Posting Language ..Title Authorize an increase in authority to the previously approved interlocal agreement for construction projects involving jointly owned transmission infrastructure project between Austin Energy and the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation from an amount not to exceed $24,000,000 to an amount not to exceed $52,000,000. Funding: $52,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: July 20, 2023- Council authorized negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation for construction projects involving jointly owned transmission infrastructure projects. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Government Relations (512) 322-6087; David Tomczyszyn, Vice President, Electric System Engineering and Technical Services (512) 322-6821. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025- To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The initial cost estimate underestimated the construction costs primarily as a result of continued rise in inflation that drives up the costs of materials and labor and the exclusion in the initial estimate of key environmental protection matting that will protect the vegetation and decrease the chances of adverse environmental impacts. These project costs are a reimbursable expense for the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) 25.192 Transmission Cost of Service (TCOS). This interlocal agreement will authorize Austin Energy (AE), the Lower Colorado River Authority, and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation (the latter two jointly referred to as LCRA) to provide and obtain labor, parts, and materials, in support of construction improvement projects that involve existing jointly owned transmission facilities. This agreement defines the projects’ scope, projected costs, performing parties, reimbursing parties, facility ownership of the modified and/or added assets, and other identified responsibilities between AE and LCRA. The construction improvement projects include: 1. Fayette Power Plant (FPP) Yard 2 to Lytton Springs Transmission Line Storm Hardening: LCRA will upgrade existing jointly owned transmission structures to improve system reliability, resiliency, and safety. This project involves LCRA’s transmission circuit T255 and AE’s transmission circuits 3121, 3122, and 3136. 2. Howard Lane - McNeil Transmission Line Storm Hardening: LCRA will upgrade existing jointly owned transmission structures to improve system reliability, resiliency, and safety. This project involves LCRA’s transmission circuit T163 and AE’s transmission circuit …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for tire repair, maintenance and replacement services for Austin Energy with T & W Tire, LLC d/b/a T & W Tire, for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $350,000. Funding: $80,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $80,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 1100 DPL1005REBID for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on August 26, 2024, and closed on September 12, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the most responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141590 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide tire repair, maintenance, and replacement on leased Austin Energy vehicles, including aerial bucket trucks, fleet vehicles, cranes and digger-derrick trucks. These services will reduce downtime and avoid disruption in providing services such as outage response, maintenance, and ongoing scheduled jobs for Austin Energy customers. Without this contract, Austin Energy will not be able to respond to customers’ needs in a timely manner. Item 12
Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for an electric utility depreciation rate study for Austin Energy with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $175,000. Funding: $175,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note $175,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 WDD3032REBID for these services. The solicitation was issued on October 21, 2024, and closed on November 14, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/finance/. MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is to provide Austin Energy (AE) with a utility depreciation rate study. The study will determine how the value of AE's assets (e.g. buildings and equipment) decreases over time and aims to suggest depreciation rates that ensure accuracy of financial reporting as well as ensure compliance with requirements for AE’s upcoming comprehensive transmission cost of service rate filing. AE maintains accounting records for capital assets and associated depreciation based on the estimated useful life of its assets. This information is utilized for financial reporting requirements and rate-setting related to AE’s role as a transmission service provider. AE recovers costs through rates paid by load-serving entities and approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT). This study will help AE ensure accuracy of financial reporting as well as ensure compliance with the PUCT requirements for AE’s upcoming comprehensive transmission cost of service rate filing. Item 2
Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued Veritas-Netbackup products and services for Austin Energy with TEQSYS, Inc., to increase the amount by $1,500,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $8,800,000. Funding: $1,500,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $1,500,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. MBE/WBE: This contract was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this procurement, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Prior Council Action: April 7, 2022 – Council approved a contract for Veritas-Netbackup products and services with TEQSYS, Inc. May 30, 2024 – Council approved an amendment for continued Veritas-Netbackup products and services with TEQSYS, Inc. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The original contract was for Veritas-NetBackup products and services, including maintenance, support, software, and training. Austin Energy utilizes Veritas-Netbackup products and services to support the recoverability and integrity of corporate data stored on the network and North American Electric Reliability Corporation Cyber Infrastructure Protection (NERC/CIP) logs. Due to a delay in initiating the request for a replacement contract, Austin Energy is in need of additional funding authority to continue services until a new contract can be established. The requested amount is based on anticipated support and maintenance needs until a new contract can be established. Item 3 Without this amendment, Austin Energy will not have sufficient funds to support its needs until a new contract is executed. This will result in the inability to ensure data backup and restoration in a reliable and efficient manner to meet retention policies for critical data, service level agreements, and NERC/CIP compliance mandates. Item 3
