Zilker Neighborhood Association Re: Opposition to 1725 Toomey rezoning in Waterfront Overlay (C14-2021-0009) May 27, 2021 The Zilker Neighborhood Association strongly opposes the proposed rezoning of the property at 1725 Toomey Road from CS to a zoning category that would allow for a building up to 90 feet in height, since the rezoning would conflict with the environmentally sensitive area, exacerbate existing traffic issues, and create new problems. Below is a "before and after" photo approximation of how an MF-6 zoned building would appear if it were built to the limits of the entitlements, which would likely happen in order to accommodate 215 units. The view in the photo is looking southeast across Barton Creek from the Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lou Neff Point. The horizontal white line across the building's face is the current zoning height of 60 feet. Building in excess of current height limits, which are 60 feet tall, would be out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood and would be incompatible with the purpose of the Waterfront Overlay, since it would not promote the harmonious interaction and transition between urban development and the park land and shoreline of Lady Bird Lake (as is required by the City Code). It would block sunlight and views, impair access, and accelerate efforts to create a canyon-like effect of tall buildings in close proximity to–and especially on the east shoreline of-- Barton Creek. A building greater than 60 feet in height would also be especially inappropriate for this particular property because: 1. The property is not just on the edge of the Waterfront Overlay. Rather, the overlay extends south of the property across Barton Springs Road. 2. There is an Overlay Setback running through the front of the property. 3. The property is only approximately 325' from Barton Creek. 4. Increased zoning entitlements at the intersection of Toomey Road and Sterzing Road would exacerbate congestion on Barton Springs Road very near the intersection of Azie Morton Road, and also exacerbate congestion at Toomey Road and South Lamar, which is very near the entrances of the proposed Dougherty Arts Center parking garage and the area-wide parking garage of the Schlotzsky's PUD project at 218 S Lamar. A building taller than 60 feet is also incompatible with the proposed new Dougherty Arts Center, which is planned to be constructed on the other side of Toomey Road. The center will serve …
Palm District Planning Initiative Small Area Planning Joint Committee June 2, 2021 Content Project Background Study Area Project Scope Project Team How to Get Involved Project Background Engage stakeholders and the public to develop a shared vision for a complex, culturally rich, and rapidly transforming part of downtown Austin that includes: Palm School Palm Park Convention Center Waller Creek Red River Cultural District ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center Proposed Mexican American Heritage Corridor And more…. 4 Resolution 20190523-029 Palm School Negotiations Rainey Street District Fund Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Convention Center Expansion District Planning Process Improved Connectivity 5 Recent Planning History Waller Creek Master Plan (2010) Downtown Austin Plan (2011) Imagine Austin (2012) Waller Creek Design Plan (2012) Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life ESB-MACC Master Plan (2018) Project Connect Vision (2019) Brush Square Master Plan (2019) UT Analysis of Convention Center Expansion (2019) Convention Center Master Plan (2013) (2015) Downtown Austin Wayfinding Update (2020) Master Plan (2013) Urban Land Institute Study of IH 35 Convention Center Master Plan (2020) …and more 6 Study Area 8 History of Study Area Long, layered history Palm School dates back to the 1890s Palm District originally part of East Austin Mexican-Americans, African- Americans and German Immigrants called Palm district home 9 PICA 21043 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Historic Connection To East Austin 10 CO3746 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Sir Swante Palm School 11 Sir Swante Palm School 12 waterloogreenway.org Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park 13 Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park 14 PICA 04088 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Waller Creek 15 Waller Creek Tunnel 16 waterloogreenway.org Waterloo Greenway/Waterloo Park 17 texasfreeways.com I-35 18 texasfreeways.com I-35 19 texasfreeways.com I-35 20 I-35 21 statesman.com: Photo Credit, Jay Jannier Project Connect and Downtown Transit Station 22 Neil Kocurek Memorial Austin Convention Center 23 Brush Square/O. Henry Museum 24 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) 25 Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 26 lostinaustin.org: Photo Credit, Will Taylor Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 27 Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 28 Sixth Street Historic and Entertainment District 29 lostinaustin.org: Photo Credit, Will Taylor Red River Cultural District 30 Innovation District 31 KXAN.com m o c . N A X …
