Item 16 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 21, 2025 Council: June 5, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize the negotiation and execution of a cost participation agreement with JCI Multifamily, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $897,000.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized wastewater mains and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5442R that will provide wastewater service to proposed multifamily developments located at 14709 Immanuel Road. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Budget of Austin Water. .De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 21, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Weiss Tract Subdivision project consists of approximately 111 acres of land located at 14709 Immanuel Road (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra- Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Gilleland Creek Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. JCI Multifamily, LP (the “Applicant”) is proposing to develop approximately 2,200 multi-family units. The Applicant requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5442R. Austin Water will provide retail water service to the Property as proposed in SER No. 5441R. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Applicant to oversize the gravity wastewater mains in order to serve additional properties within the Gilleland Creek drainage basin consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized mains. The proposed oversized improvements include construction of approximately 1,135 feet of 24-inch gravity wastewater main along Crystal Bend Drive between Dessau Road and Immanuel Road. The City will reimburse the Applicant for an overall total amount not to exceed $897,000.00 for hard costs and soft costs. Hard costs include, but are not limited to, construction and materials. Soft costs include, but are not limited to, preliminary engineering reports, surveying, geotechnical studies, design, and project management The City’s cost participation by project component is as follows: • For costs of the 24-inch wastewater mains (the minimum …
Item 17 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 21, 2025 Council: June 5, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize the negotiation and execution of a cost participation agreement with JCI Multifamily, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $5,313,000.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized water mains and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5441R that will provide water service to proposed multifamily developments located at 14709 Immanuel Road. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Budget of Austin Water. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 21, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Weiss Tract Subdivision project consists of approximately 111 acres of land located at 14709 Immanuel Road (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra- Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water, the Desired Development Zone, and the Gilleland Creek Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. JCI Multifamily, LP (the “Applicant”) is proposing to develop approximately 2,200 multi-family units. The Applicant requested that the City provide water utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5441R. Austin Water will provide retail wastewater service to the Property as proposed in SER No. 5442R. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Applicant to oversize the water mains in order to serve additional properties within the North pressure zone consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized mains. The proposed oversized improvements include construction of: • Approximately 3,900 feet of 24-inch water transmission main from E. Howard Lane north and east along Dessau Road and Crystal Bend Drive to Immanuel Road; and • Approximately 4,000 feet of 36-inch water transmission main from Harris Ridge Blvd. east along E. Howard Lane and Fish Lane to Dessau Road The City will reimburse the Applicant for an overall total amount not to exceed $5,313,000.00 for hard costs and soft costs. Hard costs include, but are not limited to, construction and materials. Soft costs include, but are not limited …
Item 18 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 21, 2025 Council: June 5, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval for Service Extension Request No. 6140 for wastewater service to a 10-acre tract located at 10656 N. FM 620 within the Drinking Water Protection Zone, unincorporated Travis County, and Austin Water’s service area. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water For More Information: Heather Cooke, Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer, 512-972-0083, or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 7, 2025 – Not recommended by Environmental Commission on a vote of 10-0, with Commissioner Sullivan absent. May 21, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The McLemore Tract Multifamily project consists of approximately 10 acres of land located at 10656 N. FM 620 (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within unincorporated Travis County, the City of Austin’s (the “City”) Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for wastewater, the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ), and the Lake Travis Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. Applicant: CWS Capital Partners, LLC (the “Applicant”) is proposing to develop approximately 300 multi-family units. The Applicant requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property and Austin Water has determined the service requirements as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 6140. Austin Water will provide retail water service to the Property as proposed in SER No. 6139. All costs will be paid by the Applicant. City Code § 25-9-35 requires City Council approval for this SER because the Property is not located within either: the Desired Development Zone, or the Drinking Water Protection Zone and within the City’s full-purpose corporate limits Infrastructure Improvements: To serve the Property, the Applicant will be required to construct: Approximately 1,300 feet of 8-inch gravity wastewater main from the N. FM 620 and Foundation Rd. intersection south to the Property, Upgrade of the existing Volente Lift Station to an approximate pumping capacity of 462-gpm, and Approximately 1,875 feet of 12-inch gravity wastewater main along Tanglebriar Trail and El Salido Parkway west of Lake Creek Parkway Item 18 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 21, 2025 Council: June 5, 2025 The proposed wastewater improvements are sized to serve the needs of the Property and will conform to all City Code requirements. Although the Property is located outside of the …