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for comprehensive management of Austin Energy’s IBM software portfolio for Austin Energy with CDW, LLC d/b/a Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC, CDW Government, for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options, in an amount not to exceed $27,065,000. Funding: $2,656,500 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $2,656,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 TLG3002 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on April 29, 2024, and closed on June 4, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140354 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established, however, the subcontracting opportunities were identified. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is to provide Austin Energy with comprehensive management of its IBM software portfolio, including licenses, maintenance and support, software as a service, subscription services, and related professional services. IBM applications support Austin Energy operations in a variety of ways, including specific business operations as well as enterprise applications. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored CDW, LLC d/b/a Sirius Item 4 Computer Solutions, LLC, CDW Government as the best to provide these services based on Price, Support, Experience & Qualifications, Local Business Presence, and Small Business Presence. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these goods and services. Without a contract, Austin Energy …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for service updates and repairs at District Cooling Plant #2 for Austin Energy with Texas Airsystems, LLC d/b/a Texas Airsystems, in an amount not to exceed $3,209,924. Funding: $3,209,924 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $3,209,924 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. MBE/WBE: Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide service updates and repairs as part of Phase 2.2 of Austin Energy’s District Cooling Plant #2 (DCP2) upgrade project. The contract will allow for the replacement of the 14 fan motors with updated direct drive motors coupled with highly efficient variable-speed drives. DCP2 has the largest cooling capacity among Austin Energy’s four downtown district cooling plants. It has been underperforming over the past years, primarily due to aging cooling tower fill, degrading controls wiring, inefficient and failing fan motors and condenser water pumps. The upgrade project, once complete, will result in enhanced operational reliability and an increase in DCP2’s cooling capacity by 2,000 tons, which translates to an additional $2 million in annual revenue. The retrofit kit of replacing the existing fans, motors, motor supports, and associated components is only provided by Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc., and no other companies provide products compatible with DCP2’s cooling towers. In addition, Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. allows only one company per geographical area for product representation. Texas AirSystems, LLC d/b/a Texas Airsystems is the sole- source representative for Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. in Central Texas for sales, service, and parts. Without this contract, DCP2’s operational reliability will be at risk, and Austin Energy will be unable to address the plant’s underperformance. Item 5
Posting Language ..Title Authorize amendments to two contracts for continued overhead distribution electrical services for Austin Energy with Linetec Services, LLC, and Renegade Group, LLC, to increase the amounts by $18,000,000 for revised total contract amounts not to exceed $54,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $18,000,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Capital Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. MBE/WBE: These contracts were awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9C (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date for Linetec Services, LLC is 1.31% combined M/WBE. Current participation to date for Renegade Group, LLC is 0.22% combined M/WBE. Prior Council Action: June 1, 2023 – Council approved contracts for overhead distribution electrical services with Linetec Services, LLC, and Renegade Group, LLC. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: These contracts are for overhead distribution electrical services for Austin Energy, providing ready access to labor and equipment for service extensions, the removal and replacement of utility poles, and distribution line relocations, along with support during emergency response efforts, including during storm restorations. The amendment is needed because Austin Energy declared a Critical Business Need to contract directly with Linetec Services, LLC, and Renegade Group, LLC, in order to quickly onboard crews to meet project demands and deadlines. These two contracts augment two other contractors who continue to experience labor shortages recruiting qualified line workers. Contract spend has been higher than originally anticipated, and Austin Energy requests additional funding authority to support the increasing demand arising from grid resiliency efforts and for contingency in the event of weather events. Item 6 If a contract is not approved, Austin Energy customers will experience delays in power restoration. Item 6
Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of all documents and instruments necessary or desirable to acquire a Permanent Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement consisting of approximately 0.0932 acres (4,058 square feet) of land, out of the William Cannon League Survey No.19, Abstract No.6, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lots 1B and 2B, Mrs. Rosa J. Spillmann Estate, a subdivision recorded October 15, 1956, in Book 8, Page 15, Plat Records, Travis County, Texas, said Lot 1B (Tract 1) and said Lot 2B (Tract 2) conveyed to IMP South Congress LLC by Special Warranty Deed dated August 20, 2021 as recorded in Document No. 2021188813 Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas, located at 8103 South Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas 78744 from IMP South Congress LLC, in an amount not to exceed $144,910, including closing costs. Funding: $144,910 is available in the Austin Energy Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues 512-322- 6087; David Tomczyszyn, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, 512- 322- 6821; Tina Little, Austin Energy Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, 512-322-6396. Council Committee, Boards, and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This acquisition is required to relocate various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation’s expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. The I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the property at 8103 South I-35 requires the City to purchase an electric easement out of the William Cannon League Survey No.19, Abstract No.6, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lots 1B and 2B, Mrs. Rosa J. Spillmann Estate, a subdivision recorded October 15, 1956, in Book 8, Page 15, Plat Records, Travis County, Texas, said Lot 1B (Tract 1) and said Lot 2B (Tract 2) conveyed to IMP South Congress LLC by Special Warranty Deed dated August 20, 2021 as recorded in Document No. 2021188813 Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas. An …
Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for the Cap Ex South, CKT987&1031 Structure Relocation 2021 Project for the public use of relocating various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 requiring relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I- 35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program, requiring the acquisition of a Permanent Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement, consisting of approximately 0.3067 acres (13,358 square feet), an Access Easement, consisting of approximately 0.0979 acres (4,266 square feet), and a Temporary Construction Easement, consisting of approximately 0.0132 acres (575 square feet) of land out of the Santiago Del Valle survey, Abstract No.24, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 4B, resubdivision of Lot 4, Block “A” South Bend Subdivision, a subdivision of recorded September 2, 2003 in Document No. 200300231, Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas, currently appraised at $863,894 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioner’s award. The owner of the needed property is Dario P. Gonzalez. The property is located at 8625 S. Interstate Hwy. 35, Austin, TX 78745. The general route of the project is along Interstate 35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. Funding: $863,894 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322- 6087; David Tomczyszyn, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322-6821; Tina Little, Austin Energy, Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards, and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Various structures along the existing circuits 926/927, 987, and 988 require relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the property at 8625 South I-35 requires the City to purchase these easements out of …
Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for the Cap Ex South, CKT987 & 1031 Structure Relocation 2021 Project for the public use of relocating various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 requiring relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I- 35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program, requiring the acquisition of a Permanent Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement, consisting of approximately 0.168 acres (7,319 square feet) of land being a portion of Lot 23, Block “A”, Circle “S” Ridge Section 1, a Subdivision recorded in Book 4, Page 285 Plat Records of Travis County, Texas, currently appraised at $1,026,386 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioner’s award. The owner of the needed property is Long Real Estate Holdings, LLC. The property is located at 7008 South Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas 78745. The general route of the project is along Interstate 35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. Funding: $1,026,386 is available in Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322- 6087; David Tomczyszyn, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322-6821; Tina Little, Austin Energy, Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Various structures along the existing circuits 926/927, 987, and 988 require relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the property at 7008 South I-35 requires the City to purchase an electric easement across Lot 23, Block A, Circle S Ridge Section 1, a subdivision of record in Book 4, Page 285 of the Plat Records of Travis County, Texas. The City previously acquired through condemnation a waterline easement across the same area through condemnation …
Electric Utility Commission RECOMMENDATION 20250310-14 Date: March 10, 2025 Subject: Austin Energy Budget Recommendations Recommendations on the FY 25-26 Budget Description of Recommendation to Council Motioned By: Kaiba White Seconded By: Cyrus Reed 1. The Customer Energy Solutions department is responsible for Austin Energy’s demand- side programs, which include customer-sited solar energy, community solar, energy efficiency, demand response and transportation electrification. The success of these programs is essential for meeting the goals of the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, and for maintaining affordability and customer satisfaction. The roles that the teams within Customer Energy Solutions have been expanding and will continue to expand as these Council-adopted plans are implemented. It is essential that staffing keep pace with the need and demand for this important work. For example, the Solar Standard Offer program for commercial customers has launched and an expansion is being discussed and is envisioned in the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. While the private sector will do most of the work to deliver energy through that program, Austin Energy staff play important roles in making it and other solar programs a success. They respond to questions from the public, review applications, conduct inspections and run payments. Staff are also working to implement a distributed energy management system that will allow the utility to utilize customer-sited batteries and are going to implement a Passive House pilot program to incentivize energy efficient building techniques. The teams within Customer Energy Solutions that are working to implement these new programs, as well as the many existing programs, must grow to effectively and efficiently do this important work. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that FTEs be added to implement the customer energy solutions goals in the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. 2. Austin Energy is charged with developing and implementing, with the Developmental Services Department and City Council, the adoption, implementation and enforcement of energy codes. It is expected in 2025, the City Council will adopt new energy codes. The EUC recommends additional funding for FTEs for outreach, implementation and enforcement of the new energy codes. Vote: 9-0 For: Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba White; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Chris Kirksey; Commissioner Cyrus Reed; Commissioner Joshua Rhodes Absences: Commissioners Akande and Benavides Against: None Abstentions: None Off Dais: …
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 10, 2025 ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 10, 2025 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Vice Chair Kaiba White called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Chris Kirksey; Commissioner Joshua Rhodes. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Dave Tuttle, Chair; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Cyrus Reed. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on February 10, 2025. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Electric Utility Commission meeting of February 13, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Kirksey’s motion, Chair Rhodes’ second on an 8-0 vote, with Commissioner Tuttle off the dais and Commissioners Akande and Benavides absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Recommend approval authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an electric utility depreciation rate study for Austin Energy with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $175,000. Funding: $175,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. The motion to recommend approval authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an electric utility depreciation rate study for Austin Energy, was recommended on Commissioner Reed’s motion, Commissioner Braden’s second on a 9-0 vote, with Commissioners Akande and Benavides absent. 3. Recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continued Veritas- Netbackup products and services for Austin Energy with TEQSYS, Inc., to increase the amount by $1,500,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $8,800,000. ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 10, 2025 Funding: $1,500,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. The motion to recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continued Veritas-Netbackup products and services for Austin Energy, was recommended on Commissioner Reed’s motion, Commissioner Braden’s second on a 9- 0 vote, with Commissioners Akande and Benavides absent. 4. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for comprehensive management of Austin Energy’s IBM software portfolio for Austin Energy with CDW, LLC d/b/a Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC, CDW Government, for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options, …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 10, 2025 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:38 PM. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Bianca A. Medina-Leal, Brian Poteet, Janel Venzant, Michael Von Ohlen Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Thomas Ates, Yung-ju Kim, Maggie Shahrestani Board Members/Commissioners Absent None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) 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. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on January 13, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for January 13, 2025 The minutes from the meeting January 13, 2025, were approved on Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne’s motion, Board member Jeffery Bowen second, on 9-0 Vote (Board Member Bianca A Medina-Leal off the dias). PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Postponement request, by applicants/neighborhood group: Item 5 postponement request to March 10, 2025 by applicant and Item 6 request to withdraw by applicant. Item 5 – Board member Michael Von Ohlen motions to deny postponement request due to multiple postponement requests made by the applicant; substitute motion by Madam Chair motions to postpone to May 12, 2025 (last postponement request by applicant), Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne seconds, on 10-0 vote. Item 6 – Withdrawn New Sign Variance cases: 2. C16-2025-0001 Colton Gohlke for Ascension Seton -Maria Vinhais 1201 West 38th Street On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code; Section 25-10-130 (Commercial Sign District Regulations) (B) to allow from one (1) freestanding sign (maximum allowed), to adding an additional seven (7) freestanding signs (total of eight (8)) in order to erect free-standing sign(s) for Ascension Seton Medical Center in a “PUD”, Commercial Sign District. Note: 25-10-130 - COMMERCIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) This section applies to a commercial sign district. (B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10- 131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet – SIGN VARIANCE ITEM02 DATE: January 13, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C16-2024-0001 _______Thomas Ates (D1) _______Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) _______Jessica Cohen (D3) _______Yung-ju Kim (D4) _______Melissa Hawthorne (D5) _______Jeffery Bowen (D6) _______Janel Venzant (D7) _______Margaret Shahrestani (D8) _______Brian Poteet (D9) _______Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Michael Everett OWNER: Rowdy Durham ADDRESS: 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD SB VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 60 square feet to 210.36 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations for freestanding signs. (1) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (2) The sign area may not exceed: (a) on a lot with not more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, 60 square feet; or (b) on a lot with more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, the lesser of: (i) 0.7 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or (ii) 300 square feet. (3) The sign height may not exceed the greater of: ITEM02/1 (a) 35 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or (b) 20 feet above grade at the base of the sign. (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead Of Freestanding Sign). (D) Wall signs are permitted. (E) One flag for each curb cut is permitted. (F) For signs other than freestanding signs or roof signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. Source: Section 13-2-867; Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20170817-072, Pt. 9, 8- 28-17. BOARD’S DECISION: December 9, 2024, POSPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025 (B) …
A FREESTANDING SIGN " 4 - ' 4 1 A 15'-1” " 9 - ' 8 4 1 2211 Pech . , TX 77055 832-727-5415 MCDONALDS # 39737 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD AUSTIN TX 77449 CITY OF AUSTIN BE 6-8-2024 P:\2024 JOBS\M\MCDDONALDS#39737 MCDONALDS -AUSTIN TX.CDR 0-0-23 Revised 0-0-23 Revised THIS SIGN IS INTENDED TO BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE 600 OF THE NEC AND/OR OTHER APPLICABLE LOCAL CODE. THIS INCLUDES PROPER GROUNDING AND BONDING OF SIGN. SCALE: 1” = 433.0” C 2024 THIS DRAWING AND ANY PLANS, IDEAS OR ARRANGEMENTS ARE PROPERTY OF TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ITEM02/1-PRESENTATION SIGN A CODE ALLOWS 35’ OAH REQUESTING ADDITIONAL 25’ FOR A TOTAL OF 60’ OAH CODE ALLOWS 104.65 SQ FT REQUESTING ADDITIONAL 210.36 SQ FT FOR A TOTAL OF 314.86 SQ FT 278.75 SQ FT 36.11 SQ FT 2211 Pech . , TX 77055 832-727-5415 MCDONALDS # 39737 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD AUSTIN TX 77449 CITY OF AUSTIN BE 6-8-2024 P:\2024 JOBS\M\MCDDONALDS#39737 MCDONALDS -AUSTIN TX.CDR 0-0-23 Revised 0-0-23 Revised THIS SIGN IS INTENDED TO BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE 600 OF THE NEC AND/OR OTHER APPLICABLE LOCAL CODE. THIS INCLUDES PROPER GROUNDING AND BONDING OF SIGN. C 2024 THIS DRAWING AND ANY PLANS, IDEAS OR ARRANGEMENTS ARE PROPERTY OF TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ITEM02/2-PRESENTATION 223.375 x 720.0 " 0 - ' 0 6 " 0 - ' 0 6 2211 Pech . , TX 77055 832-727-5415 MCDONALDS # 39737 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD AUSTIN TX 77449 CITY OF AUSTIN BE 6-8-2024 P:\2024 JOBS\M\MCDDONALDS#39737 MCDONALDS -AUSTIN TX.CDR 0-0-23 Revised 0-0-23 Revised THIS SIGN IS INTENDED TO BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE 600 OF THE NEC AND/OR OTHER APPLICABLE LOCAL CODE. THIS INCLUDES PROPER GROUNDING AND BONDING OF SIGN. Scale: 1” = 588.5” Scale: 1” = 724.0” C 2024 THIS DRAWING AND ANY PLANS, IDEAS OR ARRANGEMENTS ARE PROPERTY OF TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ITEM02/3-PRESENTATION 223.375 x 720.0 " 0 - ' 0 6 " 0 - ' 0 6 Scale: 1” = 529.0” Scale: 1” = 1895.0” C 2024 THIS DRAWING AND ANY PLANS, IDEAS OR ARRANGEMENTS ARE PROPERTY OF TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY TEXAS REPUBLIC SIGNS LLC. 2211 Pech . , TX …
BOA GENERAL REVIEW COVERSHEET CASE: C15-2025-0005 BOA DATE: March 10th, 2025 ADDRESS: 2136 E 7th St OWNER: Death & Taxes 512, LP COUNCIL DISTRICT: 1 AGENT: G. Maximiliano Martinez, P.E. ZONING: CS-CO-MU-NP (Central East Austin) LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 92X129.9FT OLT 9 DIVISION B VARIANCE REQUEST: LDC: Section 25-6-471 (Off-Stret Parking) (B) to reduce the minimum on-site accessible space from one (1) to zero (0) and Section 25-6-474 (Parking Facilities for Persons with Disabilities) (B) to reduce the minimum on-site accessible space from one (1) to zero (0) SUMMARY: remodel an existing restaurant ISSUES: main access is along E 7th St and there is an elevation difference of 10 feet between E 7th St and the alley. Existing slopes and relatively small site area do not allow for the construction of an accessible route. ZONING LAND USES Site CS-CO-MU-NP SF-3-NP North South CS-CO-MU-NP East CS-MU-V-CO-NP West CS-CO-MU-NP General Commercial Services-Conditional Overlay-Mixed- Use Single-Family General Commercial Services-Conditional Overlay-Mixed- Use General Commercial Services- Mixed-use-Vertical Mixed Use-Conditional Overlay General Commercial Services-Conditional Overlay-Mixed- Use NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District Austin Neighborhoods Council Blackshear-Prospect Hill Central Austin Concerned Architects Del Valle Community Coalition Non-profit East Austin Conservancy El Concilio Mexican-American Neighborhoods Friends of Austin Neighborhoods Homeless Neighborhood Association Organization of Central East Austin Neighborhoods Overton Family Committee Preservation Austin Save Our Springs Alliance ITEM03/1 (Central East Austin) ITEM03/2 ITEM03/3 ITEM03/4 ITEM03/5 ITEM03/6 OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE ALLEY OHE 491 OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE 490 O H E 489 O H E 488 O H E 487 486 POTENTIAL ONSITE PARKING ELEVATION : 486' EXISTING GRADES EXCEED 5% SLOPES ADA ADA A D A O H E ADA ADA 2142 E. 7TH ST. OWNER: DEATH & TAXES 512, LP EXISTING USE: GENERAL RETAIL (3,500 SQFT) REQUIRED ACCESSIBLE SPACES: 1 SPACE SUBJECT SITE: 2136 E. 7TH ST. OWNER: DEATH & TAXES 512, LP PROPOSED USE: GENERAL RESTAURANT (9,450 SQFT) REQUIRED ACCESSIBLE SPACES: 5 SPACES FFE: 481' 4 ACCESSIBLE SPACES 4 STANDARD SPACES 485 484 483 482 A D A A D A A D A A D A A D A ADA ADA ADA ADA ADA A D A A D A A D A 481 TOTAL REQUIRED ACCESSIBLE SPACES BETWEEN 2136 AND 2142 E 7TH ST: …
N O I T P I R C S E D E T A D . O N MAX@MILIANENGINEERING.COM FIRM REG# F-22686 956.251.5146 N A G A E R E H T T S H T 7 E 6 3 1 2 2 0 7 8 7 S A X E T , Y T N U O C S I V A R T , N I T S U A T I B I H X E S T N E M T S U J D A F O D R A O B 1 OF 1 SITE AREA MAPITEM03/1-PRESENTATION 10' GRADEDIFFERENCEBETWEEN ALLEYAND E 7TH ST.ITEM03/2-PRESENTATION N O I T P I R C S E D E T A D . O N MAX@MILIANENGINEERING.COM FIRM REG# F-22686 956.251.5146 N A G A E R E H T T S H T 7 E 6 3 1 2 2 0 7 8 7 S A X E T , Y T N U O C S I V A R T , N I T S U A T I B I H X E S T N E M T S U J D A F O D R A O B 1 OF 1 E 7TH SITE FRONTAGEITEM03/3-PRESENTATION OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE ALLEY OHE 491 OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE OHE 490 O H E 489 O H E 488 O H E 487 486 POTENTIAL ONSITE PARKING ELEVATION : 486' EXISTING GRADES EXCEED 5% SLOPES ADA ADA A D A O H E ADA ADA PROPOSED 2 STORY BUILDING ADDITION 485 A D A A D A A D A 484 ' 3 6 1 : H T G N E L L L A W G N I N I A T E R / P M A R A D A 482 A D A A D A A D A A D A 483 481 A D A ADA SUBJECT SITE: 2136 E. 7TH ST. OWNER: DEATH & TAXES 512, LP PROPOSED TWO STORY GENERAL RESTAURANT (9,450 SQFT) REQUIRED ACCESSIBLE SPACES: 5 SPACES FFE: 481' EAST 7TH STREET (80' ROW) 2142 E. 7TH ST. OWNER: DEATH & TAXES 512, LP EXISTING USE: …