Plaza Volente Residential – N FM 620 & Anderson Mill SER #4652 Full Purpose Aspen Heights 215 Unit MF Project SER #4629 approved in 2020 Limited Purpose Subject Property 2-Mile ETJ Zoning and Annexation • The 9.4 Acre tract was rezoned to MF-2 and voluntarily annexed into full purpose COA on June 4, 2020. • Neighborhood Support was given based on 200’ building setback along eastern property line and Hill Country Roadway landscaping compliance on the 25 acre tract in the ETJ. • Developer committed to future voluntary annexation of the 25 acre tract currently in the ETJ (Resolution No. 20200611-097). Copy of Resolution attached in the next two slides. • Water Supply Suburban will control allowable impervious cover. Environmental Protection • WPD Staff, including Hydrogeologist and Wetlands Biologist, visited the property on multiple occasions since August 2020. • At the request of Staff, the project is maintaining existing storm water drainage patterns to the CEF features (wetlands). • On-site and off-site storm water flows are collected using a series of water quality controls including rain gardens and biofiltration ponds that recharge the wetland CEFs to promote & sustain healthy wetland ecology within the CEF buffer areas. • This enhanced recharging of the wetland features goes beyond current conditions that exist today and should benefit downstream, off-site habitat of the Jollyville salamander in Bull Creek. • The 25 acre tract is already in the BCCP and the 9.4 acre tract will be submitted in the future. Site Plan Review (SP-2020-0427C) • No environmental variances requested. • Standard CEF setbacks maintained. • New karst CEF accounted for in plan that was not previously shown on historical site plans. • Hill Country Roadway landscaping requirements imposed along ETJ frontage. • Tree Care Plan will be implemented with the Certified Arborist. • City of Austin Watershed Protection and Environmental Staff performed multiple site visits to the property for field inspection of ERI report findings. • Site plan heavily coordinated with Watershed Protection and COA Drainage to ensure wetland CEF features are adequately recharged. Site Plan Review 246 units on 25 Acres and 126 units on 9.4 Acres Wastewater SER #4652 • Requires $2.5 - $3MM in off-site WW upgrades within the full purpose COA • Proposed wastewater connection located within 9.4 acre full purpose COA contiguous to Plaza Volente lift station • ERI & Geologic Assessment completed along the SER proposed WW alignment …
PROBLEMS WITH AUSTIN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Water and Wastewater Commission Paul Robbins June 2, 2021 What Is CAP? • Low-income discount program for Austin utilities. • Begun in 1985 with much smaller participation; Austin Water joined 2009; program greatly expanded in 2013. • About $11 million/year for water bill discounts. • Almost $600 annually for SF water-bill discount; 50% saving for a SF bill. • About $200 annually for new MF discount. • About 14,000 CAP SF Water participants (6% of total); about 22,000 MF Water participants will be added this year. How Do Customers Participate in CAP? • 5 out of 6 participants are automatically enrolled if someone in the home is on one of 7 social service programs (e.g., SSI, CHIP, Food Stamps). • 1 out of 6 participants income qualify if their household makes no more than 200% of the poverty level. • SPECIAL: Homes with over $250,000 in improvement values or whose owner own more than one property must (supposedly) income qualify. What Are the Problems with CAP? • Discounts still going to customers with high real-estate assets almost 7 years after problem is discovered. • No income qualifications for customers without high real- estate assets (Auto-enrollment does not always work). • Lack of transparency. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • Austin Energy Informed in September 2014 • Front Page of Statesman December 1, 2014 By Lilly Rockwell, Dec 1, 2014 As a luxury home builder, Majd Hinedi lives in pretty nice digs himself. His 6,315-square- foot West Lake Hills home is valued at $1.2 million and sits in a cul-de-sac. According to online real estate database Zillow, it has five bedrooms, a pool and a guest house. But unbeknownst to him, Hinedi has also scored an unusual perk that will help ease his housing costs. He is getting a discounted rate on his water, wastewater and drainage fees by being part of Austin Energy’s “Customer Assistance Program,” which is designed to give reduced rates and fees to low-income customers. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • In 2014, over 1,100 customers were discovered with real- estate assets more than the average cost of homes. • In Summer 2018, customers with high real-estate assets were asked to income qualify. • In late 2020, 124 customers with high real-estate assets still receiving CAP. 11303 Musket Rim 7,100 SF mansion • Tennis Court • Swimming …