Item 19 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 21, 2025 Council: June 5, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval for Service Extension Request No. 6139 for water service to a 10-acre tract located at 10656 N. FM 620 within the Drinking Water Protection Zone, unincorporated Travis County, and Austin Water’s service area. This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water For More Information: Heather Cooke, Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer, 512-972-0083, or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 7, 2025 – Not recommended by Environmental Commission on a vote of 10-0, with Commissioner Sullivan absent. May 21, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The McLemore Tract Multifamily project consists of approximately 10 acres of land located at 10656 N. FM 620 (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within unincorporated Travis County, the City of Austin’s (the “City”) Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water, the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ), and the Lake Travis Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. Applicant: CWS Capital Partners, LLC (the “Applicant”) is proposing to develop approximately 300 multi-family units. The Applicant requested that the City provide water utility service to the Property and Austin Water has determined the service requirements as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 6139. Austin Water will provide retail wastewater service to the Property as proposed in SER No. 6140. All costs will be paid by the Applicant. City Code § 25-9-35 requires City Council approval for this SER because the Property is not located within either: the Desired Development Zone, or the Drinking Water Protection Zone and within the City’s full-purpose corporate limits Infrastructure Improvements: To serve the Property, the Applicant will be required to construct either: approximately 950 feet of 12-inch water main from the N. FM 620 and Foundation Rd. intersection south to the Property (Option 1), or approximately 1,400 feet of 12-inch water main from the N. FM 620 and Bounder Ln. intersection north to the Property (Option 2) The proposed water improvements are sized to serve the needs of the Property and will conform to all City Code requirements. Although the Property is located outside of the City’s planning jurisdiction, these utility infrastructure improvements will be designed in accordance with the City’s Environmental Criteria Manual and Utilities Criteria Manual, and will be …
Water & Wastewater Commission: May 21, 2025 Council: June 5, 2025 Item 20 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to approve a resolution authorizing amendments to Austin Water’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 GoPurple pilot incentive program for alternative onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connections for new commercial, mixed use and multi-family developments in the total aggregate amount of $4,000,000, not to exceed $1,500,000 per project for affordable housing projects exempt from the GoPurple reuse requirements and not to exceed $500,000 per project for all other projects. Funding in the amount of $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Prior Council Action: November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. December 11, 2019 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on first reading, on a 7-4 vote. February 13, 2020 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on second reading, on a 7-4 vote. December 10, 2020 - City Council approved an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 15-13 relating to treatment, monitoring and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems, on a 10-0 vote. April 22, 2021 – City Council voted to initially approve the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2021 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2022 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 29, 2022 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2023 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. March 7, 2024 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program …
GoPurple Program A m e n d m e n t f o r A f f o r d a b l e H o u s i n g P r o j e c t s Katherine Jashinski, P.E., Supervising Engineer Water and Wastewater Commission May 21, 2025 GoPurple Program: Expanding Water Reuse Austin City Council Adoption on March 7th 2024 Code Changes for Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connections Affordability Strategies for Reuse Projects New community Benefit Charge increase ($0.15 per thousand gallons) to fund Reclaimed Water System expansion and Onsite Reuse programs Go Purple | AustinTexas.gov 2 Exemptions to Code Requirements for Deeply Affordable Housing Projects A development is not required to connect to a reclaimed water line or use reclaimed water when the director of the Housing Department certifies the development is participating in a city, state, or federal program that requires: 1) A minimum of fifty percent on-site income-restricted dwelling units for 60% or lower median family income for rental units; or 2) A minimum of fifty percent on-site income-restricted dwelling units for 80% or lower median family income for ownership units. 3 Direction from Council on Incentives for Deeply Affordable Housing Projects ORDINANCE NO. 20240307-037 “The City Manager is further directed to explore the feasibility of a program to fully subsidize the cost of reclaimed connections, dual use plumbing, and on- site water reuse systems for affordable housing projects that are exempt from the requirements with the goal of implementing a program by April 1st, 2025. The funding should come from sources other than affordable housing programs.” 4 Proposing Increase in Program Cap to $1.5M for Deeply Affordable Housing Projects Incentive Eligible Costs Proposed Changes to Per Project Funding Onsite Water Reuse System Incentive (Existing Incentive) Covers the design and installation costs of a collection and treatment system and dual plumbing Increase the per project cap from $500,000 to $1,500,000 for exempt affordable housing projects Reclaimed Main Extension Cost Share (Existing Incentive) Covers the design and installation cost of public reclaimed water mains Maintain the current per project cap of $500,000 Dual Plumbing Rebate (Proposed Incentive) Covers the design and installation cost of dual plumbing in buildings for reclaimed water service Only exempt affordable housing projects would be eligible for up to $1,000,000 per project 5 Oversight and Management of Program Administration • Current City budget includes a …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Christina Ponder Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez Michael Nahas (Chair) Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Aaron Gonzales Aditi Joshi VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on February 19, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the long-term goals and strategic planning of the Economic Prosperity Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to City Council for the FY2025-26 budget to increase funding of language access resources for small businesses. 4. Approve recommendations to City Council regarding the FY2025-26 budget as it relates to the Economic Prosperity Commission. 5. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Childcare working group regarding a survey of recent license recipients. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Economic Prosperity Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov.