BOA GENERAL REVIEW COVERSHEET CASE: C15-2025-0006 BOA DATE: March 10th, 2025 ADDRESS: 3706 Meadowbank Dr OWNER: David & Stephanie Goodman AGENT: SITEATX, LLC -Jennifer Hanlen COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 ZONING: SF-3-NP (WANG) LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 7 BLK D BROWN HERMAN ADDN NO 2 SEC 4 VARIANCE REQUEST: increase the F.A.R from 40% to 41.3% SUMMARY: complete a remodel addition to include a garage ISSUES: we had two Preliminary Plan Reviews (PPR) prior to Nov 2, 2023 Home Amendments taking place. ZONING LAND USES SF-3-NP Site North LA South East West SF-3-NP SF-3-NP SF-3-NP Single-Family Lake Austin Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District Austin Neighborhoods Council Central West Austin Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Friends of Austin Neighborhoods Preservation Austin Save Barton Creek Association Save Our Springs Alliance TNR BCP – Travis County Natural Resources ITEM04/1 � 0ev'ei0Tvment SERVICESeEPARTMENT � Building a Better and Safer Austin Together Board of Adjustment General/Parking Application outside Austin) I Phone: 311 (or 512-974-2000 Variance � For submitta l and fee information, see r t td· ·t Id I t WARNING: Filing of this appeal stops all affected construction activity. This application saved, click here to Save the form to your computer, PDF that can be completed is a fillable electronically. To ensure your information is then open your copy and continue. The Tab key may key activates lists and check boxes, and hit Enter to make a selection. be used to navigate links, emails, and buttons. to each field; Shift+ Tab moves to the previous field. The Enter Use the Up & Down Arrow keys to scroll through drop-down The applicat complete Section ion must be complete and accurate 6 as needed. All information prior to submittal. is required (if applicable ). If more space is required, please For Office Use Only Case # (15-2025-0006ROW# 13466442 T ax# 0121060517 -----"'-"=..:.-=.;=,:;..:.:. --- __ .::.=....;:...=.;:;-=--:.=- -- Section 1: Applicant State111ent Street Address: 3706 MEADOWBANK DR AUSTIN TEXAS 78703 Subdivision Legal Description : LOT 7 BLK D BROWN HERMAN ADDN NO 2 SEC 4 Lot(s): ___ 7 _____________ BROWN HERMAN ADDITION Division: Block(s): -=D __________ NO 2 SECTION 4 _ ....;::S;.:..F_-3;:;... -..:...;N:.:..P _________________ (WANG) _,,,C'"""o'°"'u=n=c=il,,_,D=is=t=r=-ic=t:,_,1..,0� Outlet: Zoning District: I/We JENNIFER HANLEN, SITE ATX, LLC on behalf of myself/ourselves as authorized agent for DAVID & STEPHANIE Month I February I, Day 11 I, Year 12025 GOODMAN I, hereby apply for a hearing before the affirm that on Board …
BOA Monthly Report July 2024-June 2025 February 10, 2025 Granted 2 Postponed 2 Withdrawn 1 1. 25-10-130 (Commercial Sign District Regulations) (B) to allow from one (1) freestanding sign (maximum allowed), to adding an additional seven (7) freestanding signs (total of eight (8) 2. 25-2-814 (Service Station Use)(2) to increase the fuel dispensers and (3) to increase queue lanes 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from lot width requirements to decrease: the front lot width and rear flag lot width 2. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the height, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback, Building Coverage to increase, Impervious Coverage to increase and 25-2-832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width 1. 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations: (H) Compatibility Requirements (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property and (H) Compatibility Requirements (4) (a) from compatibility buffer to decrease 0 1 0 new inquiries (Added Feb10# 2025) Denied Discussion Items Feb 2025 Interpretations The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items Board members absent: none absent (1 regular board member vacant and 2 vacant alternate positions) 17 21 1 2 19 January 13, 2025 Granted 2 3. 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District):(B) to allow more freestanding signs, (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area on a lot, (B) (2) to increase overall sign and (F) to allow for internally sign, (G) to decrease signs from the right-of-way, 25-2-191 (Sign Setback Requirements), (E) to decrease the setback, (F) (1) to increase height, (F) (2) to reduce clearance 4. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) and 25-2-779 (Small Lot Single-Family Residential Use) from impervious coverage requirements to increase Postponed 3 (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height 3. 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area and 4. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the height, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback, Building Coverage to increase, Impervious Coverage to increase and 25-2-832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width 5. 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations: (H) Compatibility Requirements (3) Any structure that …
March 3, 2025 Maximiliano Martinez 2136 E 7th St Austin TX, 78702 Re: C15-2025-0005 Property Description: 92X129.9FT OLT 9 DIVISION B the request, provided Dear Maximiliano, Austin Energy (AE) has reviewed your application for the above referenced property, requesting that the Board of Adjustment consider a variance request from LDC Section 25-6- 471(B) and 25-6-474(B) at 2136 E 7th ST. that any proposed or Austin Energy does not oppose existing improvements follow Austin Energy’s Clearance & Safety Criteria, the National Electric Safety Code, and OSHA requirements. Any removal or relocation of existing facilities will be at the owner’s/applicant’s expense. Please use this link to be advised of our clearance and safety requirements which are additional conditions of the above review action: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/utilities_criteria_manual?nodeId=S1AUENDECR_1 .10.0CLSARE If you require further information or have any questions regarding the above comments, please contact our office. Thank you for contacting Austin Energy. Rosemary Avila, Planning Officer Infrastructure Services | Austin Energy 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 (512) 972-8488 Rosemary.avilla@austinenergy.com
March 3, 2025 Miss. Jennifer Hanlen 3706 Meadowbank Dr Austin TX, 78703 Re: C15-2025-0006 Property Description: LOT 7 BLK D BROWN HERMAN ADDN NO 2 SEC 4 the request, provided Dear Jennifer, Austin Energy (AE) has reviewed your application for the above referenced property, requesting that the Board of Adjustment consider a variance request from LDC, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 2.1 (Maximum Development Permitted) to increase the F.A.R from 40% (required) to 41.3% (requested) at 3706 MEADOWBANK DR. Austin Energy does not oppose that any proposed or existing improvements follow Austin Energy’s Clearance & Safety Criteria, the National Electric Safety Code, and OSHA requirements. Any removal or relocation of existing facilities will be at the owner’s/applicant’s expense. Please use this link to be advised of our clearance and safety requirements which are additional conditions of the above review action: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/utilities_criteria_manual?nodeId=S1AUENDECR_1 .10.0CLSARE If you require further information or have any questions regarding the above comments, please contact our office. Thank you for contacting Austin Energy. Rosemary Avila, Planning Officer Infrastructure Services | Austin Energy 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 (512) 972-8488 Rosemary.avilla@austinenergy.com