My ATX Water PROGRAM UPDATE Water and Wastewater Commission June 2, 2021 My ATX Water Project Network Configuration • Network Overview • Data Collection Unit (DCU) Progress • Meter & MTU Install Progress • Next Steps Data Collection Unit Secure Wireless Network 2 My ATX Water Customer Portal Billing and Data Analytics Data Collection Unit (DCU) Network Deployment Plan/Process (1 of 2) Report Period DCU Pilot Workstream Status 4.28.21 - 5.5.21 DCUs Constructed DCUs Commissioned DCUs Online Completed On Track 18 of 159 18 of 159 18 of 159 • Breakdown by installation type: • Communication Towers: 29 • Includes COA Lattice, Cell, City-owned towers & AW comm towers • AW Elevated Water Towers: 10 • AW Ground Storage Tanks: 13 • Roof Mounts: 5 • New Wood Poles: 44 • Co-Location Wood Poles: 7 • Permit/Approval required • Co-Location Metal Light Poles: 51 • Permit/Approval required Current DCU RF Coverage (Propagation) Model 3 DCU Deployment Coordination Database Data Collection Unit (DCU) 4 DCU Network Deployment Plan/Process (2 of 2) 5 Service Area Deployment • Proposed • Confirmed • Designed • Engineered • Submitted • Permitted • Staked • Installed • Commissioned (@5/5/21 – 18 DCU) 6 Meter Survey & Install Progress (1 of 2) • Data Collection Unit (DCU) Installation Progress • Pre-Install Survey • Communication to Customers • Power BI Dashboard Tracking Pre-Install Survey Completions Meter Survey & Install Progress (2 of 2) 7 • Data Collection Unit (DCU) Installation Progress • Pre-Install Survey • Communication to Customers • Power BI Dashboard Tracking • Meter Installation Progress AMI Meter Install Completions Meter Exchange Process & Progress (Next Steps) 8 Example Batch Deployment Process: DCU NETWORK DEPLOYMENT (Area 1) DCU NETWORK DEPLOYMENT (Area 2) DCU NETWORK DEPLOYMENT (Area 3) DCU Deployment Area ‘n’ Install Survey (Area 1) Meter Installation (Area1) MyATXWater Portal - Preinstall Notification Post Install Door Hangers Initiated Install Survey (Area 2) Meter Installation (Area 2) Per-customer MyATXWater pre-install messages initiated Install Survey (Area 3) Neighborhood Install Signage Posted Customer Mailer (Area 1) Pre-Survey Community Outreach (area 1) Meter Installation (Area 3) Survey/Install (Area ‘n’) NOTE: Deployment Activities Repeat in same order Meter Deployment Forecast Meter Install Monitoring Dashboard Snapshots Area Pilot (~4860 meters) Post-Pilot (Area 1) Post-Pilot (Area 2) 3-May 10-May 17-May May 24- June 25 Jun 28-July 30 4569 70 110 ~170 940 1300 Prior Completed Week/month Installs (complete or forecast) My ATX Water COMMUNICATIONS …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements June 2021 Updates Heidi Tse, PWD - Capital Delivery Project Manager o Request to increase PSA Authority for City Council’s approval on 6/3/21 Increase from $2.5M to $3.9M to cover CD - Post Construction Phase Services o Virtual (1.5 day) Charrette was held on May 13th & 17th utilizing Miro Board o In-Person on site (2 half days) Charrette will be held on June 7th & 8th. o Geotechnical Engineering on site boring will be targeted for June 9-19th pending weather conditions o Pink Consulting Kick-Off Meeting on May 27 for Community Outreach planning for Schematic Design o Three Community Meetings targeting August (Day, Night, & Saturday) o Combining Small Groups o Methods
Photo: Samuel Huston College Summer Convocation, 1947 Source: College History Garden via Pinterest TRANSLATING COMMUNITY HISTORY JUNE 2, 2021 NPS UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES GRANT Increase listings associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register DESIGNATED HISTORIC RESOURCES (2017) PROJECT GOALS 1) Develop a model for proactive community engagement 2) Build community partnerships 3) Creatively link history to people’s lives 4) Begin to address shortage of historically designated properties with racially and culturally diverse associations PROJECT PARTS 1) Community engagement 2) Heritage projects 3) National Register nominations 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER GROUP African American Resource Advisory Commission Austin History Center Blackshear Bridge Carver Center Huston-Tillotson University Preservation Austin Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District (initial participant) Neighborhood residents District 1 Council office representative MEXICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER GROUP Austin History Center Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission Mexic-Arte Museum Mexican American Cultural Center Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin Tejano Trails/National Park Service Neighborhood residents 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Outreach materials Engagement strategies Meeting recap Additional outreach Project introduction Select focus areas Heritage project brainstorm Heritage project overview w/ team Nov 2018 2019 May July Aug Sept Oct March 2020 Community stakeholder group meetings (2 each) Neighborhood meetings 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Spread from College Heights/African American Heritage catalog 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Spread from South East Austin/Mexican American Heritage catalog 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Screenshot from South East Austin/Mexican American Heritage video 3 FOCUS AREAS College Heights South East Austin 3 NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS KEY PARTNERS Huston-Tillotson University City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Huston- Tillotson University Parque Zaragoza 3 PARQUE ZARAGOZA Austin History Center, 1950 Parks and Recreation Dept., n.d. 3 HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY The Ramshorn Journal, Apr. 1963, courtesy Huston-Tillotson University Archives The Ramshead Yearbook, ca. 1959, courtesy Huston-Tillotson University Archives www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Navasota and Holly, ca. 1950s, Austin History Center
