Item 10 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 16, 2025 Council: July 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to a contract for continued software maintenance for underground pipeline video inspection for Austin Water with Cues, Inc. d/b/a Cues, to increase the amount by $245,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $425,500. Funding: $100,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, and $75,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $100,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding in the amount of $75,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE/WBE: Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 16, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract provides software maintenance for underground pipeline video inspection. Austin Water Collection Services uses the software to capture videos and analysis of wastewater service lines and mains. The additional authority requested is needed to allow Austin Water to convert from self-hosted data storage to a cloud-based application. City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: July 24, 2025 Contract Details: File ID: 25-1256 Contract Term Initial Term Proposed Amendment Total Length of Term 5 years Contract Authorization $180,500 5 years $180,500 Requested Additional Authorization $245,000 $245,000 Revised Total Authorization $180,500 $245,000 $425,500 Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage. Page 1 of 1
Item 11 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 16, 2025 Council: July 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contracts for engineering services for the 2019 Large Diameter Water and Wastewater Pipeline Engineering Services Rotation List for Financial Services Department with AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; Atkinsrealis USA, Inc.; BGE, Inc.; CAS Consulting and Services, Inc.; CP&Y, Inc. DBA STV Infrastructure; Freese and Nichols, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; H.W, Lochner, Inc. DBA K Friese & Associates, LLC; Gannett Fleming, Inc. (formerly DEC – Central Texas, LLC); Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, Inc.; and Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers, LLC, to increase the amount by $11,000,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $23,000,000. Funding: $11,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE / WBE: This amendment will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 15.49% MBE and 6.22% WBE. Prior Council Action: September 19, 2019 – Council approved a professional service agreement with 11 firms for the 2019 Large Diameter Water and Wastewater Pipeline Engineering Services Rotation List. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: As a standard business practice, the City routinely engages the services of professional engineering firms to perform analysis, design, and support services associated with construction or improvement of City capital assets. Rotation List contracting allows the City to always have a group of qualified consultants available to perform a specific type of recurring work in a timely manner to meet the project and operational needs of the City. The firms on the 2019 Large Diameter Water and Wastewater Pipeline Engineering Services Rotation List provide planning, studies, feasibility engineering, preliminary engineering, design, construction, project delivery support and other engineering services as necessary for projects that are identified as part of the Austin Water Capital Budget. This amendment is needed as contracting authority for this existing rotation list has been depleted. There are ten active projects in design phase requiring additional contracting authority to reach completion. These services include additional services for design phase and/or construction phase on existing projects, with specific firms on this Rotation List only. Any future projects will be assigned to new Pipeline Engineering Services Rotation Lists. …
Item 12 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 16, 2025 Council: July 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant Centrifuge Rehabilitation/Replacement Project for Capital Delivery Services with AECOM Technical Services Inc., in the amount of $1,000,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $3,000,000. Funding: 1,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Austin Water Department. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE / WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 0.00% MBE and 0.00% WBE. Prior Council Action: August 9, 2018 – Council approved a professional service agreement with AECOM Technical Services Inc. for Ullrich Water Treatment Plant Centrifuge Rehabilitation/Replacement Project. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission July 11, 2018 – Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Penn recusing and Chair Moriarty and Commissioners Turrieta, Michel, and Schmitt absent. Additional Backup Information: The Ullrich Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was built in 1969 and has a rated design treatment capacity of 167 million gallons per day. The plant is a conventional lime softening design, with up-flow solids contact reactor type clarifiers, gravity filters, clear well storage, and has raw water and finished water pumping stations. The plant has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. It was expanded to its current treatment capacity in 2006. The Ullrich Water Treatment Plant is one of three water treatment plants serving Austin Water customers and it is the largest in treatment capacity. The amendment consists of the refurbishment or replacement of difficult to service centrifuges at the Ullrich WTP which have reached the end of its useful life and need replacement. Two of the centrifuges have been in service since 1986, and another set was installed in 2003. Replacing the two older centrifuge units and associated power distribution and controls with enhanced units that have modern monitoring and control capabilities. This will enable the plant to effectively process sludge waste out of the plant and provide the customers of the City of Austin with sustainable and reliable potable water. The services to be provided under this amendment are for design and bid phase …