3706 MEADOWBANK DR AUSTIN, TX 78703 CITY OF AUSTIN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS CASE #C15-2025-0006 ITEM04/1-PRESENTATION 3706 MEADOWBANK DR - VARIANCE REQUEST Requesting a variance from City of Austin Land Development Code: LDC Chapter 25-2, Sub Chapter F, Section 2.1 (Maximum Development Permitted)- Gross Floor Area of max 40% allowed to increase to 41.3% ITEM04/2-PRESENTATION 3706 MEADOWBANK DR – KEY NOTES LOT SIZE 12,925 SF, ZONED SF-3-NP, SUB CHAP F DESIGN TEAM HAD (2) PAID PPR WITH RESIDENTIAL REVIEW TO REVIEW PLANS AT TIME OF DESIGN THE PARKING EXEMPTIONS WERE IN PLACE CURRENT NEW CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION (PAGE 3 / SUB CHAP F) CALCS STILL LISTS ATTACHED GARAGE EXEMPTION PARKING REQUIRMENT WERE THEN REMOVED FOR BOTH SF AND COM PROJECTS REQUEST FOR INCREASE OF INSUBSTANTIAL 1.3% INCREASE IN FAR CALCS PROJECT HAS FULL SUPPORT OF WANG - W AUSTIN NH GROUP PROJECT HAS NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT – 7 LETTERS TOTAL SUBMITTED DESIGN PLANS ALREADY HAVE ONE APPROVED VARIANCE FOR GARAGE PLACEMENT ITEM04/3-PRESENTATION HARDSHIP THE AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS THEIR EXEMPTONS WERE REMOVED AFTER DESIGN PLANS FOR THIS OWNER WERE FINALIZED. THE DESIGN TEAM WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE EXEMPTIONS WOULD STILL APPLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT THEY HAD PAID AND DOCUMENTED MEETINGS WITH THE CITY. IT HAS BEEN ASSUMED THAT THESE EXEMPTIONS WERE APPLICABLE PER THE CURRENT RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION. THIS PARTICULAR SECTION CAUSES A LOT OF CONFUSION WITH DESIGN TEAMS. ITEM04/4-PRESENTATION HARDSHIP CURRENT CODE SECTION 25-2, SUB CHAPTER F, SECTION 3.3.2 An attached parking area if it is used to meet the minimum accessible spaces A garage that is less than 10 feet from the rear of the principal structure, provided that Up to 200 square feet of: requirement; or the garage is either: detached from the principal structure; or attached by a covered breezeway that is completely open on all sides, with a walkway not exceeding 6 feet in width and a roof not exceeding 8 feet in width. An applicant may receive only one 450-square foot exemption per site under paragraph A. An applicant who receives a 450-square foot exemption may receive an additional 200-foot exemption for the same site under paragraph B, but only for an attached parking area used to meet the minimum accessible spaces requirement. ITEM04/5-PRESENTATION AREA OF CHARACTER Approving a variance for lot size will have zero adverse impact …
REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT March 10, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 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 email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to ___ Bianca A Medina-Leal ___ Brian Poteet ___ Margaret Shahrestani ___ Janel Venzant ___ Michael Von Ohlen ___ Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Yung-ju Kim The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) 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. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on February 10, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for February 10, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Sign Variance case(s): 2. C16-2024-0001 Michael Everett for Rowdy Durham 6320 Ed Bluestein Boulevard SB (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 104.65 square feet to 314.86 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations …
To: Commissioners of the Board of Adjustments From: University Hills Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Date: March 5, 2025 Re: Case Number: C16-2024-0001 The University Hills Neighborhood Plan Contact Team met February 19, 2025, to review the above-referenced case that is a request for a variance to erect a McDonald’s sign that would be larger and higher than current regulations allow. The community was informed of the variance request and contact team meeting via email notifications to the University Hills Neighborhood As- sociation and to other individual stakeholders and groups in this area. After review of the applicant’s case materials available from Board of Adjustment, the group dis- cussed the request, and a vote was called by Contact Team Chair Seth Fowler. The vote was unanimous to oppose the applicant’s request to increase the height and the size of the sign above what is allowed by the current regulations. Comments and concerns include: An excessively high and very large brightly lighted sign would negatively impact the new residen- tial development being built at Loyola Lane and Ed Bluestein (Hwy 183). Such a brightly lighted sign will disrupt the quality of life of the people who live in nearby homes, especially if raised higher and made larger. The larger and higher sign does not fit in with the UNWP Neighborhood Plan approved by the City Council in August 2007. Allowing the increase in height and size there could cause a competitive escalation of heights and sizes as companies jockey for visual advantage. Promotion of this commercial operation could be done without increasing the impact to area res- idents by obtaining space on one of the highway department signs that lists such businesses as restaurants, hotels, and gasoline a mile or two in advance of the business. Again, the UHNPCT and area stakeholders oppose allowing the increase of the sign size and height. Thank you for your consideration. Seth Fowler, Chair UHNPCT ITEM02/1-LATE BACKUP MAR10
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet – SIGN VARIANCE ITEM02 DATE: March 10, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C16-2024-0001 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Michael Everett OWNER: Rowdy Durham ADDRESS: 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD SB VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 60 square feet to 210.36 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations for freestanding signs. (1) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (2) The sign area may not exceed: (a) on a lot with not more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, 60 square feet; or (b) on a lot with more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, the lesser of: (i) 0.7 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or (ii) 300 square feet. (3) The sign height may not exceed the greater of: (a) 35 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or (b) 20 feet above grade at the base of the sign. (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead Of Freestanding Sign). (D) Wall signs are permitted. (E) One flag for each curb cut is permitted. (F) For signs other than freestanding signs or roof signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. Source: Section 13-2-867; Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20170817-072, Pt. 9, 8-28-17. BOARD’S DECISION: December 9, 2024, POSPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025 RENOTIFICATION -VARIANCE REQUEST: …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item03 DATE: Monday March 10, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0005 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Maximiliano Martinez OWNER: Death and Taxes ADDRESS: 2136 7TH ST VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code, space from one (1) (required) to zero (0) (requested) and minimum on-site accessible space from one (1) (required) to zero (0) (requested) in order to remodel an existing restaurant in a “CS-CO-MU-NP”, General Commercial Services-Conditional Overlay-Mixed Use-Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (Central East Austin Neighborhood Plan) Note: Per Land Development Code: Section 25-6-474 (Parking Facilities for Persons with Disabilities) (B) to reduce the Section 25-6-471 (Off-Stret Parking) (B) to reduce the minimum on-site accessible Except as provided in Subsection (B), off-street motor vehicle parking is not required. This article shall govern over a 25-6-471 – OFF-STREET PARKING. (A) conflicting provision of this title or other ordinance, unless the conflicting provision is less restrictive. This article applies to all uses and to specific regulating plans, Transit Oriented Development areas (TODs), and Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts (NCCDs) that incorporate this chapter by reference. A planned unit development (PUD) that includes specific off-site parking requirements controls over this article. A person may appeal the requirements of this section to the Board of Adjustment. A minimum of one on-site accessible space is required. The minimum number of accessible spaces is calculated by taking 100 A variance granted under Subsection (C) applies only to the use for which the variance was granted and does not run with the (B) percent of the parking previously required for the use under Appendix A (Tables of Off-Street Loading Requirements and Former Off- Street Parking Requirements) and using that result to determine the number of accessible parking spaces required under the Building Code. Source: Section 13-5-97(f), (g) and (i); Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031120-44; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20231102-028, Pt. 41, 11-13-23. 