From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Case # PR 25-008236, Sam Fahnestock Tuesday, April 1, 2025 3:11:34 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Mr, Sam Fahnestock, I have been in this neighborhood for over 25 years and wish to vote in favor of demolition of property at 4901 Ridge Oak Dr, Austin, TX 78731. I recognize the property is Mid Century Architecture but feel the neighborhood will be better served redeveloped to current owners desire and design. Thank you for your consideration. -- Marty Richardson CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Comment for Hearing PR-25-008236 - 4901 Ridge Oak Drive, Austin Tuesday, April 1, 2025 11:18:05 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution As a neighbor of this property with a hearing tomorrow (Weds April 2nd), I want to voice support for the new owner to be able to demolish this property and move forward with building a new dwelling. I live three houses down from the property, and while I understand the mission of the preservation society, and for Austin, I feel this property does not qualify and the process should have been started before a seller purchased the property. This property has been in total disrepair since our neighbor Roy (a former UT chemistry professor) moved out several years ago. Nothing has been taken care of, and when the property was being sold, not one person in the neighborhood came forward to speak about it being covered as historical. From my perspective, while there are certainly houses that should be covered by preservation plans, this one does not seem to most neighbors like it should be in the same category as those. In speaking with neighbors surrounding the property, we are all in favor of the plans we've seen for the new dwelling by the new owners. They're planning in building a dwelling that will fit the neighborhood (unlike some of the ones we've seen go up) and it will be a great upgrade to that corner of our street. It also does not seem fair that someone purchases a property, moves forward with millions of dollars and then someone comes out of nowhere stopping the progress once they're ready to get underway. The house as it stands now has been an eyesore, and a place where people have gathered to drink, sit out back and generally not add value to our corner. I do hope my vote is registered on the " approve for removal" side of the vote log . I do not have the letter that some people were submitting, but I wanted to make sure to vote anyway. Appreciate the work your team does, and do look forward to many other houses that do have true historical value being preserved. Elizabeth Whitney Zoller-Hyde 4704 Crestway Drive - corner of Ridge Oak and Crestway Dr CAUTION: This is …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Case PR 25-008236 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Tuesday, April 1, 2025 7:56:12 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Case PR 25-008236 My name is Annell Bay, and I live at 4604 Ridge Oak Drive, Austin, TX, 78731. I am writing to express my support for the demolition of the residence at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. This property has been vacant and unmaintained for at least the decade I have lived here. All in the neighborhood have observed the continued deterioration of the integrity of this abandoned structure. And now, a sudden claim for historical review AFTER the property was finally sold is both an unprofessional and improper process and grossly unfair to the new buyer. If this home is of such historical value, then why hasn’t it been designated so prior to now ? Perhaps if historic value of this property had been identified sooner, it would have been better maintained. At the very least, the long-term abandonment and deterioration of the integrity of the current property at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive should override an arbitrary and sudden new ruling of building requirements. I and many other neighbors welcome finally, the new ownership and investment in this long-neglected property. I urge you approve the demolition. Regards, Annell Bay CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-019 Date: 04/02/2025 Subject: FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Commissioner Heimsath Seconded By: Commissioner Eppright Recommendation FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS the City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission was established in 1974 to promote historic preservation activities in Austin and advise the Austin City Council on matters related to historic preservation; and WHEREAS the purpose of the Historic Landmark Commission is to prepare and periodically revise an inventory of the structures and areas that may be eligible for designation as historic landmarks, most recently completed in 1984; prepare, review, and propose amendments to a citywide Historic Preservation Plan recently updated in 2024; and review requests to establish or remove a historic designation and make recommendations on the requests to the Land Use Commission; and WHEREAS the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan outlines historic preservation policies for the City of Austin to preserve and interpret historic resources in Austin for residents and visitors, with goals including 1) the inventory and protection of historic buildings, structures, sites, places, and districts in neighborhoods throughout the city; and 2) the retention of the character of locally designated historic districts and National Register districts by ensuring development is compatible with the historic character of the districts; and WHEREAS Strategic Direction 2023 includes the honoring and preservation of historical and ethnic heritage as an indicator category, with strategies that include protecting places that reflect Austin’s diverse history and broadening support for and participation in preserving underrepresented histories and resources; and WHEREAS the City Council adopted the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, a historic preservation plan, as an element of the City’s comprehensive plan by ordinance on Dec. 2, 2024; and WHEREAS the City Manager is directed to identify funding to implement the Plan, including but not limited to these near-term items: (1) Evaluation of historic preservation incentives and any changes needed to make them more effective, building on the exploration of TDR; (2) Ready access to professional archaeological and engineering expertise for City staff and the Historic Landmark Commission; (3) Two additional staff members for the Historic Preservation Office to assist with Plan implementation; and 1 of 2 (4) A cultural mapping program to identify significant places, businesses, and other resources, prioritizing communities that have historically been marginalized and neighborhoods where longtime residents face a high risk of displacement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Historic Landmark Commission recommends that the Council allocate …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, April 2nd, 2025 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the 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, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair Roxanne Evans (D-2), Vice COMMISSION MEMBERS: x ab Chair x x x Jeffrey Acton (Mayor) Harrison Eppright (D-1) Kevin Koch (D-3) VACANT (D-4) x ab x ab x Harmony Grogan (D-5) Carl Larosche (D-6) Jaime Alvarez (D-7) Bat Taniguchi (D-9) Trey McWhorter (D-10) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Mary Kahle spoke about the Preservation Austin Homes Tour. 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES (April 2, 2025) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 5, 2025 – Offered for consent approval. CONSENT/CONSENT POSTPONEMENT AGENDA Historic Zoning Applications 2. C14H-2025-0022 – 1701 San Gabriel St. Council District 9 Proposal: Owner-initiated historic zoning. Applicant: Whitehall Co-op City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s request to postpone the public hearing to May 7, 2025. MOTION: Postpone the public hearing to May 7, 2025, per passage of the consent postponement agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote: 7-0. The motion passed. Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 3. HR-2025-026162 – 503 E Mary St. Mary Street Local Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Addition to the rear. Applicant: Miguel Cantu City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Approve the application. MOTION: Approve the application per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Alvarez seconded the motion. Vote: 7-0. The motion passed. National Register District Permit Applications 4. HR-2024-123060 – 1003 Maufrais St. West Line National Register Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Addition and remodel, new construction of a …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 2, 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 Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair Ashika Ganguly 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 Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 5, 2025 1 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS Recognition of Melinda Schiera for her service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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 Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project – Leslie Lilly, Environment Conservation Manager, Watershed Protection Department Election of Environmental Commission Officers for May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026 term. Discussion and possible action on Environmental Commission committee membership Discussion and recommendation on 2026 budget priorities from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Environmental Commissioner Haris Qureshi Discussion and recommendation on City-Wide On-Demand Micro Transit to Parks and Recreation Centers – Environmental Commissioners Richard Brimer and Haris Qureshi FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and …
Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project Capital Improvement Project 3023.046 Leslie Lilly Watershed Protection Environmental Conservation Program Manager C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T W a l n u t C r e e k W W T P C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3 Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 4 Colorado River The Enhancement and Expansion Project C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 5 Construction in the CWQZ LDC 25-8-261 To allow construction of a floodplain wall within a Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ). C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 6 Mitigation for impact to CWQZ C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 7 Construction on Slopes LDC 25-8-301 Administrative approval of roadway or driveway constructed on slopes in excess of 15% C I T Y O F A U S T I …
CIP 3023.046 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: Site-specific amendments and related variances Description: Amends Land Development Code (LDC) Chapter 25-1, 25-5, 25-7, and 25-8 and related variances as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project Proposed Language: Consider an ordinance granting site-specific variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including amendments to Chapter 25-1, 25-5, 25-7, and 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project. Summary of proposed code amendment The amendment under consideration is related to the enhancement and expansion project for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, especially the construction of a floodwall to protect the facility from flood damage. 25-1 General Requirements and Procedures Amendments to this section are proposed to allow certain variances/waivers to be approved administratively instead of by board or commission. 25-5 Site Plans The project includes several site plans for different project phases and requires a modification to Section 25-5-44 to allow concurrent site plans on the same site. Additionally, the construction of the project will extend beyond the 3-year expiration requirement for site plans so, a amendment to 25-5-81 is also proposed. 25-7 Drainage The construction of the project may require a floodplain variance for which an administrative approval process is proposed. 25-8 Environment A significant portion of the property is located within the 100-year floodplain and the Critical Water Quality Zone of Walnut Creek. The site also has a topography that may require variances to cut/fill requirements and restrictions on regulations. Additionally, there are two identified heritage trees that conflict with the proposed alignment of the floodwall. The proposed amendments to chapter 25-8 include: • 25-8-261 (Development in the Critical Water Quality Zone) to allow for the construction of the floodwall within the CWQZ • 25-8-301 (Construction on Slopes) to allow for administrative approval of the realignment of a roadway on slopes in excess of 15% • 25-8-341 (Cut Requirements) to allow for administrative approval of cut up to • 25-8-342 (Fill Requirements) to allow for administrative approval of fill up to 25 ft 25 ft 1 • 25-8-264 & 25-8-263 (Heritage Trees) to allow for administrative approval of CIP 3023.046 removal of two heritage trees Background: The Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) receives wastewater flow from Austin Water's wastewater collection system. The plant was originally built in …
As of March 2025 Members Environmental Commission Committees and Members Committee Name and details Urban Forestry Committee • Per bylaws, the committee is charged with reviewing matters pertaining to the urban forest. • Meets quarterly, during a weekday at the PDC Joint Environmental/Parks Board The duties of the Joint Committee are to review and recommend actions related to the Barton Springs Master Plan • Have not met in recent years 1. Richard Brimer (chair) 2. Mariana Krueger 3. Vacant 4. Vacant 5. Vacant 1. Haris Qureshi 2. Hanna Cofer 3. Vacant 4. Vacant 5. Vacant Joint Sustainability Committee (term: 4 years) Typically meet fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 pm at City Hall Haris Qureshi (primary, 2023) Vacant (alternate) South Central Waterfront Advisory Board (Term: 2 years) Vacant Typically meet the third Monday of every month unless otherwise specified at 6 :00 p.m. at the PDC • • • 1 of 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-006 Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: 2026 Budget Recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, … AND WHEREAS, … AND WHEREAS, … THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission recommends the following budget recommendations, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee: Sustainable Building Budget recommendations: Second by: 1. Water Leak Detection and Repair Programs: In 2023, Austin Water loss was 8,678,000,000 gallons of water which equates to 21.68 gallons per capita per day of water loss. This waste also results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from the energy needed to pump and treat the water. Austin Water’s current budget includes $2 million/year for leak detection and $6 million for repairs, but water waste would be reduced faster with an increased budget. An additional staff person would be needed to help manage the additional work. The Environmental Commission Recommends that the Austin Water water leak detection budget be increased to $3 million/year and the repair budget be increased to $7 million/year, including the addition of one full time staff position to manage the increased work. 2. Residential and Commercial Landscape Conversion Rebates for Water Conservation: During summer months, the use of water dramatically increases, mainly due to the watering of landscapes. Turf areas in particular require the most water per square foot in any landscape. While ordinances for new construction can help reduce the amount of turf areas, existing properties don’t have requirements to adapt their landscapes to conserve water. Reducing the amount of turf grass that requires a lot of water to survive will help conserve water and reduce energy use needed for pumping and