Item 13 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 16, 2025 Council: July 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize execution of five contracts for grounds maintenance and mowing services for Austin Water with Abescape Group LLC; Brightview Landscape Services, Inc. d/b/a Brightview Tree Care Services; Incircle Management Inc d/b/a Incircle Management; Stillwater Site Services Inc d/b/a Stillwater Landscapes; and Jamar.B.Burleson LLC d/b/a Texas Tough Lawn & Landscaping, each for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,800,000, divided among the contractors. Funding: $60,000 is available in Austin Water’s Operating Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $60,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water. 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) 2200 MAS1001 for these services. The solicitation was issued on January 6, 2025, and closed on February 4, 2025. Of the 17 offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the lowest responsive offers, considering all lines. 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=141791 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 16, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: These contracts will provide regular grounds maintenance services for approximately 370 Austin Water sites, including pump stations, lift stations, remote facilities, and wildlands locations. These areas must be consistently maintained to ensure compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations. Emissions reduction guidelines were included in the solicitation, which included the use of alternative fuels instead of gasoline in the large engine lawn equipment. Carbon emissions will be reduced by approximately 20-40% when compared to gasoline emissions. These contracts are replacing previous contracts which expired July 11, 2025. Requested authorization is based on historical spending and departmental estimates of future needs. One of the recommended contractors is a current provider for these services. If these contracts are not secured, the City’s Texas …
Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: June 25, 2025 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone In accordance with Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8, which is adopted by City Council annually as part of the annual budget adoption process, AW is providing a report of new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The financial policy, which requires certain Board and Commission review of applicable projects, reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) will be identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, and the Environmental Board. These Boards and Commissions will review growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, obtain Board and Commission and citizen input, review consistency with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, review effect on growth within the DWPZ, and make recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water's five-year capital spending plan. This summer, AW representatives will be distributing a brief report to the Commissions on the CIP projects located in the DWPZ related to the financial policy. Attachments: CIP Subprojects Summary CIP Subprojects Supplemental Information and Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Austin Water Infrastructure Management Financial Policy No. 8 Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary FY26-30 CIP Plan Development Each year, as part of the City of Austin Budget approval process, Austin Water submits a plan for the capital improvements program (CIP) spending for the upcoming five-year period. Austin Water’s FY26-30 CIP Plan includes projects located across the Austin metropolitan area, including the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). In compliance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8, the capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth related projects that are located in the DWPZ are presented below for consideration by City of Austin Boards and Commissions. These projects represent improvements required to meet Austin Water standards for operability and customer service. While additional capacity may be added in accordance with current design standards, the intent of …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday July 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown 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 or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on May 21, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Shanisha Johnson, Planner Principal, District Planning, Planning Department regarding the Downtown Austin Plan Update. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update regarding the Design Commission’s recent work as it relates to the Downtown Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the Downtown Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792.
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday May 21, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday May 21, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Peter Breton Pat Buchta David Carroll Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Phillip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on April 16, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of April 16, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Breton and Shifferd were off the dais. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 21, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by Carey Chaudoir, Commander – Downtown Area Command, Austin Police Department, and Joshua Griggers, Lieutenant – Downtown Operations, Austin Police Department, regarding an update on the reopening of Sixth Street and crime statistics as they relate to the Safer Sixth Street Initiative. The presentation was made by Carey Chaudoir, Commander – Downtown Area Command, Austin Police Department, and Joshua Griggers, Lieutenant – Downtown Operations, Austin Police Department. Staff briefing by Michael Kimbro, Program Manager III, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, and Joseph Al-Hajeri, parking Enterprise Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, regarding the Shared Micro Mobility Program. The presentation was made by Michael Kimbro, Program Manager III, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, and Joseph Al-Hajeri, Parking Enterprise Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Nicole Klepadlo, Executive Director, Red River Cultural District, regarding the recent work toward the advancement of tourism and entertainment. The presentation was made by Nicole Klepadlo, Executive Director, Red River Cultural District. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Breton’s second a 10-0 vote. 2
