REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION April 1, 2024, 6:30PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland, CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on March 4, 2024. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff presentation on land use by Donald Jackson, Business Process Consultant, Economic Development Department. Live Music Fund collections update by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. 3. 4. 5. Update on consultant evaluation of the FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Update on FY24 Austin Live Music Fund guidelines by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. Update on SXSW Fair Pay by Aaron Lack, Austin Federation of Musicians Local. Presentation on Besame Mucho Festival by Circuit of the Americas representative. Discussion on booking for live music venues. Update on Downtown Commission recommendations to council on Red River Cultural District Funding and Convention Center expansion community oversight, by Vice Chair Patterson. Update on live musical performances for Music Commission meetings by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. Discussion regarding all ages shows and how the City of Austin supports youth in Austin. 11. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 12. Approve recommendation for sound assessment and disclosure requirements for residential development near Outdoor Music Venues and Performance Venues by Brian Block, Nightlife & Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. Approve recommendation for Hotel Occupancy Tax collection from unlicensed Short Term Rentals (STR) and additional cultural funding via STR platforms following update on joint Urban Core Land Use Working Group …
Live Music Venue and Creative Space Regulatory Incentives Phase II April 2024 Council Actions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Establish the criteria to be a Live Music Venue Create live music venue bonus and incentive program for new and existing venues, Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20220901-089: Develop and adopt clear creative space land use definitions Create creative space bonus and incentive program for new and existing including venues Create new code elements to "Diversify, sustain, and cultivate the city's culture, music, and arts communities and industries“ Criteria for designation of Arts Districts Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20230921-102: Develop LDC amendments with incentives for cultural space preservation and creation by Spring 2024 Bring an ordinance establishing a Cultural District Overlay initiated in Resolution No. 20220728-094 and Resolution No. 20220901-089 by Spring 2024 Guidance from Resolutions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Fee Waivers Modified Parking requirements Expanded facilitation of affordable commercial space... in new construction Prioritization of music venue or creative space as a community benefit for density bonuses or other overlays within the Red River Cultural District, East 6th Street Entertainment District, and Warehouse Entertainment District Resolution No. 20220901-089: Fee waivers Modified parking requirements Expedited permitting process "increase in floor to area ratio (FAR) in square footage or other appropriate development incentive related to what is provided for the dedicated creative space" "Prioritization of creative space as a city-wide community benefit as it relates to density bonus programs, Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning, or within other regulatory plans Increased flexibility in development regulations and opportunities for modification of policies, rules, codes, or design standards Permit accessory use as a theater, art gallery, or art workshop in all commercial and industrial/warehousing zoning districts Goals and Timeline Goals Develop a paper district that is not mapped; no change to a property’s zoning will be made through initial district adoption Aggressive timeline to meet Spring goal After adoption, owners of eligible properties may then request a rezoning to incorporate “Creative District (CD)” code string Milestones Arts Commission: March 18 present Music Commission: April 1 Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee (COJC): March 20 Recommended for adoption through unanimous vote of members City Council Set Date: April 18 (May …
Sound Assessment & Disclosure Requirements Proposal Presentation to City of Austin Music Commission April 3, 2024 Background • Council approved Resolution No. 20181018- 038 directing the City Manager to propose programs, rules, and ordinances necessary to improve compatibility between residents, lodging establishments, and music-related businesses. • The resolution was part of Council efforts to support music, arts and culture. Purpose • Policy related to residential development responsibility is still outstanding. • In addition to the sound ordinance and enforcement, the sound management system should also anticipate and address quality of life issues for residences in proximity to nightlife and entertainment establishments and districts. Policy Goals Ensure Accurate Expectations • Improve compatibility between entertainment uses with amplified sound and residential and hotel uses. • Anticipate, plan for, and minimize common conflicts between residential and hotel uses and entertainment-related amplified sound. • Ensure residential and hotel development projects understand the sound levels in the area so they can design and construct the building considering the sound impact from nearby code-compliant entertainment uses. • Provide residential development projects and new residents with accurate expectations about the level of sound that will be present in the environment, and the information they need to make informed decisions. Approach A commonsense solution that is not prescriptive and focuses on education and awareness Sound Assessment & Disclosure Requires residential and hotel developments near Outdoor Music Venues and Performance Venues to: • conduct a sound assessment • disclose to future residents when they sell or lease units about the presence of nearby venues, and that a sound assessment was conducted Description and Intent • Does NOT mandate building standards. • Requires residential developers to: Promotes Education and Informed Decisions 1. document that they have studied the sound levels in the area they are building. • This includes assessing the impact of legally compliant sound from nearby music and nightlife establishments. 