PROBLEMS WITH AUSTIN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Water and Wastewater Commission Paul Robbins June 2, 2021 What Is CAP? • Low-income discount program for Austin utilities. • Begun in 1985 with much smaller participation; Austin Water joined 2009; program greatly expanded in 2013. • About $11 million/year for water bill discounts. • Over $500 annually for SF water-bill discount; 50% saving for a SF bill. • About $200 annually for new MF discount. • About 14,000 CAP SF Water participants (6% of total); about 22,000 MF Water participants will be added this year. How Do Customers Participate in CAP? • 5 out of 6 participants are automatically enrolled if someone in the home is on one of 7 social service programs (e.g., SSI, CHIP, Food Stamps). • 1 out of 6 participants income qualify if their household makes no more than 200% of the poverty level. • SPECIAL: Homes with over $250,000 in improvement values or whose owner own more than one property must (supposedly) income qualify. What Are the Problems with CAP? • Discounts still going to customers with high real-estate assets almost 7 years after problem is discovered. • No income qualifications for customers without high real- estate assets (Auto-enrollment does not always work). • Lack of transparency. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • Austin Energy Informed in September 2014 • Front Page of Statesman December 1, 2014 By Lilly Rockwell, Dec 1, 2014 As a luxury home builder, Majd Hinedi lives in pretty nice digs himself. His 6,315-square- foot West Lake Hills home is valued at $1.2 million and sits in a cul-de-sac. According to online real estate database Zillow, it has five bedrooms, a pool and a guest house. But unbeknownst to him, Hinedi has also scored an unusual perk that will help ease his housing costs. He is getting a discounted rate on his water, wastewater and drainage fees by being part of Austin Energy’s “Customer Assistance Program,” which is designed to give reduced rates and fees to low-income customers. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • In 2014, over 1,100 customers were discovered with real- estate assets more than the average cost of homes. • In Summer 2018, customers with high real-estate assets were asked to income qualify. • In late 2020, 123 customers with high real-estate assets still receiving CAP. 11303 Musket Rim 7,100 SF mansion • Tennis Court • Swimming …
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin, Texas is seeking an Administrative Manager to oversee the daily operations of the Commission. The Administrative Manager will ensure the Commission operates smoothly and efficiently by supporting and enabling relationship-building, managing communications, convenings, and scheduling across a spectrum of complex calendars. The Administrative Manager will schedule and oversee the Commission’s weekly meetings and assist the Chair and Vice Chair with agenda creation and minutes. The Administrative Manager will also work alongside subcommittees to: schedule and secure venue space for required public hearings throughout Austin, monitor Commission budget and expenses, field media inquiries and assist the commission with social media and website management. The Administrative Manager will serve at the pleasure of the Commission until a redistricting plan has been fully adopted and any challenges to it resolved, estimated to be five months starting July 2021. This full-time position is located in Austin with a salary of $50,000. Administrative Manager Responsibilities: ● Supervising the day-to-day operations of the Commission. ● Ensuring the Commission is prepared for weekly meetings with necessary materials and information. Working on agenda creation and taking minutes. ● Working with various subcommittees to track budget, monitor spending, manage a city credit card, receive receipts, and process expenses and reimbursements. ● Planning, scheduling, and promoting Commission events, including but not limited to meetings, public hearings, interviews, orientations, and training sessions. ● Collecting, organizing, and storing information using computers and filing systems. ● Overseeing special projects and tracking progress towards Commission goals. Administrative Manager Required Qualifications: ● Five years of related experience. ● Exceptional leadership and time, task, and resource management skills. ● Strong problem solving, critical thinking, coaching, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills. ● Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office. ● Ability to plan for and keep track of multiple projects and deadlines. Administrative Manager Preferred Qualifications: ● Familiarity with budget planning and enforcement, human resources, and customer service procedures. ● Experience with website management. ● Experience with public and media relations, and social media management. ● Prior public service experience. ● Bilingual (Spanish). To apply, first make sure you meet eligibility requirements above. Then submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, by 5 pm on June 18, 2021 to Matt Dugan at matthew.dugan@austintexas.gov
Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin Job Announcement Legal Counsel Number of Vacancies: 1 The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) of Austin, Texas is seeking Legal Counsel to manage all operational (such as state law and city policies affecting meetings and records) and Redistricting and Compliance matters. Counsel shall serve as the liaison between the Commission and the City of Austin Staff with respect to legal items on redistricting matters and maps and shall provide advice on strategies and implementation of maps for redistricting purposes. Counsel will report to the Commission. This is a 6-month temporary position to extend on an as needed basis. Legal Counsel will work closely with the Commission to defend any action regarding redistricting matters and/or a certified map. Legal Counsel will need to attend all commission meetings and be available to answer commission’s questions outside of scheduled meetings as they arise. Key Areas of Responsibility: ∙ Analyzing legislation and court rulings relative to the Commission. ∙ Ensuring that the Commission complies with Federal, State, and City codes, ordinances, and all applicable laws and regulations. ∙ Prepare operational and administrative reports summarizing activities. ∙ Advise Commission on the Open Meetings Act. ∙ Advise Commission on the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and potential impacts. ∙ Serve as primary counsel for the implementation and legal coordination of the redrawing of the 10 single member districts for the City of Austin. ∙ Provide expert legal advice on the administration and implementation of all redistricting matters. ∙ Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. ∙ Licensed to practice law in Texas. Education Experience: ∙ 5 + years of progressively responsible legal experience with redistricting matters or relevant experience. ∙ Extensive experience in the application of the Open Meetings Act and the public records related thereto. ∙ Demonstrated experience & expertise in implementation and enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. ∙ No significant ties to City of Austin Council members. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: ∙ Superior negotiation, critical and analytical thinking, contract drafting, research, writing, editing, client counseling and organizational skills. ∙ The ability to work well with others; strong relationship-building skills ∙ Good presentation and speaking skills, a willingness to speak to the media on behalf of the Commission. Eligibility Requirements: Within the five years immediately preceding the date of application, neither the applicant nor their spouse have: ∙ Been appointed to, elected to, or …
MAPPING EXPERT Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) of Austin, Texas is seeking an expert in voting-district mapping. The Commission is responsible for adopting a plan to set boundaries of ten districts, each to elect one Austin City Councilor. The Mapping Expert will have experience in creating district maps that have met the requirements of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. You will help Commissioners and staff to obtain, analyze and present statistics on demographics, voting age population and other pertinent data. You will have expertise with mapping software i.e. geographic information systems (GIS). You will also work closely with Commissioners to gain community input at public hearings throughout Austin as required by the Commission. General Information City of Austin voters approved Proposition 3, a City Charter amendment commonly referred to as “10-ONE” in November 2012. The Charter amendment provides for the election of City Council Members from 10 geographic single-member districts with the Mayor elected from the City at-large, beginning with the November 2014 election. The Contractor will have experience in creating district maps that have met the requirements of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Contractor will help Commissioners and staff to obtain, analyze and present statistics on demographics, voting age population and other pertinent data. Contractor will have expertise with mapping software i.e. geographic information systems (GIS) and will work closely with Commissioners to gain community input at public hearings throughout Austin as required by the Commission. The contractor will report to the ICRC and serve at the pleasure of the Commission