treatment. Austin Water should offer more substantial and accessible rebates for landscape conversions. Currently, Austin Water offers a landscape conversion rebate of $100 per 100 square feet, up to a maximum rebate of $3000. Most conversions will be smaller areas and thus, the currently offered rebate amounts don’t incentivize many customers to implement landscape conversions. In 2023, only 19 rebate applications were submitted to Austin Water. Austin 1 of 9 Water should implement a tiered rebate structure that offers more rebate money for smaller areas of landscape conversion for residential properties and should substantially increase the maximum rebate offered. As suggested by the Get Fertilizer Wiser campaign, there should also be incentives that are more easily accessible to individuals who may not need to fully remove turf grass in order to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-007 Seconded By: _____ Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: City-Wide On-Demand Micro Transit to Parks and Recreation Centers Motioned By: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, many of Austin's favorite parks, including Zilker Park, Vic Matthias Shores, Michael Butler Park, Roy G. Guerrero Park, Bull Creek Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt have parking capacity problems on busy days; and WHEREAS, Austin's voters have indicated support for public transit solutions to the extent of willingness to be taxed specifically for solutions; and WHEREAS, On-Demand transit (aka Demand-Response transit), which offers shared-ride van service summoned by cell phone, browser app, or telephone, can provide direct transit from a rider's location to their destination, including any City Park, thus relieving the need to take a personal car; and WHEREAS, compared to conventional fixed-route modes that have first mile/last-mile problems and often involve transfers between vehicles, direct van transit offers an ease-of-use and accessible advantage for carrying recreational equipment, children, and small groups to and from a park; and WHEREAS, by reducing the number of car and truck trips to parks and recreation centers from any city- wide origin, On-Demand transit can reduce the demand for on-site and near on-site parking; and WHEREAS, CapMetro currently offers On-Demand van service (Pickup) in several zones around the city, but only within those zones; WHEREAS, experience in other cities suggests that On-Demand transit can be successfully offered as a citywide service, providing rides between any source and destination within the city; and WHEREAS, the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides similar on demand services for clients in Bastrop, Elgin, La Grange, Lockhart, Marble Falls, and Taylor with connections to larger transit systems at a reasonable price; and WHEREAS, the only public transit to many parks is by fixed route/fixed schedule bus, with many parks having little or no public transit access; and WHEREAS, On-Demand fleets can serve multiple purposes, supporting work commuting on weekdays and recreational commuting during more popular recreational hours; and WHEREAS, public transit agencies typically set On-Demand fares so that rides are affordable for all citizens; and WHEREAS, On-Demand service requires no physical infrastructure, so is more adaptable to long-term changes in the configuration of the city and can be financed with much lower capital expenditure than other forms of public transit with the possible exception of conventional buses; and WHEREAS, commercially available modeling technology is available that would support rich, formal …
1. 2. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 19, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Cofer called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Bristol Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut, Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Paul Gosselink, Development on Shoal Creek APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 5, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 5, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. Commissioners Changsut and Schiera were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS Recognition of Perry Bedford for his service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Presentation and discussion regarding guiding principles and scoring criteria for the 2026 Bond – Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, and Kelly Gagnon, Planner Principal, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY26 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Assistant Director, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department A motion to recommend priorities for Watershed Protection Department’s 2026 budget passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Schiera were absent. Discussion and recommendation on budget priorities from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Harris Qureshi and Perry Bedford, Environmental Commissioners A motion to postpone the Joint Sustainability Committee’s 2026 budget priorities to the April 2nd meeting passed on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Schiera were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Sullivan requested an agenda item to appoint a commissioner to the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board. Elizabeth Funk (Watershed Protection) stated that committee appointments will bee on the April 2nd meeting. Commissioner Brimer mentioned that the Urban Forestry Committee will also need new members. Secretary Bristol reminded the commission that officer elections will also be held at the April 2nd meeting. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Cofer adjourned the meeting at 8:26 pm without objection. 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-003 Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Motioned By: Jennifer Bristol Seconded By: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend Land Development Code (LDC) Chapter 25-1 25-5, 25-7, and 25-8 and related variances as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes on March 27th, 2025 the City Council approved Resolution No. 20250327-062 initiating variances and amendments to the Land Development Code; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands a significant portion of the property is located within the 100-year floodplain and the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) of Walnut Creek, and in the Colorado River watershed; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the amendment with the following conditions: • The project will be required to seek administrative variances for proposed development that exceeds or modifies the requirements of: • 25-8-301 (Construction on Slopes) • 25-8-341 (Cut Requirements) • 25-8-342 (Fill Requirements) • 25-8-264 & 25-8-263 (Heritage Trees) • For administrative variances granted by this ordinance, the project must demonstrate that no feasible, code-compliant design alternatives exist. • The project will be designed to bore the new effluent waterline under Walnut Creek instead of using an open-cut channel. • The project extends the CWQZ associated with the southernmost segment of Walnut Creek to an area 150% the size of the proposed impacted CWQZ. • The project commits to relocation of impacted heritage trees where feasible. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends to amend the Land Development Code with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Increase marking and interpretation of wastewater conservation programs to everyone in 2. Improve incentives for new and remodel construction to utilize water conservation the service area programs approvals zone (CWQZ) 150% to 200% other benefits completion 3. Request additional downstream nutrient meters beyond TCEQ requirements 4. Report back to the Environmental Commission annually on all administrative variance 5. Incorporate natural elements and native Texas plants along the base of the floodwall to 6. Incorporate a tree management plan for the heritage trees and trees planted on the increase biodiversity property and mitigation property 7. Reduce light pollution with dark skies lighting 8. Prioritize purchasing adjacent properties that would increase the critical water quality 9. Extend the CWQZ associated with the southernmost segment of Walnut Creek from 10. …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-006 Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: 2026 Budget Recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Joint Sustainability Committee has considered these items based on requests for input from the Austin City Council AND WHEREAS, these items all would contribute to more sustainable growth and environmental benefits for Austin THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission recommends the following budget items, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee: Sustainable Building Budget recommendations: Second by: David Sullivan 1. Water Leak Detection and Repair Programs: In 2023, Austin Water loss was 8,678,000,000 gallons of water which equates to 21.68 gallons per capita per day of water loss. This waste also results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from the energy needed to pump and treat the water. Austin Water’s current budget includes $2 million/year for leak detection and $6 million for repairs, but water waste would be reduced faster with an increased budget. An additional staff person would be needed to help manage the additional work. The Environmental Commission Recommends that the Austin Water water leak detection budget be increased to $3 million/year and the repair budget be increased to $7 million/year, including the addition of one full time staff position to manage the increased work. 2. Residential and Commercial Landscape Conversion Rebates for Water Conservation: During summer months, the use of water dramatically increases, mainly due to the watering of landscapes. Turf areas in particular require the most water per square foot in any landscape. While ordinances for new construction can help reduce the amount of turf areas, existing properties don’t have requirements to adapt their landscapes to conserve water. Reducing the amount of turf grass that requires a lot of water to survive will help conserve water and reduce energy use needed for pumping and treatment. Austin Water should offer more substantial and accessible rebates for landscape conversions. Currently, Austin Water offers a landscape conversion rebate of $100 per 100 square feet, up to a maximum rebate of $3000. Most conversions will be smaller areas and thus, the currently offered rebate amounts don’t incentivize many customers to implement landscape conversions. In 2023, only 19 rebate applications were submitted to Austin Water. Austin Water should implement a tiered rebate structure that offers more rebate money for 1 of 9 smaller areas of landscape conversion for residential properties and should substantially increase the maximum rebate …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-007 Seconded By: David Sullivan Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: City-Wide On-Demand Micro Transit to Parks and Recreation Centers Motioned By: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, many of Austin's favorite parks, including Zilker Park, Vic Matthias Shores, Michael Butler Park, Roy G. Guerrero Park, Bull Creek Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt have parking capacity problems on busy days; and WHEREAS, Austin's voters have indicated support for public transit solutions to the extent of willingness to be taxed specifically for solutions; and WHEREAS, On-Demand transit (aka Demand-Response transit), which offers shared-ride van service summoned by cell phone, browser app, or telephone, can provide direct transit from a rider's location to their destination, including any City Park, thus relieving the need to take a personal car; and WHEREAS, compared to conventional fixed-route modes that have first mile/last-mile problems and often involve transfers between vehicles, direct van transit offers an ease-of-use and accessible advantage for carrying recreational equipment, children, and small groups to and from a park; and WHEREAS, by reducing the number of car and truck trips to parks and recreation centers from any city- wide origin, On-Demand transit can reduce the demand for on-site and near on-site parking; and WHEREAS, CapMetro currently offers On-Demand van service (Pickup) in several zones around the city, but only within those zones; WHEREAS, experience in other cities suggests that On-Demand transit can be successfully offered as a citywide service, providing rides between any source and destination within the city; and WHEREAS, the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides similar on demand services for clients in Bastrop, Elgin, La Grange, Lockhart, Marble Falls, and Taylor with connections to larger transit systems at a reasonable price; and WHEREAS, the only public transit to many parks is by fixed route/fixed schedule bus, with many parks having little or no public transit access; and WHEREAS, On-Demand fleets can serve multiple purposes, supporting work commuting on weekdays and recreational commuting during more popular recreational hours; and WHEREAS, public transit agencies typically set On-Demand fares so that rides are affordable for all citizens; and WHEREAS, On-Demand service requires no physical infrastructure, so is more adaptable to long-term changes in the configuration of the city and can be financed with much lower capital expenditure than other forms of public transit with the possible exception of conventional buses; and WHEREAS, commercially available modeling technology is available that would support rich, …
Investing in Austin’s Future Environmental Commission April 2, 2025 Charles Celauro, PE Assistant Director, Austin Water Engineering & Technical Services Agenda 1. Wastewater System Overview 2. Plant History 3. Plant Upgrades 4. Walnut Creek Enhancement and Expansion 2 Balcones PP River Place PP Lost Creek PP Dessau PP OSCAR and CLARA Hornsby Bend Biosolids Mngt Plant Thoroughbred Farms PP LEGEND Regional WWTP Solids Management Plant Package Plant (PP) Brushy Creek East WWTP Expansion 3 Wildhorse PP Taylor Lane PP South Austin Regional WWTP Pearce Lane PP Wastewater by the Numbers Austin Water Statics: 2,900 Miles of Gravity Lines 59,000 Manholes 137 Lift Stations 9 Decentralized Package WWTP 1 Jointly Owned Wastewater System Brushy Creek Wastewater System; COA Ownership is 9.87% 2 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plants Walnut Creek & South Austin Regional WWTP 1 Biosolids Plant Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant Walnut Creek WWTP 78 Miles of Force Mains Service Area Map 4 Walnut Creek WWTP South Austin Regional WWTP Plant History 5 Plant History WALNUT CREEK WWTP Rehabilitation and Renewal Projects 1977 – 18 MGD 6 6 Plant History WALNUT CREEK WWTP Rehabilitation and Renewal Projects 1977 – 18 MGD 1987 – 40 MGD 1990 – 60 MGD 1999 – Colorado River Outfall 2005 – 75 MGD 2019 – Optimization & Facility Plan 7 7 EC0 Plant History WALNUT CREEK WWTP Rehabilitation and Renewal Projects 2000 – Reclaimed Water 2005 – Headworks #2 2009 – Electrical Distribution 2013 – Reclaimed Water 2017 – Tertiary Filter 2019 – Secondary Treatment 2020 – Sludge Thickener 2020 – Pump Replacements 2021 – Plant Control & Network 2022 – Gas Scrubber 2025 – Primary and Flow Equalization Basin 8 Upgrading our entire process 9 The expansion will add treatment capacity of 25 million gallons per day. The existing plant is currently permitted to treat 75 million gallons per day. Flows into the plant exceeded 75 percent of its treatment capacity in 2015 and surpassed 90 percent of treatment capacity for three months in 2024. 10 Aging infrastructure will be rebuilt or replaced across the plant with new environmental and operational upgrades incorporated. Process areas to be rebuilt include: • Headworks #1 • Influent Lift Station The treatment process for the existing plant and the expansion will be upgraded to reduce nutrient levels with a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) process, benefiting the health of the Colorado River …