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Michael Nahas (Chair) Amy Rister Raquel Valdez-Sanchez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales Kelsey Hitchingham Amy Noel Ofelia Zapata PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on October 19, 2022. The minutes were approved with an amendment to remove “Chair” from before “Kelsey” and insert “Chair” before “Nathan Ryan” on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Hitchingham’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Item 1 was taken up after Item 2 without objection. 2. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission regular meeting on January 29, 2025. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the long-term goals and strategic planning of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Conduct an emergency election for a Vice Chair of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Commissioner Rister was nominated for the role of Vice Chair by Chair Nahas, second by Commissioner Zapata. Commissioner Rister was elected as Vice Chair on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Zapata’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Item 4 was taken up after Item 5 without objection. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation regarding Chapter 380 programs. The below recommendation was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. WHERE AS: Austin City Council recently approved changes to the Chapter 380 Program under Ordinance No. 20240926-013. WHERE AS: The revised Chapter 380 program guidelines indicate that specific goals for program and project metrics will be defined during the rule promulgation and development phase within the first year of implementation. Effectively, pausing the program for one year. WHERE AS: Publishing a temporary scoring …
Commission Recommendation Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation 20250521-003: Language Access Programs for Entrepreneurs WHEREAS the City of Austin has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic and community potential by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women and minority business owners, through initiatives that reduce economic exclusion and bolster job creation; WHEREAS individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), defined by the federal government as those who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English, comprise 10% of Austin's population; WHEREAS 24% of all new Austin businesses are founded by immigrants, who are 24.1% more likely to start a business than U.S.-born residents; WHEREAS 15% of Austin businesses are owned by immigrants, reflecting the city's cultural and economic diversity. Despite their entrepreneurial drive, LEP business owners face significant barriers in navigating regulatory processes, securing funding, and accessing critical business resources; WHEREAS Council Resolution 20131017-038 (2013) directed the City Manager to establish a universal translation and interpretation service protocol, culminating in the 2022 Language Access Policy. However, this policy primarily serves individuals rather than addressing the distinct needs of LEP business owners; WHEREAS Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs, underscoring the importance of equitable access to city resources for all entrepreneurs; WHEREAS immigrant entrepreneurs, who constitute 18% of Austin’s population, are twice as likely to be self-employed but face higher business failure rates due to language barriers, limited professional networks, and lack of access to capital and regulatory information; WHEREAS investing in Limited English Proficiency entrepreneurs strengthens Austin’s economy, increases resilience during economic downturns, expands the tax base, and creates jobs; WHEREAS the Economic Development Department’s Community Navigator Program, which provided critical business support services, ended in December 2024, leaving a gap in resources for immigrant business owners; WHEREAS popular programs for English-speaking entrepreneurs, such as the BizAid Business Orientation, have not been offered in Spanish in the past 12 months due to a lack of awareness among existing and new limited english proficiency businesses. BizAid Business is an introductory class designed to equip aspiring business owners with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complex landscape of city, state, and federal regulations, as well as gain insights into the City of Austin's development process for commercial properties; WHEREAS immigrant-owned businesses in Texas employ over 635,000 workers and …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250521-004 Date: April 16, 2025 Subject: City’s FY 2025 – 2026 Budget Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Reduce risk by moving from pensions and post-employment healthcare to defined contribution. Description of Recommendation to Council Remove risk by changing our retirement programs from pensions and post-employment healthcare to defined-contribution programs. Remove risk by paying a third party to accept Austin’s existing pension and post-employment healthcare liabilities. Payment could be either a series of future annual payments or an immediate payment, using funds raised by General Obligations bonds. Rationale: The City of Austin currently promises pensions and post-retirement healthcare to its employees. That is, we specify benefits after they retire for as long as they live. This sounds nice, but the hard truth is that we do not know the financial future. We do not know the price today of those promises. Those promises have already created a gigantic problem. The 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the City of Austin says our unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities for the pension are $2,294,789,000. For post-employment benefits (which is mostly healthcare) it is $1,851.879,000. And that’s just the government side. The enterprises have an additional $2,610,485,000 in pension and post-employment liabilities. If we spent all of our property tax paying off the government liability, it would take 4 years. This gigantic problem may grow larger. Consider the data on page 56 of the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for COAERS, the City of Austin Employee’s Retirement System. The current outstanding liabilities are calculated assuming a 6.75% return by their investments. If the return is just 1% less, the liabilities increase by 30%. 1 of 3 This problem hurts us right now. Page 34 of the 2024-25 budget says we paid $151,781,000 to pay down just 1/30th of the liability. Austin’s government charged a family of four more than $50 per month not to provide services, but just to pay down a tiny fraction of our $4 billion debt. Pensions and healthcare promises are dangerous. They crippled America’s car industry. They almost ended America’s steel industry. Multiple cities have declared bankruptcy due to the burdens of pension and healthcare. Detroit, Michigan, which was the fastest growing city in America in its heyday, went bankrupt due to pensions. Pension programs and healthcare promises can harm more than the City of Austin; they might harm our employees in the future who would be …
