Clara Construction, LTD., in the amount of $3,200,000 for a term up to three years for a total not to exceed $9,600,000. Funding: $3,200,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the extension options is contingent upon available funding …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 16, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines, William Moriarty (remote), Alex Navarro (remote), Alex Ortiz (remote), Shwetha Pandurangi, Mike Reyes, Vice Chair Marcela Tuñón, and Evan Wolstencroft Commission Members Absent: Amanda Marzullo, Jesse Penn, and Shannon Trilli Chair Maxwell-Gaines called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers were registered. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the July 16th, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for a biogas membrane for Austin Water with EWT Holdings III Corp d/b/a Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, for a one-time purchase in an amount not to exceed $767,357. Funding: $767,357 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Wolstencroft’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 3. Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to a contract for continued supervisory control and data acquisition equipment, software installation, and support services for Austin Water with Control Panels USA, Inc., to increase the amount by $1,100,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $3,200,000. Funding: $1,028,733 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Wolstencroft’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 4. Recommend approval to authorize the negotiation and execution of a cost participation agreement with Lennar Homes of Texas Land & Construction, Ltd. for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $6,228,082.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater lift station, force main, and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5219R2 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed single-family development located at 13419 Gregg Manor Road. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Wolstencroft’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. …
Item 3 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: September 25, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize two contracts for lab supplies and lab chemicals for Austin Water with Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International, each for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation (RFP) 2200 KMF3045 for these goods. The solicitation was issued on February 10, 2025, and closed on March 27, 2025. Of the 4 offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141574 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 17, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contractors will provide laboratory chemicals and supplies for Austin Water. The laboratory chemicals and supplies provided by the contractors meet the standards prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved testing methodology. The laboratories test the water quality of drinking water, raw surface water, wastewater, bio-solids, industrial waste samples, treatment chemical samples, and other environmental water samples. These are new contracts. The requested authorization is based on departmental estimates of future needs. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated these offers and scored Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International as the best to provide these goods and services based on online website/URL and ordering (system and process), online catalog, experience and qualifications, price proposal, account and order reporting, customer and product support, local business presence, and small business presence. If these contracts are not secured, the City will lack a dependable source for laboratory chemicals and supplies. Item 3 …
Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: September 25, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for Wastewater Line Renewal and Spot Rehab Service Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (2026 to 2028) for Austin Water with Santa Clara Construction, LTD., in the amount of $3,200,000 for a term up to three years for a total not to exceed $9,600,000. Funding: $3,200,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the extension options is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1127 for these services. The solicitation was issued on June 30th, 2025, and closed on July 31st, 2025. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at: https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142619 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 6.46% MBE and 1.27% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 17, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is for the repair and replacement of deteriorated wastewater mains throughout the city as needed including performing emergency repairs on wastewater mains and the wastewater collection system. In general, projects are larger or more complex than Austin Water crews can complete, but too small, isolated, or time sensitive to competitively bid as individual construction contracts. This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract which provides for an indefinite quantity of services for a fixed time, usually an initial term with extension options. They are commonly used when precise quantities of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, cannot be determined. IDIQ contracts help streamline the contract process and service delivery and allow the City the flexibility to add work as needs arise or change. As each project is defined, a specific work assignment will be assigned to the contractor who will complete the scope of work for the unit prices included in the contract. Work deadlines will be established for each work assignment. The wastewater collection system is essential for conveying wastewater to …
Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: September 25, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue the GoPurple pilot incentive program and issue incentives on a pilot basis during Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for alternative onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connections for new commercial, mixed use and multi-family developments in the total aggregate amount of $4,000,000, not to exceed $1,500,000 per project for affordable housing projects exempt from the GoPurple reuse requirements and not to exceed $500,000 per project for all other projects. Funding: $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Prior Council Action: November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. December 11, 2019 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on first reading on a 7-4 vote. February 13, 2020 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on second reading on a 7-4 vote. December 10, 2020 – City Council approved an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 15-13 relating to treatment, monitoring and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on a 10-0 vote. April 22, 2021 – City Council voted to initially approve the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2021 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 – City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2022 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 29, 2022 – City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2023 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. March 7, 2024 – City Council voted to reauthorize …
GoPurple Program I n c e n t i v e s a n d C o s t S h a r i n g f o r W a t e r R e u s e P r o j e c t s Katherine Jashinski, P.E., Supervising Engineer Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 GoPurple Program: Expanding Water Reuse Austin City Council Adoption on March 7th 2024 Code Changes for Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connections Affordability Strategies for Reuse Projects New community Benefit Charge increase ($0.15 per thousand gallons) to fund Reclaimed Water System expansion and Onsite Reuse programs Go Purple | AustinTexas.gov 2 Water Forward 2024 Strategies Utility-Side Water Loss Control • Production meter improvements • Expanded active leak detection programs • Additional analysis of smart meter data Customer Side Water Use Management • Expanded customer incentives for conservation • Use of smart meter data for customer-side leak identification, education, and outreach • Water use budgeting Native & Efficient Landscapes • New landscape ordinances & incentives • • Irrigation efficiency incentives Landscape conversion programs Non-Potable Reuse • Onsite Water Reuse Systems • Decentralized Reclaimed • Centralized Reclaimed Water Supply Storage Aquifer Storage and Recovery Decker Lake Off Channel Reservoir Potable Reuse Indirect Potable Reuse New Water Supplies Brackish Groundwater Desalination Strategies reliant on Colorado River and LCRA supplies 3 New Code Requirements for Large Development Projects Distance to reclaimed water main Code requirement ≤500 feet >500 feet Extend reclaimed water main for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Capture rainwater and condensate and treat for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/o incentives Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/ incentives $900-$4,400 $350-$4,000 $800-$7,100 $750-$6,000 Affordability Impact Study identified negative impact to housing costs from code requirements 4 Large Development Project GoPurple Pilot Incentives & Cost Sharing Type of Reuse Project Reclaimed water Rebate for Reclaimed Main Extension AW pays 50% of 251-500 feet or more up to $500K Onsite water N/A Rebate for Onsite Reuse Systems Expedited Building Permit Review Rebate N/A AW pays for 100% of voluntary installations up to $500K AW pays up to $36K for projects installing >250 feet of main AW pays up to $36K for projects installing onsite water reuse systems No Impact Fees for Non-potable Meters Developer pays fees for potable water …