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 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Rabia Shaik Maria Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Distinguished Service Award - Rebecca Austen – To be presented by Council Member Duchen and former Council Member A. Alter PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 5, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on March 26, 2025. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of the Quality of Life Working Group. 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at the Office …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jamie Smith – Girls on the Run Austin Michael Ward Jr – Austin Urban Technology Movement APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 5, 2025. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on February 5, 2025, were approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. 2. Update from Commissioner Scheihing regarding attendance of a recent meeting of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Planning Team. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding the research and writing of Fiscal Year 4. Approve Recommendations to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. The motion to amend was made by Commissioner Scheihing and seconded by Commissioner Veloz Salas. The amendment was to add: “Enhancements that particularly impact women and girls in Austin.” The amendment was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. The motion to approve the recommendation as amended was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. The motion to Reconsider Item 4 was made by Chair Tau, seconded by Vice Chair Bullard and approved on an 8-0 vote. The motion to amend the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Bullard, seconded by Chair Tau. The amendment was to insert “as well as enhancements” after “unmet needs.” The amendment was to also add a bullet point under Description of Recommendation to Council as follows: 2 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 “After-school programming geared toward building positive mental health in girls in Title 1 schools” The amendment was also to delete the word “citizens” and replace it with “residents” under Rationale. The …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:29 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Diana Melendez Shaimaa Zayan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 5, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on March 5, 2025, were approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Scheihing, and Shaik were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on March 26, 2025. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. Postponed without objection. 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of the Quality of Life Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioners Anderson, Veloz Salas, and Zayan to the Quality of Life Working Group was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Scheihing, and Shaik were absent. 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to postpone the officer elections to the next meeting was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Recognition Working Group Update Film Screening Working Group Update Quality of Life Working Group Update Joint Inclusion Committee Update Budget Discussion ADJOURNMENT Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. without objection. 2 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The minutes were approved at the May 7th, 2025 meeting on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zayan was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. 3
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY APRIL 1, 2025, AT 5:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS ASSEMBLY ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation 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 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 please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3593 or meredith.rusin@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday March 3, 2025, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Vacant – (District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman-(District 5) Vacant- (District 6) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Varun Prasad- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair-(District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) 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 Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on March 4, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the 2016 Bond Corridor Construction Update. Presenters: Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan. Presenter: Cole Kitten, Transportation and Public Works Department Facilitator: Susan Somers 4. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way Vacation for 6400 ½ Burleson Road. Presenter: Christopher Bueckert, Transportation and Public Works Department 5. Discussion and approval of a Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendation from the 6. Discussion and possible action regarding officer appointments to the Urban 7. Discussion and possible action regarding an appointment to the Joint Sustainability Urban Transportation Commission. Facilitator: Susan Somers Transportation Commission. Facilitator: Susan Somers Committee (one vacancy). Facilitator: Susan Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the March 19, 2025, meeting. 9. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the March 18, 2025, meeting. 10. …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 4, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair Daniel Kavelman Spencer Schumacher Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler Deshon Brown Justin Jacobson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Larry Akers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on February 4, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 2/4/2025 were approved on Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioner Somer’s second on a 7-0 vote; Commissioners Smith & Buffo absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding guiding principles for the 2026 Bond. The commission received a presentation from Michelle Marx, of the Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the Austin Core Transportation Plan. Public Speaker – Adam Greenfield with Safe Streets Austin 1 DRAFT URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) The commission received a presentation from Cole Kitten, of the Transportation and Public Works Department. Commissioner Kavelman moved to approve the recommendation and Chair Somers seconded the motion. Amendment 1: Chair Somers moved to amend the recommendation to add a first Be It Resolved that reads, “Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that Austin City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation Plan with some potential revisions,” and Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Buffo and Commissioner Smith absent. Amendment 2: Commissioner Schumacher makes a motion to strike the 3rd Be It Resolved (originally the 2nd Be It Resolved) and add the following: Be It Further Resolved, that the UTC recommends the ACT plan continue the protected bike lane on Red River Street from 7th Street to 12th Street, as contemplated by the 2023 Bicycle Plan and the active project listed in the 2025 Local Mobility Annual Plan, to ensure a continuous protected bicycle facility that connects with the protected bike lanes on Robert Dedman Drive; and”. Commissioner Kavelman seconded the motion, and the motion was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Buffo and Commissioner Smith absent. Amendment 3: Commissioner Shumacher makes a motion to amend the 6th Whereas …