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission May 21, 2025, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: John Mc Nabb, Chair Zachary Bird Charles Curry Ramiro Diaz JC Dwyer Stephen Gonzalez Bob Libal Santiago Rodriguez Kenneth Standley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on February 19, 2025. Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Capital Delivery Services on 2026 Bond 3. Staff briefing from the Austin Public Health on the bond programs DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 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 Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.01 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) Location: 6505 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730 Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Amend a Planned Unit Development Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Austin Resource Recovery’s Road to Zero Waste – Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi, Martin Luecke Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro Commissioners Absent: David Sullivan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Johnathon Coons, Camelback PUD update APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 23, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 23, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the 2024 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Discussion of the 2024 State of Our Environment Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. 5. Name: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH Applicant: 3423 Tillery LLC Location: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 Council District: District 3 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Applicant request: The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Staff Recommendation: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Speakers: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD Conor Kenny, Developer of the site Liz Schoenfeld, Lifeworks (applicant) Nhat Ho, Civilitude, Civil Engineer with the project A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Lueke’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. Chair Bristol called for a recess at 7:53. Chair Bristol reconvened the meeting at 8:01. A motion to recommend the heritage tree removal request with conditions passed on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted against. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. Name: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Applicant: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC Location: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 Council District: Not applicable Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Water and Wastewater Service Extension …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: May 21st, 2025 Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.03 Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) LOCATION: 6505 Bridge Point Pkwy, Austin, TX 78730 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Water Supply Rural, Lake Austin and Coldwater Creek Watersheds REQUEST: Amend a Planned Unit Development STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommended with conditions. 1. This project shall comply with current PUD requirements, except for the following exceptions as proposed in the amendment: a. PUD amendment allows for an alternative access cart path to the dock district in exchange for the mechanized access (funicular). PUD notes will be added to clarify that once the cart path is constructed no other access will be permissible, including the previously approved funicular. b. The cart path will not impact critical environmental comply with and otherwise features (CEFs) environmental regulations. c. No additional cut will be allowed other than what is already provided by the approved PUD d. Changes to the allotments and allowable depths of fill will be allowed as proposed by this amendment. ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-86-023.03 – Camelback PUD Amendment #3 DISTRICT: 10 ZONING FROM / TO: PUD, to amend a previously approved land use plan, allowable uses, site development regulations, and request modifications to cut and fill requirements. ADDRESS: 6505, 6511 ½ and 6915 Bridge Point Parkway SITE AREA (Total): 143.04 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Loop 360 Land LP (Jonathan Coon) AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Nancy Estrada (512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant the third amendment to planned unit development (PUD) district zoning, as shown in the Proposed PUD Amendment summary on page 3 of this report and as referenced in the replacement Exhibits C, D2, E, and G. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: May 21, 2025: ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: June 3, 2025: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: June 5, 2025: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The Shepherd Mountain Neighborhood Association, Lake Austin Collective, and the 2222 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations have submitted correspondence in support of the proposed Camelback PUD amendment. All correspondence is provided at the end of this report. C814-86-023.03 Page 2 On May 9, 2025, the applicant submitted a letter to modify the …