until a redistricting plan has been fully adopted and any challenges to it resolved, estimated to be six months starting as soon as possible. The Commission’s Duties 1. Conduct duties with integrity and fairness; 2. Conduct an open and transparent process to enable full public consideration of and comment on the drawing of district lines to include an open hearing process; 3. Draw district lines in accordance with specific redistricting criteria in the Charter; 4. Adopt a final redistricting plan and certify the plan to the Austin City Council; 5. Issue a report that explains the basis on which the Commission made its decisions. The contractor for this position will report to and serve at the pleasure of the Commission until a redistricting plan has been adopted and any challenges to it resolved, starting no later …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION South Central Waterfront Advisory Board Recommendation Number: (20210602-3a): Resolution Recommending a South Central Waterfront Committee of the Austin Economic Development Corporation Board Whereas: The City Council of Austin (“the Council”) resolved to initiate a comprehensive small-area plan for the South Central Waterfront. The August 2013 Council resolution cites that this area faces unique challenges as development pressures rise, and that the current land development codes and the waterfront overlay ordinance are not adequate to guide development in a way that will fully achieve the goals of the Town Lake Corridor Study. Whereas: The South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan was adopted by Council as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan on June 16th, 2016. Whereas: In adopting the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan, the City Council cited key findings from preliminary studies which advised that zoning ordinances alone were not adequate to guide development in a way to achieve community values that date back to the Town Lake Corridor Study of 1985. These values include enhanced public access to the shore, expanded open space, ensuring quality design, and the maximization of water quality. More recent public engagement, and the adoption of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, expanded the list of community desires to include more affordable housing and sustainable technologies. Whereas: In 2016 Council created the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board (“the Board”) to provide continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South Central Waterfront Plan moves toward implementation and to provide recommendations to the City Council regarding plan implementation. Whereas: The Board is made up of not only experts in their field but community members who live near the project area whose input has been and will continue to be imperative to this process. More importantly, community input is critical to the success of the project to ensure the City continues to foster meaningful community engagement through a process that is transparent and in the best interest of not just the residents of the immediate surrounding area, but the city as a whole. Whereas: Included in the South Central Waterfront Plan approved by Council in 2016 was the recommendation to form a development corporation, specific to the South Central Waterfront area, which could provide the district with a suite of predevelopment and development services to assist the execution of both public and private projects within the district. This development corporation could facilitate …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 2, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Katie Coyne Perry Bedford Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Commissioners Absent: Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Staff in Attendance: Brent Bellinger Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Liz Johnston Stevie Greathouse Mark Walters CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the May 19, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the May 19, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Guerrero and Ramberg were absent. 1 2. 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Palm District Planning Initiative—Stevie Greathouse and Mark Walters, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Update on Lady Bird Lake Harmful Algal Proliferation—Brent Bellinger, Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, Richard Brimer Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, gave an update on the Urban Forestry Committee. b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne Katie Coyne gave an update on the Joint Sustainability Committee. c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Kevin Ramberg d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Linda Guerrero and Pam Thompson e. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Linda Guerrero FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discuss Environmental Commission retreat scheduling and agenda items Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chair Coyne adjourned the meeting at 7:47 P.M. 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 before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed …
Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) June 2, 2021 at 3:00 pm VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING Hoang Le Shaina Kambo Sara Inés Calderón Selina Yee Christina Puentes Whitney Finch Joshua Blank Members Absent Whitney Finch Staff Members Present Matthew Dugan CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Prabhu Kannan Brigham Morris Errol Hardin Eugene Schneider Erin Dempsey Luis Gonzalez Dr. Sterling Lands Members Present Christina Puentes Luis Gonzalez Errol Hardin Prabhu Kannan Brigham Morris Eugene Schneider Dr. Sterling Lands Hoang Le Shaina Kambo Sara Inés Calderón Selina Yee Erin Dempsey MINUTES Meeting goals: Approve job descriptions and where to post, request volunteers for subcommittee roles, follow-up on city updates, confirm with all commissioners the completion of trainings, discuss importance of our commitment to ICRC, and decide on meeting cadence through November 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Puentes called the meeting to order at 3:02pm with 13 members present. Commissioner Finch has resigned from the ICRC. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first three 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. Fred Lewis and Peck Young (NAACP Committee on Redistricting) addressed the ICRC. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On Commissioner Land’s motion, Commissioner Gonzalez’s second the May 21, 2021, minutes were approved unanimously. 2. OLD BUSINESS The ICRC may discuss and take action on the following agenda items A. Vote on Chair and Vice Chair On Commissioner Yee’s motion, Commissioner Schneider’s second, the ICRC voted unanimously to elect Interim Chair Puentes and Interim Vice Chair Gonzalez to continue serving in their roles permanently. 3. NEW BUSINESS The ICRC may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: A. Icebreaker: What do you hope returns to “normal” in a post-COVID world? What do you hope does not return to “normal”? Vice Chair Gonzalez lead the icebreaker activity. This item was tabled for a future meeting. B. Presentation on Robert’s Rules of Order: League of Women Voters C. Review staff job descriptions from Hiring Working Group (Legal Counsel, Administrative Manager, Mapping Consultant) Commissioner Kannan made a motion to poll the members regarding meeting in person, and Commissioner Schneider seconded the motion. Following discussion, the commission voted in favor of conducting meetings in person as needed or possible, on a 12-1-0 vote, with Commissioner Dempsey voting nay. Following discussion and suggested edits regarding the job descriptions, Commissioner Lands moved …
Water & Wastewater Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 2, 2021 Approved: July 14, 2021 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on June 2, 2021 via videoconference, in Austin, Texas. AGENDA Commissioners: William Moriarty, (Mayor) Chien Lee, Chair (District 4) Jesse Penn (District 1) Vacant (District 2) Travis Michel (District 3) Commissioners in Attendance: William Moriarty, Jesse Penn, Travis Michel, Chien Lee, Christianne Castleberry, Judy Musgrove, Christy Williams, Grant Fisher, Susan Turrieta Christianne Castleberry, Vice Chair (District 5) Grant Fisher (District 9) Vacant (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Susan Turrieta (District 10) Christy Williams (District 8) CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by Chair Chien Lee. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered for Citizen Communications. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the May 5, 2021 Water and Wastewater regular called meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote on Commissioner Turrieta’s motion and Commissioner Michel’s second with two vacancies. B. ITEMS FOR COMMISSION’S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL 1. Recommend approval to award and execute a construction contract with Underground Water Solutions Co., (MBE) for the West 9th and 12th Streets Water and Wastewater Renewal project in the amount of $1,886,023.24 plus a $188,602.32, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,074,625.56. (District 9) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on a 9-0 vote on Vice-Chair Castleberry’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second and two vacancies. 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 Blanca Madriz at Austin Water, 512-972-0115 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Blanca Madriz at Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov. Water & Wastewater Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 2, 2021 Approved: July 14, 2021 2. Recommend approval to award and execute a construction contract with Mechanical & Process Systems, LLC (MBE), for the Davis Water Treatment Plant Gas Heater Replacements project in the amount of $377,777 plus a $37,777.70 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $415,554.70. (District 10) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on …