CORRIDOR PROGRAM Construction Update Urban Transportation Commission April 1, 2025 Eric Bailey, PE Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Building the City of Austin in collaboration with the community to enrich the experience of all who live, work, and play here. 1 PROGRAM TIMELINE 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Community Engagement Planning Design Construction City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 CORRIDOR MOBILTY PROGRAM OVERVIEW RESOURCES • Corridor Program Construction Updates 2016 Mobility Bond website (AustinTexas.gov/2016Bond) • What’s New: Mobility Annual Plan, upcoming public engagement opportunities, press releases (AustinTexas.gov/WhatsNew) • 2016 Mobility Bond monthly e-Newsletter UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS Construction Complete on: • Burnet AE Drainage ($14M) Construction Continues on: • Airport Blvd. – N. Lamar Blvd. to 55th St. • Bike/Pedestrian improvements across corridors • Signal and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons across corridors • William Cannon Drive – Running Water to McKinney Falls Pkwy (CAMPO grant) Upcoming Bids: • US 183 to Bright Verde Way – April 2025 ($17M) • White Horse Trail to US 183 (IDIQ) – May 2025 ($15M) • Bright Verde Way to Loop 1 – May 2025 ($29M) Recently Awarded: • Slaughter – Mopac to Brodie ($13M) $255M completed, in construction or awaiting notice to proceed • Bike and Pedestrian improvement projects • Signal and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon improvement projects • Multi-modal improvement projects $100-130M in leveraged funds • Grants • Private sector development • Partnering with Local Mobility Programs for greater impact • Partnering with Utility departments for dig-once opportunities $146M to Construction in 2025 AIRPORT BLVD Completed • Intersection @ Oak Springs Dr • Intersection @ Gunter St • North Lamar Blvd to 55th • Intersection @ E 40th St • Intersection @ Harvey St In construction • 55th St to 45th St Construction upcoming • E. MLK Blvd to Mokan Trail Bridge • Mokan Trail Bridge to US 183 • 45th St to E. MLK Blvd 5 N LAMAR BLVD Completed • Signal @ West Grady Dr • Signal @ Cooper Dr • Signal @ Fairfield Dr • Signal @ Powell Ln Construction upcoming • North of Parmer Ln to Howard Ln • Howard Ln Contraflow Bus Lane • US 183 to south of Rundberg Ln • Braker Ln to south of Parmer Ln • Fill Sidewalk Gaps from Rundberg to Parmer 6 BURNET RD Completed • Koenig Ln to White Horse …
A STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION APPLICATION OF BURLESON ROAD ABUTTING 6400-1/2 BURLESON ROAD Urban Transportation Commission April 1st, 2025 Item #? File #2024-130020 LM District 2 Add location map here Abutting property owner: ZIFS Burleson6300 LLC Add aerial picture from property profile generally outline where the vacation area is 6400-1/2 Burleson Road Paved/Developed Right-of-Way Street View A Street View B Vacation tract is approximately 0.9113-acre tract of land All property owners within 300 feet of the vacation area were sent public notices on February 14th, 2025 add to presentation No objections have been received if objections or support were received and not cleared All affected City Departments and external stakeholders have reviewed and recommend approval of this right-of-way vacation application, subject to the conditions on the Master Comment Report submitted with this presentation The City will retain an Electric Easement, and Water and Wastewater Lines Easement for the entire right-of-way area to be vacated How do you plan to develop the area to be vacated? The land is owned in fee by Travis County. Said tract of land was annexed to the City of Austin on April 23, 1987, and became a public right-of- way. The right-of-way will be conveyed to the adjacent owner for redevelopment No active site plan I am happy to answer your questions regarding the right of way process The applicant can answer your questions regarding the abutting property and the proposed development. Thank you for your time! Christopher Bueckert, 512-974-1780
TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: M E M O R A N D U M Urban Transportation Commission Christopher Bueckert, Real Estate Services Agent Land Development Engineering, Transportation and Public Works Department February 26th, 2025 F# 2024-130020 LM Street Right-of-Way Vacation approximately 0.9113-acre tract of land abutting 6400-1/2 Burleson Road Attached is the Application Packet and Master Comment Report pertaining to the street right-of-way vacation application for an approximately 39,697 square foot (0.9113-acre) tract of land, being the paved/developed right- of-way abutting 6400-1/2 Burleson Road, being out of that certain 1.14 acres tract of land, situated in the Santiago Del Valle Survey, Abstract No. 24, conveyed unto George S. Matthews, County Judge of Travis County, and his successors in office, by Deed recorded in Volume 554, Pages 251-252, Deed Records, Travis County. Said tract of land was annexed to the City of Austin on April 23, 1987, and became a public right-of-way. The proposed vacation tract will be added to the abutting: North Tract – 2.6978-acres of land, out of the Santiago Del Valle Grant, situated in Travis County, Texas, by Deed recorded in Document No. 2021236711, Official Public Records of Travis County, Texas; South Tract – 1.1631-acres of land, out of the Santiago Del Valle Grant, Abstract No. 24, situated in Travis County, Texas, by Deed recorded in Document No. 2021272168, Official Public Records of Travis County, Texas. The abutting properties are owned by ZIFS Burleson6300 LLC, a Texas limited liability company. Per the transmittal letter dated September 25, 2024, received by the City of Austin, the applicant states, “How do you plan to develop the area to be vacated? Response: The land is owned in fee by Travis County and will be conveyed to the adjacent owner for redevelopment.” All affected departments and private utility franchise stakeholders have reviewed the application and recommend approval, subject to the reviewers’ conditions shown on the attached Master Comment Report. Per City Code §14-11-71 – Notice to Interested Property Owners Public notice will be sent to owners within 300’ of the area to be vacated. The director of the Public Works Department may approve the application after the 10th day that the notice is issued; and an affected property owner may submit comments regarding the proposed vacation. Public Notice was sent to appropriate parties on February 14, 2025. No objections have been received by staff as of the date of this memorandum. The …
Draft CAMPO 2050 RTP Urban Transportation Commission – April 1, 2025 Agenda • Background on CAMPO RTP • Overview of Draft 2050 RTP • City of Austin Response 2 Background on CAMPO’s 2050 RTP Background Key review dates: • The Regional Transportation Plan • 2022-2023: (RTP) provides goals, policies, and performance measures for regional transportation planning. Includes a fiscally constrained list of regionally significant activities that could be implemented over the plan horizon. • • 20+ year planning horizon, updated every 5 years • CAMPO must adopt the 2050 RTP by • April 2025: May 2025 to comply with federal requirements. 3 Travel Demand Model update • June – August 2024: RTP project submission period • October – December 2024: 1st Round Public Outreach • November – December 2024: Agency discussions about fiscally constrained project list • February – April 2025: 2nd Round Public Outreach TAC recommendation on Final Plan • May 2025: TPB adoption of Final Plan Overview of Draft 2050 RTP • The 2050 RTP includes seven chapters covering: • RTP requirements, goals, and objectives. • Regional trends and transportation needs. • Fiscal constraints and funding estimates. • Prioritization of constrained projects. • Performance modeling, including Title VI • Public involvement and stakeholder feedback. • Federal performance measures and policy analysis. alignment. • The draft project list includes 611 constrained projects* and 401 illustrative projects. • Approximately $67.5 billion over the 25-year planning horizon. 4 Overview of Draft 2050 RTP • Goals: • Safety • Mobility • Stewardship • Economy • Equity • Innovation • Key Policies: • Prioritizing multimodal transportation • Supporting regional connectivity • Managing congestion through TDM and transit investments • Addressing air quality and emissions reduction • Enhancing transportation equity 5 City of Austin Response • 2022-2023: Feedback on Demographics • August 2024: City of Austin submitted project listing worth more than $8 billion • December 2024: Submitted updated project listing based on City’s financial forecast of $4.2 billion. • Updated Project Listing: • 162 constrained projects* (+11 from TIP/2045 RTP) • 163 illustrative projects • Constrained Projects: • Actively being developed using recent mobility bonds • • Higher functional classification and regional Identified as priorities in adopted plans significance • Complete Street projects • Illustrative Projects: • Grouped Projects • Lower functional classification roadways * 75% Active Transportation + 22% Roadway 6 City of Austin Response 7 • Vision Zero & Safety • …