Camelback PUD Amendment #3 6505 Bridgepoint Parkway C814-86-023.03 Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection 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 Camelback Planned Unit Development (PUD) C814-86-023.03 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 1 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 Background • 1 4 3 . 0 6 7 6 a c r e s o f l a n d , u p t o 2 8 9 r e s i d e n t i a l u n i t s • Wa t e r S u p p l y Ru r a l , Au s t i n F u l l P u r p o s e J u r i s d i c t i o n • L a ke Au s t i n a n d C o l d C r e e k Wa t e r s h e d s • D r i n k i n g Wa t e r P ro t e c t i o n Z o n e • P ro p o s e d r ev i s i o n t o a n ex i s t i n g P U D w i t h 6 4 s i n g l e f a m i l y h o m e s • N u m e ro u s C E F s ex i s t o n s i t e • C o u n c i l D i s t r i c t 1 0 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R …
Austin Resource Recovery Road to Zero Waste Assistant Director Ron Romero About Austin Resource Recovery Our Mission We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. Our Vision Driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Curbside Collection for Trash, Recyclables and Compost Brush, Bulk and HHW On Demand Services Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) Residential Services Citywide Services • Litter Abatement • Street sweeping is provided for major roads, residential streets and bike lanes • Circular Business Services • Commercial Compliance Unit • Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance • Special Events Ordinance • Universal Recycling Ordinance • Zero Waste Business Rebate Business Services Community Programs • Austin Reuse Directory • Fix-It Austin • Generation Zero • MoveOut ATX • Zero Waste Block Leaders Questions
Water Management Strategy Implementation REPORT First Quarter 2025, January – March Water and Wastewater Commission May 21, 2025 Contents 2 First Quarter Summary Notes Regarding Data Water Conservation Updates Water Loss Reduction Updates Reclaimed Water and Onsite Reuse Updates Conservation Outreach Updates Water Use and GPCD Water Supply Project Updates First Quarter Summary The sustainability of Austin’s water supply is critical to the City’s future. This is the first quarterly report on implementation of water management strategies in the 2024 Water Conservation and Water Forward Plans. Austin Water has committed to this regular reporting to provide the latest information for stakeholders to understand our progress. In the first quarter of Calendar Year 2025, Austin Water initiated many bedrock tasks of water management strategies, including this new process of reporting. Notes Regarding Data Quarterly reporting of strategy implementation is a groundbreaking effort undertaken by Austin Water. Several important metrics require both explanation and development. Some metrics will be available in future quarterly reports. Quarterly Data – All quarterly data should be considered preliminary and draft, subject to adjustment and revision at the end of the year and included in the annual report. Historical Data – Where possible, 2024 quarterly metrics are included for reference with the 2025 first quarter metrics. Not all metrics have historical data. Yield of Strategies – Estimated volumetric yields from strategies are included in the Water Conservation Plan (2029 and 2034) and the Water Forward Plan (2030). Austin Water is working to identify the volumetric yields of strategies as they are being implemented and report them in future reporting. 4 Water Conservation Updates New single family residential irrigation inspections started in October 2024 3 Commercial/Institutional water audits conducted with pre-approved Bucks for Business applications Commercial water audit training: 2 staff members were certified and local utilities are working to bring the training to Central Texas WaterWise Landscape and Rainscape applications increased by 900% and 350% respectively between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025 5 Water Conservation Metrics Residential Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 6 Drought Survival Tools Irrigation Upgrades Other Residential Programs Rainwater Harvesting Rebates WaterWise Landscape WaterWise Rainscape Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Water Conservation Metrics Commercial Rebate Programs Approved Rebates Approved Rebates 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250521-002 Date: May 21, 2025 Subject: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.03 Location: 6505 Bridge Point Pkwy, Austin, TX 78730 Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend a Planned Unit Development to provide an option for a Cart Path and Off-site Surface Access in lieu of the funicular (mechanized access) to reach the Dock (D) District. The 15-foot-wide cart path would run from the Mixed Residential (MR) District, across the Preserve Open Space (P-OS), to a connecting point on the adjacent property to the south as depicted on the proposed PUD Land Use Plan; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Water Supply Rural, Lake Austin and Coldwater Creek Watersheds; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: This project shall comply with current PUD requirements, except for the following exceptions as proposed in the amendment: a. PUD amendment allows for an alternative access cart path to the dock district in exchange for the mechanized access (funicular). PUD notes will be added to clarify that once the cart path is constructed no other access will be permissible, including the previously approved funicular. b. The cart path will not impact critical environmental features (CEFs) and otherwise comply with environmental regulations. c. No additional cut will be allowed other than what is already provided by the approved PUD. d. Changes to the allotments and allowable depths of fill will be allowed as proposed by this amendment. e. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Dark skies/ bird friendly lighting is used throughout the property including along the cart path and dock space. 2. All areas disturbed in the construction of the cart path shall be replanted with native plants with a management plan. VOTE 8-0 1 For: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury Approved By: Attest: Elizabeth Funk, Environmental Commission Liaison 2