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Downtown Commission The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: (1) Advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; (2) Serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP) and, as such: a. Serve as a sounding board for the City Council and City of Austin (COA) staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP) and Land Development Code rewrite; and b. Offer recommendations on amendments to the DAP and Land Development Code rewrite as needed; (3) Maintain liaison relationships with City staff and other boards and commissions; and (4) Perform other activities as directed by City Council. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. • Reopening of Sixth Street and crime statistics as they relate to the Safer Sixth Street Initiative • Shared Micro Mobility Program • Red River Cultural District Annual Review and Work Plan • Austin Public Health and Homeless Strategy Office • University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) • Austin Convention Center Redevelopment • Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey • Parks and Recreation Board Update • Urban Transportation Commission on Recommendations • Seaholm Multimodal Connectivity Update • Austin Light Rail Progress Update • Waterloo Greenway Conservancy • Downtown Austin Plan Working Group • Great Streets Plan Update • Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative • Austin Core Transportation Plan Presentation • APD Downtown Area Command Presentation • Nightlife and Entertainment Services Program • Austin Public Library Presentation • Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Presentation • Shared Mobility Plan Update • Dockless Micromobility Regulations • Street Impact Fees Presentation • Mental Health Resources - Integral Care • Sound Assessment and Disclosure Requirements Proposal • Historic Preservation Survey Presentation • Equity Preservation Plan Presentation The Commission passed the following recommendations: • High Level Goals For DAP Update • Cap and Stitch Initial Funding Recommendation 2. Determine if the board’s actions throughout the year comply with the mission statement. The Commissions actions complied with the mission statement. Annual Review and Work Plan 3. List the board’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year. • Monitor and support the continued implementation and update of the Downtown Austin Plan • Monitor and support Downtown's continuing economic …
Downtown Austin Plan Update Downtown Commission July 16, 2025 Agenda DAP Update Resolution DAP Update as a District Plan Progress-to-date Next Steps DAP Update Resolution Resolution No. 20240814-028 ▪ Initiate updates to the Downtown Austin Plan […], covering the next 10 years at minimum, through an equitable, resilient, and sustainable lens. ▪ Engage with stakeholders, identifying the needs of those who live, work, and visit Downtown, and identifying solutions. ▪ Ensure the implementation and coordination of recently completed projects and plans that are shaping Downtown’s future, to incorporate the needs of unique features of Downtown, and to address the issues that affect growth. 4 Resolution No. 20240814 - 028 ▪ Provide detailed information for implementation including cost estimates, potential partners, funding opportunities, financial tools, and any necessary code amendments for identified projects, programs, policies, and infrastructure recommendations. ▪ Provide a memo to Council outlining estimated cost, scope, and preliminary timeline of the Downtown Austin Plan update, identifying City staff resources, and potential external partnerships or third parties that can assist in providing resources for plan development. 5 DAP Update as a District Plan DAP Update as a District Plan Center City/Central District Plan: Downtown Austin Plan area, South Central Waterfront area, and the UT/University Neighborhood Overlay areas – Lamar Boulevard to the West – Northern UNO boundary to the North – I-35 to the East – Southern South Central Waterfront boundary to the South ▪ Collective area with the highest potential for density ▪ Embrace the evolution of this regional center as identified in the Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map ▪ Leverage Project Connect investments and other transit connectivity in the District 7 Progress-to-date Progress-to-date ▪Preliminary Research – Initial Stakeholder Engagement concluded March 2025 – Implementation Tracking concluding Summer 2025 ▪Draft Scope and Preliminary Cost Estimates – Preliminary Cost Estimates received April 2025 – Final Cost Estimate solicited July 2025 ▪Response to Council – Response to Council sent in May 2025 – https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=451493 9 Next Steps Next Steps ▪Develop draft engagement plan and timeline –In Progress ▪Launch SpeakUp Austin project page –In Progress ▪Onboard consultant –August 2025 11 Thank You
AUSTIN WATER FY 2026 1 PROPOSED BUDGET Water & Wastewater Commission | July 16,2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cost of Service Update Proposed FY 2025 Budget Overview Sources & Uses of Funds Capital Improvement Plan Debt Management Minimizing Bill Impacts Ongoing Budget Considerations AGENDA 2 COST OF SERVICE UPDATE 3 2024 Cost of Service Purpose 2024 Cost of Service Purpose 1. Bolster transparency in the rate-setting process 2. Raise awareness about the Cost of Service Study 3. Obtain customer input on pricing objectives 2024 Cost of Service Objectives • Develop rates that: • Meet annual Financial Plan needs • Ensure water and wastewater services are each self-sustaining • Meet AW objectives while ensuring equitable cost recovery from customer classes • Included a Public Involvement Committee (PIC) to review Cost of Service methodology and provide input and recommendations 5 2024 Cost of Service Recommendations 2024 Cost of Service Recommendations • Affordability for essential services and system resiliency. • Lower cash financing of CIP for large, generational projects. • Bill discount target of 50% for Customer Assistance Program (CAP) customers. • Community Benefit Charge increase from $0.15 to $0.30 per thousand gallons to support the Customer Assistance Program. • Future implementation of water budget billing to address high irrigation for commercial and multifamily customers. PROPOSED FY 2026 BUDGET OVERVIEW 7 Budget Considerations & Highlights Budget Considerations & Highlights Balance affordability with necessary operational and infrastructure investments. • Residential average monthly residential bill increase of $8.71 per