ITEM 10: UPDATE ON 2050 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN (RTP) 1 Local and Regional Plans and Studies CAMPO works with local governments, leadership, and communities to identify and incorporate needs. 3 Project Selection and Funding Local project sponsors submit applications to CAMPO to fund projects identified in the long- range plan. Funding allocation established by the Transportation Improvement Program. 4 Project Implementation Local project sponsors analyze, design, and construct projects. CAMPO’s Planning Process 2 Regional Long-Range Plan CAMPO uses recommendations from plans and studies to create a cohesive, multimodal plan. Local governments participate in plan development. Long range plan does not allocate funding. The 2045 RTP was adopted in May 2020. 25 Development of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) • Requirements of the RTP 20+ year planning horizon Inventory of existing and planned modal systems Prioritized list of regionally significant transportation projects and programs Performance measurement and reporting Fiscal constraint Update every 5 years • 2050 RTP must be adopted by TPB in May 2025 CAMPO Planning Process Informs the 2050 RTP • Completed San Marcos Transportation Corridors Study Bergstrom Spur Corridor Study Regional Traffic Safety Plan Western Caldwell County Transportation Study Congestion Management Process County Thoroughfare Plans Travel Demand Model Update • Ongoing Regional Freight Plan Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Inventory Update Regional Transit Update Project Readiness Program Partnership studies (Georgetown, Buda, Burnet County) Transportation Demand Management Program Mobile Emission Reduction Plan Interchange/Bottleneck Study Early Action Items • 2045 RTP Review – individual meetings with project sponsors • Call for Projects – review procedures and criteria with TAC and host application workshop • Fiscal Constraint – revenue estimation • IIJA Compliance – recommendations for 2050 RTP Tentative Schedule Draft Schedule Subject to Change Date Item Date Item February 2024 TAC Information – Plan process and schedule January 2025 TAC Information – Draft Plan March to May 2024 Project sponsor meetings to review 2045 RTP June to August 2024 Application intake for project call May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 TPB Information – Plan process and schedule; TAC Information – Project call; Project call workshop February 2025 TPB Information – Draft Plan TPB Information - Project call; TAC Information - Fiscal constraint discussion Spring 2025 Second round of public outreach meetings TAC Information – Fiscal constraint discussion TAC Information – Summary of projects received TPB Information – Summary of projects received and fiscal constraint discussion March …
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting June 27, 2022 ITEM 5: DISCUSSION ON NEW 2020 CAMPO TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL UPDATE 2020Travel Demand Model Update Schedule Today WA End 8/1/2023 Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 2023 WA Start 11/22/2021 2022 Data Development Demographic Data and Network Update Model Development and Calibration Up to Six TWG Meetings Documentation /Training Work Completed • Established Technical Working Group (TWG) • Established Stakeholders Group • Completed Covid Impact Review • Completed Census Block/Traffic Analysis Zone review and adjustments • Completed Control Total Memo TWG and Stakeholder Group • Technical Working Group Provides Direction and review for Modeling team Consist of TxDOT, AECOM, TTI, State Demographers office, Capital Metro and CARTS • Stakeholder Group Consist of Counties, Cities and Chambers of Commerce in the Model Area Provides Demographic and Employment forecast data and location information Demographic Forecast Control Totals Fast population growth continues Regional annual population growth rate is 2.37% 2.4 million population (or 1 million families) will be added to the region, or equivalently the current population will be doubled by 2050 Hays County and Williamson County have the highest growth rates, 3.48% and 3.93% Employment Forecast Control Totals Strong economic trend remains Regional employment growth outpaces population growth at an annual growth rate of 2.69% Additional 1.2 million jobs will be created by 2050, more than doubling the current regional employment Hays County and Williamson County have the highest employment growth rates, 4.68% and 3.65%, but Travis County adds most jobs (0.6 million) Moving Forward • Update 2015 Network to 2020 Conditions • Collect/input Stakeholder data into correct year TAZ’s • Prepare UrbanSIM for forecast runs • Hold second TWG meeting Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Today 2023 WA End 8/1/2023 Demographic Data and Network Update Model Development and Calibration Documentation /Training WA Start 11/22/2021 2022 Data Development TWG Meetings • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Technical Advisory Committee Meeting April 24, 2023 ITEM 8: DISCUSSION ON CAMPO TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL UPDATE 2020Travel Demand Model Update Schedule Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Today WA End 8/1/2023 2023 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number: 20250401-003: CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan WHEREAS, 23 USC 134(i)(2)(D) requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop Long Range Transportation Plans; WHEREAS, on January 27, 2025 The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) released its draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP); WHEREAS, the RTP states that the region is growing and that “the regional transportation system plays a key role in where this growth occurs” (p.8); WHEREAS, CAMPO wishes to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (p.75) and supports TxDOT’s Road to Zero goals; WHEREAS, vehicle miles traveled per capita, congestion levels, commute times, and crashes in our region have been increasing and the region is not meeting the safety targets recommended in the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Regional Traffic Safety Plan; WHEREAS, expanding highways leads to developmental sprawl, increases in traffic, air pollution, and per-capita vehicle miles traveled, while failing to relieve congestion; WHEREAS, the draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan proposes adding over 3,000 new lane miles, a 26% increase in roadway capacity (p.57); WHEREAS, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (CTRMA) Mopac South project described in the RTP proposes to add four to seven lanes to Mopac between Enfield Road and Slaughter Lane, and TxDOT’s 183 expansion described in the RTP proposes to add one main lane and three frontage road lanes in each direction between SH 71 and SH 130; WHEREAS, Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-066 requested that CTRMA work with the City of Austin “to refine the proposal for the MoPac South project to align with the goals and intent of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, including the Urban Trails Plan, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and the Project Connect System Plan” and requested that the resulting project not increase vehicle miles traveled nor greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, Council Member Ellis, the resolution’s sponsor and council-district representative of the project area, followed