Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 25, 2025 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 25, 2025 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Silva called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daniela Silva, Vice Chair Melissa Ruiz Brian Peña Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ivanna Neri, Chair Amanda Afifi Lyssette Galvan Jesus Perales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on February 25, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on February 25, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Peña’s motion, Commissioner Perales’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Castañeda and Jackson were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of the undocumented immigrant policy at the Austin Police Department. Presentation by Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Austin Police Department, and Fausto Rodriguez, Executive Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 25, 2025 The presentation was made by Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Austin Police Department, Fausto Rodriguez, Executive Lieutenant, Austin Police Department, and Sadot Azzua, Public Information Specialist Senior, Communications and Public Information Office. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION 3. Report of recommendations from the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Working Group. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. The motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Recommendation was made by Commissioner Perales and seconded by Commissioner Peña. The following amendment was made by Vice Chair Silva, seconded by Commissioner Perales. The amendment was to insert the following to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Recommendation. “Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Recommendation As in previous years, affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. The Family Stabilization Program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing. The current pilot funds are primarily helping people of color, including Hispanic or Latino/a/x families. Additionally, over half of the participants identify as African American or Latina women. Last year, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommended ongoing funding …
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 25-26 Action Plan for federal grants. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. These grants are part of a 5-year cycle. Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 2 HUD Funding Sources 3 Programs & Activities Overview FY 23-24 4 Goals & Outcomes FY 23-24 5 Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 2024 Median Income for family of 4: $126,000 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback from Boards & Commissions Transparency & Accountability What is the total funding for housing programs? What has changed since you came to us last? How are you holding partners accountable? Outreach and Engagement How are you reaching our community? Data and Impact How great is the need? How are you serving our community? Funding Possibilities Programs and projects specific to each community Disappointment and Distrust More questions than input Calls for accountability Hispanic /Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission The commissioners expressed a desire to understand more about the full budget for the Housing Department and all of its funding sources. They wanted to know how great the need is, what resources were available to address the needs, and what gaps exist for people applying for services and not being served. They expressed the importance of talking directly with recipients of services and not just the staff of service providers. Language access was discussed as an important element in connecting with community members 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback Data and Impact Transparency Outreach to vulnerable communities Progress and Commitments New policy and …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the URBAN RENEWAL BOARD April 21, 2025, 6:00 P.M. STREET JONES BUILDING, ROOM 400A 1000 EAST 11TH ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702 Some members of the Urban Renewal Board may be participating by videoconference and a quorum will be present at the location identified above. 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 Hunter Maples, (512) 974-3120 or hunter.maples@austintexas.gov. The Urban Renewal Board reserves the right to go into closed session to discuss any of the items on this agenda as permitted by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, 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 Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on February 24, 2025 1 of 2 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion related to the Urban Renewal Plan amendment process (Hunter Maples, Housing Department) Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin and Pleasant Hill Collaborative, including project status and anticipated timeline (Lex Miller, Rally Austin, Jen Boss, Hayat Brown, Sean Garretson and Garrett Scharton, Pleasant Hill Collaborative) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS EXECUTIVE SESSION 4. 5. Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code) Discuss real estate matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Real Property - Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
DRAFT MINUTES URBAN RENEWAL BOARD March 24, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Commissioners Byron Davis, Kobla Tetey, and Jacqueline Watson, and Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: No members attended remotely. Board Members Absent/off the dais at call to order: Commissioner Tam Hawkins and Amit Motwani were absent. CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar, called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. with five members present. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Harold McMilan and Sean Garretson addressed the board on item two. Paul Stables addressed the board on item three. 1 of 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on February 24, 2025 On Commissioner Watson’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Davis, the minutes from February 24, 2025, were approved with a vote of 5-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin and Pleasant Hill Collaborative, including project status and anticipated timeline (Lex Miller, Rally Austin, Jen Boss, Hayat Brown, Sean Garretson and Garrett Scharton, Pleasant Hill Collaborative) Harold McMilan and Sean Garretson from Pleasant Hill Collaborative addressed the board. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the request to amend the Urban Renewal Plan to allow additional uses at 1201 E 11th St. Hunter Maples from the City of Austin Housing Department provided the update. Paul Staples updated the board on the rezoning of 11th St. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discuss and approve further action in support of the Urban Renewal Board Recommendation to City Council related to the upcoming budget cycle for the Urban Renewal Board Assistant Director Anne Eaton of the Economic Development Department addressed the board. Director Angela Means, Office of Arts, Cultural Music and Entertainment, addressed the board. On Commissioner Watson’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Davis, Chair Escobar was authorized to submit …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD April 21, 2025, 6:00 P.M. STREET JONES BUILDING, ROOM 400A 1000 EAST 11TH ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Commissioners Byron Davis, Kobla Tetey, and Amit Motwani, and Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce attended remotely. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Pierce attended remotely. Board Members Absent/off the dais at call to order: Commissioner Watson and Commissioner Tam Hawkins were absent. CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. with five members present. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Eric Standridge addressed the board regarding the URB meeting recordings' inaudibility and meeting location. 1 of 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on March 24, 2025 On Commissioner Tetey’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Motwani’s, the minutes from March 24, 2025, were approved with a vote of 5-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion related to the Urban Renewal Plan amendment process (Hunter Maples, Housing Department) Hunter Maples from the City of Austin Housing Department provided the update. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin and Pleasant Hill Collaborative, including project status and anticipated timeline (Lex Miller, Rally Austin, Jen Boss, Hayat Brown, Sean Garretson and Garrett Scharton, Pleasant Hill Collaborative) Anne Gatling Haynes, Rally Austin, gave the update. Sean Garretson, Pleasant Hill Collaborative, addressed the board. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS EXECUTIVE SESSION Chair Escobar recessed the regular meeting and called the Executive Session to order at 6:34 p.m. 4. 5. Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code) Discuss real estate matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Real Property …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the 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, contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Kitty McLeod Katie Coyne VACANT Brigitte Bandit Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) District 5 KB Brookins VACANT J. Scott Neal (Chair) Garry Brown District 6 District 7 District 8 Morgan Davis Taylor Treviño CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Commissioner Mariana Krueger Appointment District 9 Brandon Wollerson District 10 Rocío Fierro-Pérez Mayor Alexander Andersen Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder 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 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's special called meeting on March 17, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS Page 1 of 4 2. Presentation regarding LGBTQIA+ related bills and actions in the 2025 Texas Legislature session. Presentation by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. 3. Discussion with Austin Police Department on the state of its and its officers’ relations with the LGBTQIA+ community, including existing, pending and potential efforts to improve understanding, relations, and accountability. 4. Discussion regarding feedback from members of the public about amenities, services, programs, missions, and visions prioritized at a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, including those garnered from Mentimeter survey results. 5. Discussion regarding the location, date, procedures, and topics to be discussed at a potential LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission retreat. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Recommendation to the commission from the Task Force Candidate Selection Working Group on suggested candidates to serve on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Task Force as described in Resolution 20240814-022. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommended list of candidates to …
Task Force Selection Criteria Italicized are preferred experience 1. Professional Experience and Expertise: ○ Candidates should have experience in the planning, funding, or construction/founding of community/cultural centers, with preference given to those serving the LGBTQ+ community. ○ Experience in navigating government bureaucracy or in fundraising and development within nonprofit or governmental contexts. ○ Experience in the following fields: affordable housing, healthcare, community and regional/urban planning, architecture, foundations, non-profit management, and public administration ○ Prior involvement in significant ($100,000+) fundraising campaigns that demonstrate capability in securing large-scale funding for major projects. ○ Prior involvement in bond elections is highly regarded. 2. Organizational Representation: ○ Each candidate must represent a distinct organization or community group, with a limit of one representative per organization to ensure a diverse range of insights and avoid conflicts of interest. ○ Preference for candidates representing organizations that have a vested interest in the success of LGBTQ+ community initiatives, including historical contributions to such causes. 3. Diversity and Inclusion: ○ The selection process should prioritize diversity in terms of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion, age, and professional background to reflect the community's spectrum. ○ Efforts should be made to include voices from underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ community (example: youth, elders, BIPOC, people with disabilities, queer immigrants, unhoused/previously unhoused, working class), ensuring that the task force’s composition mirrors the community’s diversity. 4. Local Community Ties: ○ Candidates should have a history of doing community-engaged services, advocacy, or development activities. ○ One or more candidates should have ties to ongoing cultural center efforts (ex: the Black Embassy, the Veteran’s Cultural Center, the Intergenerational Cultural Center, the Dougherty Arts Center) ○ Strong preference for candidates who have established connections within Austin's local community and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. ○ Strong preference for candidates who have established connections within Austin's local LGBTQ+ community and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. 5. Commitment to Fairness and Transparency: ○ Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in both their professional conduct and their approach to the feasibility study. ○ They should be willing to engage in open dialogues, consider multiple perspectives, work democratically, and actively resolve conflict in a healthy manner. ○ Candidates will agree to prioritize community needs, with particular attention to the most vulnerable parts of the LGBTQ+ community. 6. Conflict of Interest Policy: ○ All …
City Politics Nominee Final List Affiliation Email Phone Nominator T O T A L D esig n/C o n stru ctio n Fin a n ce/F u n draisin g B o n d/P u blic F u n din g L G B T Q +/BIP O C Affiliatio n L G B T Q + Id e ntifie d BIP O C Id e ntifie d L o cal Prese n ce History of E n g a g e m e nt C o nfir m e d C o m m it m e nt to Pro cess N o C o nflict of Interest A n y Oth er C o m m e nts Professional Expertise/Experience Organizational Representation/DEI Community Ties P l a n n i n g P r o g r a m m i n g H o u s i n g C y n t h i a " C y " H e r r e r a 1 A s h W e l l J e r r y J o e 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J i m m y F l a n n i g a n 1 P r i o r C i t y J e r r y J o e 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 M i r i a m C o n n e r 1 C r e a t i v e P o l i c y K C 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 R o d n e y G o n z a l e z 1 f o r m e r A s s t . C i t y M a n a g e r ; S a n M a r c o s A s s t . C i t y M a n a g e r K C 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 D e e p F i n c a i a l B a c k g r o u n d L a u r a E s p a r z a 1 A 3 ( A r …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 17, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, 78752, Room #1401/1402. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocío Fierro-Pérez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Commissioners in attendance remotely: Alexander Andersen Brigitte Bandit Garry Brown Taylor Treviño Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's regular meeting on March 3rd, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Vice Chair Benson and Commissioners Brookins and Wollerson were absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group on budget recommendations for the City of Austin 25-26 Fiscal Year. Recommendations provided by Commissioner Brown. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion regarding the survey status and results from the March 3rd LGBTQ Cultural Center Town Page 1 of 4 Hall. Discussion was held. 4. Discussion regarding potential future recommendations on the scope of the LGBTQ Cultural Center project based on related discussion at the March 3rd LGBTQ Cultural Center Town Hall. Discussion was held. 5. Discussion on the Commission requesting Austin Police Department presence at commission meetings. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation for the City of Austin 2025-26 Fiscal Year on funding for a grant program for local nonprofits that focus on temporary shelters and crisis care for the transgender community in Austin. The recommendation was amended to strike “LGBTQ+ non-profits which are primarily focused on providing temporary housing and crisis care to the local trans population.” and insert “organizations historically serving LGBTQIA+ individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused, with priority to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals.” and “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Austin City Council: Any existing or new FY2026 funding for affordable housing programs at the City prioritizes deeply affordable housing, below 30% MFI, with a focus on ensuring LGBTQIA+ community members are aware of these types of housing resources.” The motion to amend was approved on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 10-0 vote. …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 312 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701, Boards & Commissions Room. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Alexander Andersen Brigitte Bandit KB Brookins Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocio Fierro-Perez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Brandon Wollerson Taylor Trevino Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julian Reyes, APD Misconduct Briana Arredondo, APD Misconduct APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's special called meeting on March 17, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Fierro-Pérez’ motion, Vice Chair Benson’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Wollerson abstained. Commissioner Andersen was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding LGBTQIA+ related bills and actions in the 2025 Texas Legislature session. Presentation by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. The presentation was made by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. Page 1 of 4 3. Discussion with Austin Police Department on the state of its and its officers’ relations with the LGBTQIA+ community, including existing, pending and potential efforts to improve understanding, relations, and accountability. The presentation was made by Robin Henderson, Presentation by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff; Michael Chancellor, Assistant Chief; and Michael Wilmore-Crumrine, Sergeant, Austin Police Department. The commission went into recess on Chair Scott’s motion, Commissioner Brookins’ second, on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. The commission went into recess at 9:20. The meeting was called back to order at 9:39 P.M. 4. Discussion regarding feedback from members of the public about amenities, services, programs, missions, and visions prioritized at a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, including those garnered from Mentimeter survey results. This item was withdrawn on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. 5. Discussion regarding the location, date, procedures, and topics to be discussed at a potential LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission retreat. Discussion was held. The motion to waive the rules and allow the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to meet after 10 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Recommendation …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION April 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS 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 Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Muna Hussaini, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla 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 Arts Commission Regular Meeting on March 24, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the April 7th meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 4. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor and Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the Selection Process Recommendations for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP) Phase II Art in Public Places Projects – Midfield Concourse, Departures Ticketing, Arrivals Baggage Claim, Arrivals Curbside, Elevated Pedestrian Bridge, and Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings. 6. Approve the Selection Process Recommendations for the Walter E. Long and John Treviño, Jr. Metro Parks, Districts 1 & 2. 7. Approve the Final Design for the Austin Public Health / SAFE Alliance Art in Public Places Project – Felipe Gomez. 8. Appoint new representative to the Downtown Commission. 9. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 10. Update from joint Arts/Music Commission Working Group on Urban Core Issues with Commissioners Gray, and Schmalbach (chair). 11. Update …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting April 21, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – March 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget March w/ Encumb Year-to-date w/Encumb Year-End Estimate Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 $1,964,718 $75,089,308 $165,125,756 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $169,486 $7,171,105 $15,762,004 • Total HOT Collections March 2025 = $1,964,718 • 44% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund March 2025 = $169,486 C I T Y O F A U S T I N HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $7,171,105 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions? C I T Y O F A U S T I N
Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Cultural Arts Funding Update April 21, 2025 Agenda 1. CONTRACTS & PAYMENTS 2. CULTURAL ARTS FUNDING UPDATES 3. GRANT FUNDED ACTIVITIES Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 3/19/25) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 197 (98%) 181 (91%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 44 (86%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 35 (100%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $6,127,692 (96%) $6,250,000 $254,000 (99%) $255,000 $251,500 (100%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. Cultural Arts Funding Updates Program Update • ACME Program Evalution and Strategic Plan • Community Feedback • 2020-2025 Data Collection & Analysis • Cultural Funding Guidelines • Language Revision • Working Group Feedback FY 25 Nexus Timeline January 28, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 30, 2026 Nexus application opens Nexus activities begin Latest Nexus Final Report due date Nexus application closes Last day for Nexus activities March 6, 2025 April 30, 2026 FY 25 Elevate Timeline Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Without Borders/Sin Fronteras: A Solo Exhibition February 1 – May 10 DORF (District 5) – DORF Games Y’all April 24 Games Y’all (District 3) – Museum of Human Achievement Lipstick: A Queer Farce April 11 – April 26 Austin Rainbow Theatre (District 9) – Ground Floor Theatre Music Mixer ATX April 24 Music Mixer ATX (District 9) – The Highball I Scream Social featuring Lisa Olstein, Sebastian Páramo, Camari Carter Hawkins, & Ella Kim April 25 Host Publications (District 9) – Alienated Majesty Books C I TY O F A U S T I N FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival April 25 – April 27 Rancho Alegre – Central Machine Works Brewery & Doris Miller Auditorium (ETJ) Madame Butterfly April 25 – April 27 Austin Opera (District 7) – Long Center Austin Blues Festival April 26 – April 27 Clifford Antone Foundation (District 9) – Moody …