month. • Customer Assistance Program average monthly bill increase of $5.50 per month. Continue phase in of Cost of Service and Community Engagement results. Maintain financial strength and stable bond ratings. Continue debt management strategies. Continue strategic staffing investments with new FTEs and temporary conversions. Additional investments to support water loss and conservation efforts 8 Fund Summary Fund Summary DESCRIPTION Beginning Fund Balance Revenue & Transfers In Expenditures & Transfers Out Change in Fund Balance Ending Fund Balance Debt Service Coverage Days Cash on Hand FTEs 9 FY25 AM ENDED FY25 ESTIMATED FY26 PROPOSED $272.6 $769.0 $773.6 (-$4.6) $268.0 1.93 252 1,410 $268.5 $784.3 $763.8 $20.5 $289.0 2.08 274 1,410 $289.0 $829.3 $849.9 (-$20.6) $268.5 1.88 248 1,439 SOURCES & USES OF FUNDS 10 Revenue Sources Revenue Sources Department Service Revenue: FY 2025 Amended: $705 million FY 2026 Proposed: $761.7 million $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 …
Roberts Rules 101 Agenda • Quick overview of the Boards and Commissions structure • Environmental Commission purview/mission • TOMA • Roberts Rules 101 • Procedural Rules • Types of items on an agenda 2 Boards and Commissions Advisory boards Sovereign Boards • Make recommendations to Council • Exercise independent authority and • Tasked with issues and concerns of the public, exploring possible options, providing feedback and recommendations to Council EX: Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission make decisions • Established by federal law, state law or City Charter • Includes Land Use Commissions: • Planning Commission • Zoning and Platting Commission 3 Environmental Commission Act in an advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. See Section 2-1-144 of the City Code for additional duties. 4 The commission shall: 1. Review all variances to requirements for water quality protection; 2. Review the monitoring of storm water runoff in developed and undeveloped areas; 3. Review the efficiency of existing and proposed structural and nonstructural water quality controls; 4. Periodically review the effectiveness of Chapter 25-4 (Subdivision); 5. Review waste treatment permits within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction; 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Review programs and policies for flood control, erosion control, and water quality; Review capital improvement projects; Review municipal utility district proposals and amendments; Review roadway plan amendments; Recommend urban runoff standards; Review the environmental elements of planned unit developments. 5 6 Watershed Protection Dept Mission Watershed Protection protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion and water pollution. See organization chart here. 7 • Community Tree Preservation • Environmental Inspection • Environmental Review See org chart here. 8 TOMA Texas Open Meetings Act • State Law states that when a quorum of a governmental body is in attendance and that body discusses public business, the meeting must follow certain guidelines • Agenda must be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting • Only subjects listed on the posted agenda be considered for that meetin • A simple majority (6 members) must be present or visible and audible (if attending online) • Avoid walking quorum and a daisy-chain quorum 9 Roberts Rules Main Motion • A motion must be made and seconded to initiate discussion on an issue posted for action Amendments • Additions that doesn’t change the meaning of …
Recommended with Conditions Finding of Facts and Conditional Approvals Presented to Environmental Commission on 7/16/2025 Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer WPD EV Commission Recommendations Application types require distinct considerations • Land Use Commission Variances = Findings of Fact • Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) = Tier 1 & Tier 2 Superiority Items • MUDs = Extraordinary Community Benefits • Restrictive Covenant Amendments = Zoning laws apply • Save Our Springs site specific amendments = No code defined considerations. Water quality impacts are most important. Land Use Commission Variances • Land Use Commission (LUC) Variances occur when either Zoning and Platting or Planning Commission must approve the variance after receiving a recommendation from Environmental Commission • Variances are necessary when a proposed project cannot comply with the Land Development Code (LDC) • Environmental variances may be requested from any code requirement in 25-8 except 25-8 Article 13 Save Our Springs • Other code sections may require different variance processes. • Ex: Zoning variances are heard by the Board of Adjustment unless otherwise described • The LDC allows certain variances to be approved administratively (staff approved) Variance Approval Process • Both staff and applicant create separate versions of the Findings of Fact – submitted as backup with each variance • EVC may accept or reject staff’s recommendations • Recommended disapprovals should have a basis in not meeting one of the findings • PC & ZAP are the Land Use Commissions (LUCs) that hear environmental variances • Cases located in a neighborhood planning area are heard by Planning Commission. All others are heard by the Zoning and Platting Commission. • LUC issues final decision. • EVC variances have no appeals. Land Use Commission Variances FINDINGS OF FACT Land Development Code § 25-8-41 § 25-8-41 LAND USE COMMISSION VARIANCES (A) It is the applicant's burden to establish that the findings described in this Section have been met. Except as provided in Subsections (B) and (C), the Land Use Commission may grant a variance from a requirement of this subchapter after determining that: (1) the requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; (2) the variance: (a) is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer Commissioners Absent: Haris Qureshi, Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Robert’s Rules and general commission procedures – Elizabeth Funk, Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2. Staff briefing on best practices for Environmental Commission recommendations – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2025-2026 year – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 ADJOURNMEN Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm without objection. The minutes from the July 16, 2025 Special Called meeting were approved at the August 7, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7- 0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. 2