up with a letter requesting that the Mopac South project include no more than one additional lane in each direction; WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court requested that the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with a thorough study of alternatives before moving forward with the project; WHEREAS as of the date of this resolution CTRMA has been unwilling to modify the project or commit to performing a full EIS; WHEREAS, the RTP acknowledges …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20250401-005: FY 26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety-related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. WHEREAS, following the adoption of a biennial budgeting process in 2024, boards and commissions have been encouraged to “focus their discussions on programs and services based on current funding” and “reference materials from the previous year when drafting recommendations;” and WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission previously adopted budget recommendations for FY 2025 in Recommendation No. 20240305-005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) fund the following priorities for the FY 24-25 budget: D R A F T Officers to more efficiently ticket vehicles and implement the “alternative method(s) of enforcement” for illegal parking in bikeways, as required by City Council Resolution 20240404-040. Increase the capacity of the Living Streets program to build out an additional 72 activations during the upcoming fiscal year; ● Funding to purchase technology improvements for Transportation Mobility Service ● Work with the Austin Police Department to purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street ● barricades and to enhance pedestrian safety; Motioned by: Seconded by: Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) D R A F T
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20250401-005: FY 26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety-related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. WHEREAS, following the adoption of a biennial budgeting process in 2024, boards and commissions have been encouraged to “focus their discussions on programs and services based on current funding” and “reference materials from the previous year when drafting recommendations;” and WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission previously adopted budget recommendations for FY 2025 in Recommendation No. 20240305-005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) fund the following priorities for the FY 2025-2026 budget: ● Increase the capacity of the Living Streets program to build out an additional 72 activations during the upcoming fiscal year; ● Funding to purchase technology improvements for Transportation Mobility Service Officers to more efficiently ticket vehicles and implement the “alternative method(s) of enforcement” for illegal parking in bikeways, as required by City Council Resolution 20240404-040; ● Work with the Austin Police Department to purchase additional Meridian Archer ● movable street barricades and to enhance pedestrian safety; and Increase the annual maintenance budget for Sidewalks and Urban Trails from $5.4 million to at least $7.5 million, providing staff discretion in which program to allocate the newly available funds. Motioned by: Commissioner Schumacher Seconded by: Commissioner Somers Date of Approval: 4/1/2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number: 20250401-003: CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan WHEREAS, 23 USC 134(i)(2)(D) requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop Long Range Transportation Plans; WHEREAS, on January 27, 2025 The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) released its draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP); WHEREAS, the RTP states that the region is growing and that “the regional transportation system plays a key role in where this growth occurs” (p.8); WHEREAS, CAMPO wishes to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (p.75) and supports TxDOT’s Road to Zero goals; WHEREAS, vehicle miles traveled per capita, congestion levels, commute times, and crashes in our region have been increasing and the region is not meeting the safety targets recommended in the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Regional Traffic Safety Plan; WHEREAS, expanding highways leads to developmental sprawl, increases in traffic, air pollution, and per-capita vehicle miles traveled, while failing to relieve congestion; WHEREAS, the draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan proposes adding over 3,000 new lane miles, a 26% increase in roadway capacity (p.57); WHEREAS, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (CTRMA) Mopac South project described in the RTP proposes to add four to seven lanes to Mopac between Enfield Road and Slaughter Lane, and TxDOT’s 183 expansion described in the RTP proposes to add one main lane and three frontage road lanes in each direction between SH 71 and SH 130; WHEREAS, Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-066 requested that CTRMA work with the City of Austin “to refine the proposal for the MoPac South project to align with the goals and intent of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, including the Urban Trails Plan, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and the Project Connect System Plan” and requested that the resulting project not increase vehicle miles traveled nor greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, Council Member Ellis, the resolution’s sponsor and council-district representative of the project area, followed up with a letter requesting that the Mopac South project include no more than one additional lane in each direction; WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court requested that the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with a thorough study of alternatives before moving forward with the project; WHEREAS as of the date of this resolution CTRMA has been unwilling to modify the project or commit to performing a full EIS; WHEREAS, the RTP acknowledges …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 1, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Daniel Kavelman Heather Buffo Arlin Alvarez Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Spencer Schumacher Deshon Brown Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Scott Johnson APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on March 4, 2025. Minor edits were made to include Commissioner Alvarez in the list of commissioners absent at the March meeting. The minutes from the meeting of 3/4/2025 were approved on Chair Somer’s motion, Commissioner Kavelman’s second on a 7-0 vote; Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the 2016 Bond Corridor Construction Update. The commission received a presentation from Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) Plan. Public Speaker – Miriam Schoenfield The commission received a presentation from Cole Kitten, of the Transportation and Public Works Department. Amendment 1: Commissioner Brooks moved to amend the recommendation to change the 2nd to last Whereas clause to read “CAMPO did not use UrbanSIM in the same way” and Chair Somers seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. Chair Somers moved to approve the recommendation and Commissioner Buffo seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. 4. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way Vacation for 6400 ½ Burleson Road. The Commission received a presentation from Christopher Bueckert, Transportation and Public Works. Chair Somers’ made a motion to approve the right of way vacation for 6400 ½ Burleson Road, and Commissioner Schumacher seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. 5. Discussion and approval of a Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendation from the Urban Transportation Commission. Public Speaker – Adam Greenfield, Safe Streets Austin Commissioner Schumacher facilitated discussion on this recommendation. Amendment 1: Chair Somers moves to make an amendment to add a fourth bullet point to read “increase the annual …