Selection Process Recommendations for Phase II AUS Airport Expansion & Development Program AIPP Opportunities Arts Commission Meeting - April 21, 2025 Art In Public Places Austin-Bergstrom International Airport AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II Artist Selection Panel Recommendation Sponsoring Department: Aviation Project Budget: Total $4.7M Midfield Concourse: $400K Departures Ticketing: $1M Arrivals Baggage Claim: $1M Arrivals Curbside: $512K Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: $540K Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings: $416K (x3 = $1.248M) Council District: District 2 Project Manager: Alex Irrera 1 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II PROJECT BACKGROUND Commissioning bodies* sponsored an open call for Texas-based artists/artist- led teams to submit qualifications for design, fabrication, and installation consideration for large to medium-scale interdisciplinary, mixed or multimedia artworks within AUS's Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP). Opportunities were identified as Phase II of the AUS Arts Sites and Opportunities Plan as: • Midfield Concourse • • • • • Departures Ticketing Arrivals Baggage Claim Arrivals Curbside Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings *The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) and Austin- Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 2 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II SOLICITATION PROCESS: Open Call to Texas-Based Artists Evaluation Criteria • Technical skills and aesthetic appeal of past work • Relevant and applicable experience • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability to deliver completed projects on time and within budget 3 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II SELECTION MEMBERS Voting Jesus ‘Cimi’ Alvarado, Muralist, El Paso, TX Danielle Burns Wilson, Executive Director, Project Row Houses, Houston, TX Linda LaMantia, Texas Cultural Trust Board of Directors At-Large & Artist, Laredo, TX Giovani Valderas, Assistant Professor for Painting & Drawing Texas Woman’s University & Artist, Denton, TX Non-Voting Advisory Robert Mercado, Program Manager / Architect, AUS Nick Garcia, Program Design Manager, AEDP, AUS Kristi-Anne Shaer, AIPP Panel Liaison Stephanie Lemmo, AIPP Panel Liaison 4 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II APPLICATION RESULTS 195 COMPLETED APPLICATIONS (68% LOCAL) SELECTION RESULTS MARCH 4, 2025 MARCH 21 & 25 + APRIL 1, 2025 Selection Panel Convened/Reviewed Eligible Completed Applications (4 hours) Selection Panel Convened/Deliberated 15 Artists Interviews (14 hours) AIPP OPPORTUNITY ESTIMATED ARTIST BUDGET RECOMMENDED ARTIST RECOMMENDED ALTERNATE Midfield Concourse Departures Ticketing Arrivals Baggage Claim Arrivals Curbside Elevated Pedestrian Bridge $400,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $512,000 $540,000 Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings $416,000 per crossing Virginia L. Montgomery* Carlyn Ray Gilberto Rocha Jasmine …
• Project: Walter E. Long and John Trevino, Jr Metro Parks • Artist(s): Dharmesh Patel (recommended), John Maisano (alternate) • Phase: Artist Selection • Sponsoring Department: Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) • Project Budget: $100,100 • Council District: District 2 and District 4 • Project Manager: Rebecca Rende and Bryana Iglesias AIPP Panel Meeting Agenda Item #5 Date:04/07/2025 Walter E. Long & John Trevino, Jr Metro Parks Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm to engage the community in which the artwork will be installed • Experience with public art projects of a relatively similar size and scope Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places • Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site and surrounding natural environment • Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment • Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years Walter E. Long & John Trevino, Jr Metro Parks Vision Plan John Trevino, Jr Metro Park Wlater E. Long Metro Park Rendering Artist Selection Process Open Call (publicartist.org) • 33 applications received • AIPP Staff determined 30 applications were eligible Selection Panel Voting Panelists • Celica Ledesma, AIPP artist • • Andrea McDowell, Visual Arts Professional Jacqueline Overby, Austin artist Selection Panel Non-voting Advisors • Alicia Perez Hodge, Community Member • Reynaldo Hernandez, Sponsor Project Manager, Parks & Recreation • D’Anne Williams, Sponsor Project Manager, Parks & Recreation • Mel Fuechec, Capital Delivery Services Associate Project Manager Selection Results • • January 17, 2025, selection panelist were given access to review and score applications February 28, 2025, the selection panel met for four hours and determined one Recommended Artist (Dharmesh Patel) and on Alternate Artist (John Maisano) for the $100,100 commission Recommended Artist: Dharmesh Patel Out of all applicants I felt as if this artist was the most qualified and appropriate choice for this project. The contemporary and cohesive design aesthetic coupled artistic ingenuity and skill are some of the many factors that aided in my voting choice. –Jacqueline Overby I appreciated his use of light in the space. His pieces feel unique and unexpected. – Andrea …
•Project: Family Violence Shelter & Protection Center – SAFE Alliance •Artist: Felipe Gomez •Phase: Final Design •Sponsoring Department: Austin Public Health •Project Budget: $70,000 •Council District: District 1 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Meeting 04/21/2025 Family Violence Shelter & Protection Center Project Background City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 20200604-048 to acquire a former Super 8 Hotel and fund SAFE Alliance to operate and manage the property as a protective shelter from family violence. This is the first time the city has invested in such a shelter in 20 years. I N O T A T N E S E R P FELIPE GOMEZ I , X T N T S U A . R E T N E C E C N E L O V S N E M O W I FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN PROPOSAL MARCH 2025 01 About me 03 Concept Narrative 05 Budget 07 Contact 02 Community Egagement 04 Schedule 06 Site map 07 Thank you Agenda I N O T C U D O R T N I Who is Felipe? Felipe Gomez is a multi-media artist who blends nature, technology, and human emotion through vivid color and layered materials. His work, rooted in surrealism, realism, and geometric abstraction, invites viewers to explore both the external world and their internal landscapes. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and now based in Austin, Texas, Felipe’s influences span fine art and street art, particularly screen-printing, which inspired his signature technique of layered wood. As a full-time artist since 2019, he has developed a practice centered on sculpture, color theory, and modern techniques, seeking to evoke emotional and intellectual reflection in his viewers. THE COMMUNITY SAFE Alliance Womens Violence Center Who they are: The SAFE community consists of women and children who are survivors of family violence and trauma. They are individuals navigating difficult journeys toward safety, healing, and empowerment. What they shared: Through art workshops—painting, sculpting, poetry, and journaling—the participants expressed their thoughts, emotions, and desires for a space of solace and reflection. They seek comfort, safety, and calm in their environment. They value opportunities for self-expression, healing, and connection through creative engagement. They desire art that inspires hope, strength, and growth while honoring their resilience. T R O P E R T N E M E G A G N E Y T I N U M M O C WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS: REFLECTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Painting: …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION April 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 21, April 2025 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman , Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Keyheira Keys, Heidi Schmalbach Board Members Absent: Acia Gray, Muna Hussaini, Faiza Kracheni, Monica Maldonado CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Muna Hussaini, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public comments APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on March 24, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of March 24, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Garza's motion, Commissioner Schmalbach’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner’s Schmalbach and Anderson abstaining and Commissioners Maldonado, Gray, Hussaini, Kracheni and Medicharla absent DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the April 7th meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado No Update Given STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 4. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor and Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer The presentation was made by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor and Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the Selection Process Recommendations for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP) Phase II Art in Public Places Projects – Midfield Concourse, Departures Ticketing, Arrivals Baggage Claim, Arrivals Curbside, Elevated Pedestrian Bridge, and Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings. The presentation was made by Jaime Castillo, Arts in Public Places Manager Motion to approve Selection Process Recommendations for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP) Phase II Art in Public Places Projects – Midfield Concourse, Departures Ticketing, Arrivals Baggage Claim, Arrivals Curbside, Elevated Pedestrian Bridge, and Lower- Level Pedestrian Crossings …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission April 16, 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 Heather Cooke at 512-972-0083 or Heather.Cooke@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) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Vacant (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Vice Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the February 19, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Improvements project Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. 3. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. 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 Heather Cooke at Austin Water, 512-972-0083 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on February 19, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:02 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Susan Turrieta, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Judy Musgrove (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Amanda Marzullo (remote), Alex Navarro, William Moriarty, Jesse Penn Commission Members Absent: Shwetha Pandurangi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no registered public speakers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 15, 2025, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent and Commissioner Marzullo off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the 2020 Bond Substandard Streets Ross Road North with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $29,650,594.00 plus a $2,965,059.40 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $32,615,653.40. Funding in the amount of $29,669,890.33 is available in the Capital Budget of the Transportation and Public Works Department and Funding in the amount of $2,945,763.07 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent and Commissioner Marzullo off the dais. 3. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Service Regulations) to authorize wastewater billing methodology for customers with onsite water reuse systems and customers with evaporative loss from cooling towers. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Recommended on Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ motion and Commissioner Moriarty’s second on a 9-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on proposed ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Service Regulations) to authorize an alternative wastewater billing methodology for customers with onsite water reuse systems and customers with evaporative loss from cooling towers. Supervising Engineer Katherine Jashinski provided a briefing and answered questions from Commissioners 5. Staff briefing on My ATX Water program implementation update. Assistant Director Randi Jenkins provided a briefing and answered questions from Commissioners COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force meeting regarding Water Forward Plan implementation – Commissioner William Moriarty provided an update 7. Update …
Item 2 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Improvements Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. Funding: $4,382,682 is available in the Austin Water Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE / WBE: This contract was awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 7.95% MBE and 92.05% WBE. Prior Council Action: January 23, 2020 – Council approved a contract for engineering services with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., for the Davis WTP Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Improvements project. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The City utilizes surface water resources from impoundments of the Colorado River for its potable water supply. Austin Water operates three existing Water Treatment Plants, which are Ullrich, Davis, and Handcox. The Davis Plant has been in service since 1954 and has a rated treatment capacity of 118 million gallons per day (MGD). The Davis Water Treatment Plant’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition equipment and network infrastructure are essential to the operation of the facility. The existing equipment has exceeded its service life and is now obsolete, no longer supported by the manufacturers, and difficult to maintain. This equipment needs to be replaced and upgraded to maintain reliability. This amendment will provide construction phase engineering services including reviewing project submittals and construction documentation, developing control narratives, providing PLC and top-end programming, testing services and developing record drawings. AUTHORIZATION HISTORY Item 2 DATE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT $1,500,000.00 $2,882,682.00 $4,382,682.00 Total Contract Authorization 01/23/2020 03/27/2025 Proposed (Council) – Construction Phase Engineering Services (Council) – Preliminary and Design Engineering Services CONTRACT HISTORY AMOUNT DATE DESCRIPTION $115,708.88 $1,093,893.51 $80,525.08 $2,882,682.00 $4,172,809.47 Total Contract History 04/30/2020 Preliminary Engineering Services 09/29/2021 SA #1 – Design Engineering Services 03/18/2024 SA #2 – Additional Design Engineering Services Proposed SA #3 – Construction Phase Engineering Services City of Austin Council Meeting Backup Date: April 24, 2025 File ID: 25-0344 Page 1 of 1 Item 2 M/WBE Summary Participation goals stated in the original approved …
Item 3 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. MBE/WBE: Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide software maintenance and support for VertexOne VXSmart utility billing customer service portal. The portal alerts customers when unusual water consumption occurs due to water leaks, high water usage, and also predicts future water bills based on current water usage. Austin Water (AW) relies on VXSmart to provide their utility customers with a portal that provides water usage alerts, notifications, historical water usage billing history, and emergency messaging. Since the installation of this system in 2020, AW has sent over 5.5 million messages which have been read by nearly 70 percent of its customers. These alerts have helped to reduce water waste by over 500 million gallons each calendar year in 2023 and 2024. Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc. is the manufacturer and sole source contractor for VXSmart. AW is unable to procure this software as a service from any other supplier. This contract replaces an existing contract expiring on April 30, 2025. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these services. If this contract is not approved, AW will lose the ability to send water usage alerts and communications to utility customers.
Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Garden Villa Lane Water & Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $8,426,181 plus a $842,619 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $9,268,800. Funding: $5,440,931 is available in Austin Water’s Capital Budget and $3,827,870 is available in the Watershed Protection Department’s Capital Budget. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1025 for these services. The solicitation was issued December 9, 2024, and closed February 6, 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=140140 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 7.17% MBE and 0.83% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Garden Villa Lane Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is a part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks, that are in poor condition, and impact service delivery. The program also coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. Additionally, through a partnership with the Watershed Protection Department (WPD), the project also includes the replacement of existing storm drainpipes to mitigate aging infrastructure and to reduce localized flooding risks. The Garden Villa Lane Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project consists of repairing and replacing existing water and wastewater mains located within Barton Skyway to Cardinal Lane, Garden Villa Court, and Cardinal Lane from 5th Street to Locke Lane. Water system renewal includes approximately 143 linear feet (LF) of 6-inch, 618 LF of 8-inch, and 2,446 LF of 12-inch main along with service lines to individual properties and associated appurtenances. Wastewater system renewal includes approximately 1,825 LF of 8- inch main …
Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with Facilities Rehabilitation Inc., in the amount of $1,042,210 plus a $104,221 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,146,431. Funding: $1,146,431 is available in Austin Water Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1094 for these construction services. The solicitation was issued on November 14, 2024, and closed on January 23, 2025. Of the four 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=141943 . 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 99.33% MBE and 0.67% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks that impact service delivery, including wastewater lines in poor condition within the project area that need replacement. The Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project consists of repairing and replacing existing water and wastewater mains located within Sinclair Ave between 42nd and 44th Streets. Water system renewal includes approximately 810 linear feet of 8-inch main along with service lines to individual properties within associated right of way. Wastewater system renewal includes approximately 895 linear feet of 8-inch main, manholes, and service lines to individual properties. Installation of approximately 150 linear feet of 18” storm drain and equipment is also included. Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Due to the potential for encountering unknown subsurface conditions, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. The project will …
Item 6 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding Undine, LLC’s proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for its customers located in the City’s corporate limits in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: November 8, 2012 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20121108-004 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by PK-RE Development Company, Inc. on a 7-0 vote. May 2, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240502-007 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC on an 11-0 vote. May 30, 2024 – Council set a public hearing to be held on July 18, 2024, to receive comment on the City’s recommendations regarding Undine LLC’s proposed water and wastewater rates. July 18, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240718-115, approved water requested rates and denied wastewater requested rate changes. January 30, 2025 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20250130-005 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer Heather Cooke, 512-972-0083 or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Undine, LLC (Undine), an investor-owned utility with customers in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates to increase water and wastewater rates for its Greenshores customers. Of Undine’s affected 230 water customers and 177 wastewater customers, only a few are within Austin’s corporate limits. The remaining customers’ rates fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Under Texas Water Code Chapter 13, Council is the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits served by non-City utilities. The Council has authority to determine whether the rates, as they affect City residents, are just and reasonable and, that in all other respects, meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings and requires the determination to be made in a public hearing. As also required by …
Item 7 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize a contract for 2025 Facilities - Emergency and Lift Station – IDIQ for Austin Water with Rangeline Utility Services, LLC, in the amount of $7,000,000 for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $21,000,000. Funding: $7,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1080 for these services. The solicitation was issued on January 6, 2025, and closed on February 13, 2025. Of the two 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=141594 . 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 5.37% MBE and 2.52% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: A previous contract was developed to support facility needs such as emergency response services as well as non-emergency improvements for components of the Austin Water system. That contract was approved by Council in 2014 and has been completed and fully expended. This project is the fourth sequence of contracts to deliver Emergency and Lift Station Services and this contract will be used by Austin Water Facility Engineering to address facility emergencies and maintain lift stations. Item 7 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 The work includes but is not limited to emergency on-call response, operations support, and the rehabilitation of existing facilities. The contractor will provide on-call or emergency response services to repair/replace components of the system due to maintenance, failure, etc. 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 …
Item 8 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $45,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for Austin Water’s Polybutylene Pipe Replacement project (also known as the “Municipal Conservation Project”). Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $45,000,000 for Austin Water’s polybutylene pipe replacement project. Austin Water's waterline services replacement program was established to systematically replace water service lines—the small-diameter lines that connect water mains to customer meters—aimed at reducing water loss throughout Austin's distribution system. Polybutylene pipes tend to fail at a disproportionately high rate compared to other materials, such as copper and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This initiative is part of Austin Water’s conservation strategy, which seeks to minimize water loss through the replacement of outdated service lines. Since 2001, Austin Water has been proactively replacing polybutylene and polyethylene services in areas of high static pressure using both internal forces and contractor resources. Under a current amended contract that Council approved on March 27, 2025, Austin Water is replacing approximately 2,200 polybutylene and polyethylene water services with pressures exceeding 105 pounds per square inch in 62 subdivisions across Austin. Construction on this current phase of replacements is currently ongoing and is projected to be completed in Fall 2025. This proposed loan from the Texas Water Development Board will be used to fund an additional phase, to replace another 10,000 polybutylene service lines. The design contract for this next phase will be brought to Council for consideration in Winter 2025.