2. disclose to future residents the presence of nearby music and nightlife establishments, and that a sound assessment has been conducted. Description and Intent • Residents are encouraged to ask questions about sound mitigation efforts, make informed decisions Promotes Education and Informed Decisions • Does NOT require anything further from Outdoor Music Venue Permit Holders or Performance Venues. • Their sound level is already regulated with a fixed sound level standard that is appropriate for the context, is predictable and doesn’t change when new residential is built nearby. …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 4/01/2024 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 4.01.2024 FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY24 Amended Budget $5,575,000 February 2024 w/ Encumbrances $288,304 FY24 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $2,077,678 FY24 Year-End Estimate $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $288,304 $857,431 $4,903 $171,733 $755,308 FY 23 October February FY 24 November March December April January May FY 23 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY23 Amended Budget $4,100,000 September 2023 w/ Encumbrances $17,874 FY23 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,472,973 FY23 Year-End Estimate $4,043,166 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 FY 23 October April November May December June January July February August March September
Austin Live Music Fund 2024 Draft Program Guidelines Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager Economic Development Department Music Commission Meeting, 4/1/2024 Austin Live Music Fund • The Live Music Fund was established by City of Austin Ordinance No. 20190919-149 and provides an ongoing budget for cultural funding programs for Austin's music industry • The Live Music Fund Master Timeline outlines how pilot program guidelines formed through a robust community engagement in coordination with the Music Commission and as part of the Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage, Music • Music Commission Recommendation 20201019-2bii stated that the core equity principles of Preservation, Innovation and Elevation & Collaboration (P.I.E.) be followed to create greater economic growth in Austin's music industry • Music Commission Recommendation 20220207-3b: Commission recommends "Option 2" to amend guidelines presented on September 13 according to feedback from the Live Music Fund Stakeholder Working Group 2 Austin Live Music Fund – 2024 Eligible Applicants Professional Musician – Must meet at least one of the following requirements: • At least 2 years of documentation showing that Applicant has regularly performed as a professional musician— solo or as part of a band—in live performances to public audiences • Or 6 released recordings (singles) • Or 6 promotionally released music videos Independent Promoter – Must meet all of the following requirements: • No more than 3 staff, including the owner, and • Documentation showing that Applicant has curated and promoted live shows featuring musicians and bands for at least two years, and • Must not be contractually tied to one venue. Live Music Venue – Must meet at least five (5) components of the City of Austin definition: • An establishment where live music programming is the principal function of the business and/or the business is a live music destination, and where the venue establishes the ability of an artist to receive payment for work by percentage of sales, guarantee, or other mutually beneficial formal agreement for every performance. A live music venue is a destination for live music consumers, and/or its music programming is the primary driver of its business. 3 Austin Live Music Fund – Purpose & Core Principles Program Purpose – Encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse live music industry through supporting a wide array of music initiatives, including Live and online events; studio, video, and merchandise production; and, touring, marketing, and broadcasting that is targeted to local audiences, …
MUSIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240401-13a Date: April 1, 2024 Subject: Improved Collection of HOT and Fees from Short-Term Rentals Motioned By: Vice Chair Patterson Seconded By: Commissioner Gould Recommendation The Music Commission recommends that City Council direct the City Manager and City staff support music and cultural funding by implementing mechanisms to: 1. improve and streamline STR licensure and compliance in order to increase HOT collection; 2. require that City’s portion of Hotel Occupancy Taxes be collected automatically by STR platforms from the hosts, then remitted to the City; 3. and develop – in partnership with STR platforms – an opt-out cultural sustainability fee for each STR rental in the City of Austin, the proceeds from which would be used to establish a Cultural Sustainability Fund managed by a City partner for the support and preservation of music and cultural arts in Austin. Description of Recommendation to Council The Live Music Fund, Cultural Arts grants, and Heritage grants are funded through Hotel Occupancy Taxes. However, a vast number of STRs operate illegally in Austin and do not collect or remit the City’s portion of HOT, leading to an estimated loss of $3M annually to music and cultural funding. Improved processes for STR licensing and HOT collection can close this funding gap. In addition, the STR industry in Austin could be leveraged for additional cultural funding from visitors, through a small opt-out fee for each rental reservation. Rationale: • Music, cultural arts, and preservation in Austin are supported through the collection of hotel occupancy taxes from lodgings including short term rentals • Currently unlicensed STRs do no remit HOT to the city. • In February of 2024, the Tourism Commission passed a recommendation to council regarding improved STR regulation and HOT collection, accompanied by a comprehensive report. The Music Commissions supports the Tourism Commission recommendation and this Music Commission Recommendation 20240401-13a aligns with the intent set forth in Tourism Commission recommendation 20240214-005 Vote For: 9 (Chair Medicharla, Vice-chair Patterson, Commissioners Aguilar, Carvahlo, Davila, Gould, Quesada, Rosenthal, Strickland) Against: 0 Abstain: 0. Absent: 2 (Commissioners Mahone and Blevins) Attest: Shelbi Mitchell 1 of 1