25-6-474 - PARKING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (A) A site must have: (1) a parking facility that is accessible to a person with disabilities; (2) routes of travel that connect the accessible elements of the site; and (3) the number …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item04 DATE: Monday March 10, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0006 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Jennifer Hanlen OWNER: David and Stephanie Goodman ADDRESS: 3706 MEADOWBANK DR VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 2.1 (Maximum Development Permitted) to increase the F.A.R from 40% (required) to 41.3% (requested), in order to complete a remodel/addition to include a garage to an existing single family residence in an “SF-3-NP”, Single-Family- Neighborhood Plan zoning district (WANG Neighborhood Plan). NOTE: LDC 25-2 Land Development, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2: - Development Standards, Section 2.1 – Maximum Development Permitted. The maximum amount of development permitted on a property subject to this Subchapter is limited to the greater of 0.4 to 1.0 floor-to-area ratio or 2,300 square feet of gross floor area, as defined in Section 3.3. Floor-to-area ratio shall be measured using gross floor area as defined in Section 3.3, except that the lot area of a flag lot is calculated consistent with the requirements of 25-1-22 (Measurements). BOARD’S DECISION: The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to Deny; Board member Maggie Shahrestani second on 10-0 votes; DENIED. FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Madam Chair Diana Ramirez for
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 10, 2025 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:45 PM. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair (on dais 5:52pm), Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Brian Poteet, Maggie Shahrestani, Janel Venzant, Michael Von Ohlen Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Thomas Ates, Yung-ju Kim, Bianca A. Medina-Leal (virtual 6:01pm) Board Members/Commissioners Absent None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) 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. 1. Ron Thrower Regarding the Postponement for Rawson Saunders case at the February BOA hearing. 2. Victoria Haase Regarding the Postponement for Rawson Saunders case at the February BOA hearing. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on February 10, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for February 10, 2025 The minutes from the meeting February 10, 2025, were approved on Board member Michael Von Ohlen, Board member Jeffery Bowen second, on 8-0 Vote (Chair Jessica Cohen, Board Member Bianca A Medina-Leal off the dais-in late). PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Sign Variance case(s): 2. C16-2024-0001 Michael Everett for Rowdy Durham 6320 Ed Bluestein Boulevard SB (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 104.65 square feet to 314.86 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations for freestanding signs. (1) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10- 131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (2) The sign …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board 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 Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, February 10, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS Discuss structure of working groups to align with Board’s overall goals and advocacy efforts. 4. Discuss City of Austin budget engagement process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and take possible action on appointing a representative and alternate from the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board to serve as a liaison to the Joint Sustainability Committee liaison. Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County, Marissa Bell (land acquisition) and Board Member Matt Simon (regenerative agriculture). Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 3 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Improve farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring training opportunities, and a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding strengthening opportunities for advancement for workers across the local …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20250210-04C: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, there is a lack of coordination among City departments acquiring land for various purposes, such as water quality, flood control, and green space development, undermining the potential to support the City’s food and climate resilience goals, including agricultural production and carbon sequestration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in our community are related to the food supply chain; and WHEREAS, implementing Regenerative Agriculture supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which aims to ensure that by 2030, 100% of Austinites, especially those who are food insecure, can access a pro-climate, pro-health food systems that prioritize regenerative agriculture; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to “regenerative agriculture” and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan states that a specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be adopted to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use (1.1,1.2) and community food systems support (1.6,1.12); and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and quantifies the resulting greenhouse gas benefits; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process can be also be applied to outdoor spaces such as parks, flood plain, and greenbelts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of Sustainability has previously allocated funds for Texas’ First Resilient Farm plan at the Refugee Collective Farm, written and implemented with technical assistance from National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI). This establishes a precedent of city support for collaborative plan implementation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to assist with the writing and implementation of Resilient Farm Plans; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant is a current funding mechanism available to farmers that supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the …
Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: : Recommended Support for Food Plan Goal 3 Implementation WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin Food Plan in June 2021 to support a more resilient, equitable food system for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issue areas, including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post- Consumption and Food Waste, and 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as input from a Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning teams across both City and County offices, and broad public engagement; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan outlines strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies to be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, Goal 3 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, "Livelihoods," seeks to improve farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening opportunities for advancement across the local food system; and WHEREAS, over 65,000 people are employed in the food sector across Travis County, many of whom earn some of the lowest wages in our local economy, making the implementation of Goal 3 essential to supporting economic stability, worker well-being, and a thriving regional food economy; and WHEREAS, successful implementation of Goal 3 requires specific actions, including: Defining criteria for a livable wage in the food service industry using nationally recognized frameworks, paired with business engagement and data analysis to create a regionally appropriate standard; Conducting regular, culturally appropriate worker surveys and focus groups to assess needs, work environments, and career opportunities to inform responsive policy and program development; Establishing a commission or working group under the Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board to address food and farm worker rights, including benefits, unfair labor practices, and workplace safety; Researching and recommending incentives such as tax rebates and wage supplements to support food system employers who provide livable wages and fair labor practices; Expanding workforce training …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Food Plan Goal: • 6.5: Expand benefits and access to nutritious foods through programs that amplify and supplement the purchasing power of individuals and households facing food and nutrition insecurity and explore the feasibility of creating a locally funded nutrition incentive program with less restrictive eligibility criteria than SNAP/WIC WHEREAS, food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources; WHEREAS, where value multiplying programs are an effective model of extending purchasing power for nutritious foods, allowing SNAP recipients to double their spending on fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets; WHEREAS, the need for culturally relevant nutrition education and cooking skills training, can empower community members to make healthy, affordable food choices; WHEREAS, current food assistance programs often have restrictive eligibility criteria that exclude many community members experiencing economic hardship; WHEREAS, technological barriers and limited digital literacy can further complicate access to food assistance resources and online food shopping options; WHEREAS, language and disability barriers continue to create additional challenges for individuals seeking food assistance and nutrition support; WHEREAS, existing successful local programs that provide valuable frameworks for expanding food access and nutrition education; new programs can and need to be created; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City of Austin expand and enhance Nutrition Incentive Programs, building upon the successful value purchasing models to create a locally funded nutrition incentive program with more flexible eligibility criteria that complement existing federal/state/local assistance programs. These efforts could provide additional purchasing power for nutritious foods, particularly fresh produce and local agricultural products and create mechanisms to support both farmers and food-insecure households. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages Austin City Council to provide funding for Nutrition Education and Skill-Building initiatives to increase utilization and health among vulnerable populations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City Council reduce Barriers to Food Assistance through accessible digital and in-person application processes, where application materials and support services are provided in multiple languages and create accessible accommodates for individuals with disabilities. in all food assistance program communications BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that these recommendations align with the city's commitment to the food plan, equity, health, and community support, recognizing that …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB March 2024 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Report back to Council in Spring 2025 ● City staff will provide a Memo to Council in spring 2025 ○ Updates on Strategy progress including defined leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan ○ Funding needs in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in and implementation of the Plan and to identify strategy priorities to be included as part of the next bond package ○ Updates on a Food Plan Dashboard ○ Updates on an Implementation Coalition Dashboard Preview - Now LIVE Implementation Coalition ● City and County staff are developing an Interlocal Agreement to support a Food Plan implementation coalition (Strategy 9.1) ● Staff are scoping and negotiating specifics and hope to have an Interlocal Agreement complete in spring 2025 ● RFP for support of an implementation coalition will be released in mid-2025 Travis County Food Plan Updates Exploring Departmental Alignment ● Travis County Staff Food Plan Team Updates ○ Current step: outreach to departmental staff leaders to explore Food Plan goal & strategy alignment with departmental goals ○ Goal: share top-aligned goals & strategies with Commissioners Court members, Spring 2025 Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Addressing Unmet Needs for Goal 3 Strategies in the Austin-Travis County Food Plan Good Work Austin (GWA) is committed to advancing the strategies outlined under Goal 3 of the Austin-Travis County Food Plan: Improving farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening opportunities for advancement across the local food system. This proposal outlines the unmet needs required to address these strategies and the resources needed to achieve meaningful progress in FY 2025-2026. Strategy 3.1: Define the criteria for a livable wage in the food service industry to enhance the participation of restaurants and other food businesses in incentive programs using frameworks such as One Fair Wage, MIT Living Wage Calculator, or United Way's ALICE. Unmet Needs: 1. Staffing: $13,000 to fund GWA staff to utilize their evaluation expertise and data management tools to develop and adapt a livable wage framework specific to the local food system, leveraging models like One Fair Wage, Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator. Impact: These efforts will directly benefit the over 65,000 food workers in Travis County by making it easier for businesses to begin the path to increasing wages and ensuring fair compensation practices. Phase 1 (2025-2026): 1. Research and Framework Development (30 hours): Study and adapt existing models like One Fair Wage, Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator to the local food system. 2. Business Engagement, Data Collection and Analysis (70 hours): Engage with 50 local food businesses (with an emphasis on small businesses), and city and community partners, through meetings, interviews, and workshops to gather feedback. Gather and analyze regional data on cost of living and wages to inform the framework. 3. Documentation and Reporting (30 hours): Compile findings, feedback, and the finalized framework into a report for stakeholders. Total Estimated Hours: 130 hours. Phase 2: Implement adoption through targeted campaigns and resources for businesses to adopt living wage criteria. Provide consultation (a part of strategy 3.6) to support businesses to adopt liveable wage models and education for consumers. Strategy 3.2: Conduct a regular survey to assess needs, work environment, and career outlook to inform programs and policies affecting food and farm workers. Unmet Needs: 1. Staffing: $23,000 to fund GWA staff to utilize their evaluation expertise and data management tools to research and develop, implement, and report findings of a …