Item 9 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $10,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for Austin Water’s Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main project (also known as the “Direct Reuse Strategy Project”). Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $10,000,000 for Austin Water’s Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main project. It was initially submitted to the Texas Water Development Board as a “Direct Reuse Strategy”. The Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main project aims to increase the use of reclaimed water and decrease the demand for potable water. It will accomplish this by installing 4,500 linear feet of 24-inch reclaimed water main to expand the reclaimed water distribution system in the Travis Heights neighborhood, specifically along Fairmount Avenue, Alameda Drive, East Side Drive, and Monroe Street. This project will enhance the centralized direct non-potable reuse service area and increase the number of reclaimed water users in Austin. The Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main Project is part of a series of initiatives designed to provide more reliable service to reclaimed water customers. Currently, Austin Water's Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main Project is in the design phase. Once completed, it will deliver reclaimed water to customers for various non-potable uses, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial applications. Austin Water anticipates bringing the related construction contract to Council for award in Winter 2025. This project will be located in Council District 9. Item: 9 ALAMEDADRSCONGRESSAVEROSEDALE TERHILLSIDEAVENICKERSONSTBROOKLYN STMUSIC LNMARIPOSADRCOLLEGE AVEMELISSA LNEVA DRACADEMYDRWOODLANDAVETRAVISHEIGHTSBLVDBRACKENRIDGESTEMONROESTLOCKHARTDRFAIRMOUNTAVEEANNIESTWJAMESSTALTAVISTAAVETHECIRCLECROCKETT STNEWTONSTMILAMPLLELANDSTDRAKEAVEEVASTWMARYSTEGIBSONSTWANNIESTEMILTONSTWMONROESTWGIBSONSTWJOHANNASTWMILTONSTRAVINEDRSUNSETLNPECANGROVERDNEWNINGAVEEASTSIDEDREMARYSTTERRACEDRPARKLNSUNNYLNBICKLERRDProject Location: 5267.075 - Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main02905808701,160145Feet¯ReclaimedWater:Approx.4,500LFProject Limits§¨¦35§¨¦35¬«1¬«1
Item 10 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $65,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) program, for Austin Water’s Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Wall project. Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $65,000,000 for Austin Water’s Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Wall project. The proposed floodwall would be to prevent encroachment of flood waters at Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The flood wall would consist of approximately 5,650 linear feet of sheet pile and 1,600 linear feet of concrete wall, totaling 7,250 linear feet, ranging in height from three feet to ten feet in height. The floodwall also includes seven flood gates to allow pedestrian and vehicular ingress and egress into the plant site. The floodwall will encompass the Walnut Creek WWTP, approximately 63 acres, including the existing 75 million gallon per day (MGD) plant, existing administration and maintenance buildings, existing reclaimed facilities, the proposed 25 MGD plant and proposed wet weather facility. The Walnut Creek WWTP is one of the two major wastewater treatment plants in the City of Austin. The plant is in East Austin, was built in various stages dating back to 1977 and has undergone several expansions. The plant is currently permitted for 75 million gallons per day (MGD) (average daily flow) and a plant expansion is currently underway to increase the capacity to 100 MGD with plans to increase the capacity to 150 MGD as the ultimate plant capacity. The Walnut Creek WWTP service area includes three sewersheds defined as follows: Walnut and Little Walnut; Crosstown tunnel; and Johnny Morris. These three sewersheds effectively cover the COA from immediately north of the Colorado River to the northern limits of the COA and easterly to the plant location. The treatment of wastewater flow from these sewersheds is totally dependent upon the operation of the Walnut Creek WWTP. The plant is …
Recruitment, Retention, &Training Update Israel Custodio, MLS Interim Assistant Director of ELD Water and Wastewater Commission Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Austin Water Organization Chart Current Org Chart 2 Recruitment & Retention 3 Vacancy Percentage by Fiscal Year 14.56% 14.03% 13.96% 12.78% 11.25% 10.55% 10.71% 10.32% 11.63% 12.02% 11.33% 11.40% 10.86% 11.76% 10.95% 11.09% 10.14% 9.55% 10.35% 9.99% 9.70% 10.64% 10.64% 10.21% 9.85% 9.85% 10.14% 9.56% 8.83% 8.40% 8.94% 8.58% 8.58% 8.58% Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb 2022 2023 2024 2025 16.00% 14.00% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% 4 Current Vacancies by Age 7% 21% 1% 40% 1) Less than 3 Months 2) 3-6 Months 3) 6-12 Months 4) 1-2 Years 5) Greater than 2 years 31% 5 Positions Filled Vs. Separations 336 298 190 179 218 120 269 135 Positions Filled Seperations 95 46 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 6 Separations by Source 2025 YTD 2025 6 18 5 18 47 2024 16 30 31 62 139 2023 18 31 2022 4 15 40 49 38 2021 7 13 31 2020 10 43 24 21 45 120 31 107 80 179 81 178 Deceased Terminated Retired Transferred Resigned 7 Training 8 Training In Action Operational Training Division On Boarding Training Technical Job Skills Training Licensure Training 9 The Future is Now 10 Questions?
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 16, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on April 16, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:04 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Susan Turrieta (remote), Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines (presided in person as Chair), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón, Alex Navarro (remote), William Moriarty (remote), Shwetha Pandurangi Commission Members Absent: Amanda Marzullo, Judy Musgrove, Jesse Penn PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no registered public speakers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the February 19, 2025, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Tuñón’s motion and Commissioner Pandurangi’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Marzullo, Musgrove, and Penn absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Improvements project Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. Recommended on Commissioner Turrieta’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Marzullo, Musgrove, and Penn absent. 3. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Turrieta’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Marzullo, Musgrove, and Penn absent. 4. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Garden Villa Lane Water & Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $8,426,181 plus a $842,619 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $9,268,800. Funding: $5,440,931 is available in Austin Water’s Capital Budget and $3,827,870 is available in the Watershed Protection Department’s Capital Budget. Recommended on Commissioner Turrieta’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Marzullo, Musgrove, and Penn absent. 5. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 16, 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 Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Secretary 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 April 2, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Applicant: Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) Location: 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Austin, TX 78724 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%; b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut, and c) LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on Environmental Commission committee membership 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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Cofer called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bobby Levinski, CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Commissioner Schiera abstained. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Recognition of Melinda Schiera for her service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. In response to Council Resolution 20250327-062, consider variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including site-specific amendments to Chapter 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment 1 Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department (WPD) Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Charles Celauro, Austin Water (AW) Bobby Levinski, Save Our Springs Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, WPD Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, AW Erik Kunkel, Capitol Delivery Services A motion to recommend variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including site-specific amendments to Chapter 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project, with additional recommendations, passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Vice Chair Cofer called a recess at 8:43. The meeting reconvened at 8:50. 4. Election of Environmental Commission Officers for May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026 term. A motion to nominate Commissioner Bristol as chair was approved on Commissioner Cofer’s motion on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. A motion to nominate Commissioner Krueger as vice-chair was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Commissioner Brimer nominated Commissioner Sullivan for secretary. Sullivan declined the nomination. A motion to nominate Commissioner Cofer as secretary was …
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A/L5.08 POLLINATOR MIX P EV 1 PLANTING PLAN - POLLINATOR GARDEN 1" = 20'-0" N G A R K I N O PLANT SCHEDULE - POLLINATOR GARDEN SYMBOL CODE QTY BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME SIZE/COND. REMARKS ORNAMENTAL TREES DT2 5 DIOSPYROS TEXANA TEXAS PERSIMMON 45 GAL SYMBOL CODE QTY BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME SIZE SPACING REMARKS SHRUBS AQ 5 ANISACANTHUS QUADRIFIDUS WRIGHTII FLAME ACANTHUS 5 GAL 48" o.c. FULL, MATCHING CT3 38 CONOCLINIUM GREGGII GREGG'S MISTFLOWER 3 GAL 36" o.c. FULL, MATCHING LG2 19 LEUCOPHYLLUM FRUTESCENS `GREEN CLOUD` GREEN CLOUD TEXAS SAGE 5 GAL 48" o.c. FULL, MATCHING RO2 29 ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS ROSEMARY 3 GAL 36" o.c. FULL, MATCHING SC2 18 SANTOLINA CHAMAECYPARISSUS LAVENDER COTTON 3 GAL 36" o.c. FULL, MATCHING SH2 26 SCIRPOIDES HOLOSCHOENUS ROUNDHEAD BULRUSH 5 GAL 36" o.c. TC 65 TEUCRIUM CHAMAEDRYS CREEPING GERMANDER 3 GAL 24" o.c. FULL,MATCHING m o c . s p d o o w t s e w (cid:19) (cid:21) (cid:22) e (cid:87) (cid:76) (cid:88) (cid:54) (cid:15) (cid:92) (cid:83) (cid:91) (cid:40) (cid:70) (cid:68) (cid:83) o (cid:48) (cid:17) (cid:49) (cid:20) (cid:19) (cid:26) (cid:27) (cid:20) (cid:22) (cid:27) (cid:19) (cid:16) (cid:24) (cid:27) (cid:23) (cid:12) (cid:21) (cid:20) (cid:24) (cid:11) e n o h P (cid:28) (cid:24) (cid:26) (cid:27) (cid:26) (cid:59) T (cid:15) n (cid:76) (cid:87) (cid:86) (cid:88) (cid:36) (cid:19) (cid:24) (cid:20) (cid:24) (cid:16) (cid:26) (cid:22) (cid:28) (cid:12) (cid:27) (cid:27) (cid:27) (cid:11) e e r F l l o T . c n I , s e c i v r e S l a n o i s s e f o r P d o o w t s e W 9 6 4 F - . O N N O I T A R T S I G E R M R I F E P B T - 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 1 S L - . O N N O I T A R T S I G E R M R I F S L P B T AUSTIN ECM APPROVED PLANTING - DROUGHT TOLERANT ORNAMENTAL GRASSES MC2 68 MUHLENBERGIA CAPILLARIS PINK MUHLY 5 GAL 36" o.c. FULL, MATCHING PV 45 PANICUM VIRGATUM SWITCH GRASS 5 GAL 36" o.c. FULL, MATCHING DRY CREEK BED ORNAMENTAL GRASSES T Y P . D/L5.08 C/L5.08 B/L5.08 NT 90 NASSELLA TENUISSIMA MEXICAN FEATHER GRASS 3 GAL 18" o.c. FULL, MATCHING SOD CD 2,690 SF CYNODON DACTYLON BERMUDA GRASS SOD SOLID, ROLLED TIGHT, …
FLATZ-130 7400 ZEKELMAN BOULEVARD SP-2024-0298D David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Extraterritorial Jurisdiction • Desired Development Zone • Suburban Classification • Decker Creek Watershed • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features – Critical Water Quality Zone, Wetlands LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION HW130 LOCATION HW130 ELEVATIONS CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONES LOCATION POST OAK SAVANNAH VARIANCE REQUESTS • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 11 feet. • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet and construct a water quality control facility over 4 feet on slopes with a gradient of more than 15%. • Request to vary LDC Sec. 25-8-302 to allow 600 SF of building to be located on slopes over 25%, and 3,000 SF of parking area to be located on slopes over 15%. PROPOSED CUT & FILL PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ON SLOPES VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Requested grading and construction on slopes are not design decisions, and the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. STAFF DETERMINATION Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Staff Conditions: 1. The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. 2. The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being located in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree 3. All new 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. . APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 4/16/2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) LOCATION: 7400 Zekelman BLVD Austin, TX 78724 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, 512-974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Decker Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Suburban Desired Development Zone. REQUEST: Variance requests are as follows: • Request to vary LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: • All new 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. • The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. • The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Ordinance Standard: LDC Sec. 25-8-302 Variance Request: Request to vary LDC Sec. 25-8-302 to allow 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow 3,000 SF of parking area to be located on slopes over 15%. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; Yes. Not allowing the requested 600 SF of building area on slopes over 25%, and 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15% will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. This variance from code is necessary to integrate a typical multifamily housing development within a typical …