MUSIC COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 1 April 2024 The Music Commission convened in a regular meeting on 1 April 2024, at City Hall Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701. Chair Medicharla called the Music Commission Meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Nagavalli Medicharla, Parliamentarian Oren Rosenthal, Leonard Davila, Scott Strickland, Nelson Aguilar, Celeste Quesada, Pedro Carvalho Commissioners in Attendance Virtually: Vice-Chair Anne-Charlotte Patterson, Tami Blevins, Lauryn Gould CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Aaron Lack spoke for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting on March 4 were approved on Commissioner Strickland’s motion, Commissioner Davila’s second with a 8-0 vote. Commissioners Aguilar and Rosenthal abstained. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff presentation on land use by Donald Jackson, Business Process Consultant, Economic Development Department. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 14. Vice-Chair Patterson joined meeting virtually at 7:09 p.m. Commissioner Blevins joined meeting virtually at 7:12 p.m. Live Music Fund collections update by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. Update on consultant evaluation of the FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Update on FY24 Austin Live Music Fund guidelines by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Update on SXSW Fair Pay by Aaron Lack, Austin Federation of Musicians Local. Presentation on Besame Mucho Festival by Circuit of the Americas representative. Representative was not present. Discussion on booking for live music venues. Representative was not present. Update on Downtown Commission recommendations to council on Red River Cultural District Funding and Convention Center expansion community oversight, by Vice Chair Patterson. Update on live musical performances for Music Commission meetings by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. Discussion regarding all ages shows and how the City of Austin supports youth in Austin. 11. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 12. Approve recommendation for sound assessment and disclosure requirements for residential development near Outdoor Music Venues and Performance Venues by Brian Block, Nightlife & Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. The recommendation was approved with a motion by Strickland and …
Special Called Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the March 20, 2024, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; and to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront. City Staff: Erica Leak, Planning Department, (512) 974-9375, Erica.Leak@austintexas.gov. 3. C20-2023-045 Site Plan Lite Phase 2 and Infill Plats. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 related to development regulations applicable to residential re- subdivisions and multi-family residential site development of five to sixteen units. City Staff: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2974, Brent.Lloyd@austintexas.gov. 4. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, and Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION ITEMS 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 before the meeting date. …
Key Adjustments to the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program March 27, 2024 The South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus program underwent a one-month public input process. As a result, feedback was provided by community members, Boards and Commissions, staff, and other stakeholders. Staff consolidated and assessed the feedback to determine recommended adjustments to the draft code for the South Central Waterfront. The following is a list of the key changes made in the draft code as a result of the discussion, using the following key as the source of the adjustment: Boards and Commissions, Public Input, and/or Staff. Key: Source of Input Boards and Commissions Public Staff District Boundary and Subdistricts Source Adjustment Section 1.2 Section 3.3.2 District boundaries were further expanded to include three properties on the western side of the South Central Waterfront. See the updated map for detail. To underscore the commitment to transit-oriented development in the area, the FAR was adjusted to properties near to the proposed Project Connect station on the north side of East Riverside Drive. See the updated map for detail. Height limits have been added to Subdistricts 1 through 4. They are: 1 - 120', 2 - 240', 3 - 300', 4 - 600'. Subdistrict 5 remains with unlimited height. This adjustment reinforces and improves the density gradient from the closest areas to downtown being the most dense, and for the density to transition down as one moves further away from downtown. Section 3.3.2 - 1 - Land Use Source Adjustment Cocktail Lounges above 3,500sf in size will trigger the need for a conditional use permit. The conditional use permit process will better assist in the review and regulation of entertainment / nightlife noise disturbances. The Custom Manufacturing land use has been limited to 2,500sf. The limitation will deter larger single-purpose land uses and encourage more flexible development that supports smaller creative businesses. Section 2.3.1(C)(4) Section 2.3.1(D)(1) Adjustment Section 2.7(C) Section 4.4.3 Shade provisions increased for cantilevered, affixed, and freestanding options. Trees will still be the dominant shade mechanism, but this change allows for strong urban design and diversity in design of the urban space. This is also consistent with activities in other urban areas in the city. An additional internal circulation route type with a bicycle lane was added. This addition increases bicycle connectivity within the South Central Waterfront area and facilitates safe separation of …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program COJC April 1, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Initiated the creation of an “Optional Regulating Plan” later changed to a Combining District and Density Bonus Program. 2 Approach Since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of non PDA, PUD, and Planned Development Agreement properties in the district (summer 2024). First reevaluation within 1-2 years. 3 District Boundary Expansion 4 Combining District Density Bonus General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – – – Affordable Housing Environmental Protection Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications On-Site Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 5 5 Subdistricts and FAR Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums and heights Density Distribution Areas (DDAs) • FAR maximums apply to each DDA separately. • No larger than 90,000 sq. ft. • Internal circulation routes required along DDA divisions. Project Connect Rail Alignment 6 Bonus Program Structure (For Additional FAR Beyond Base) Gate Keeper Requirements Onsite Affordable Housing (Fee for Non-Residential) Enhanced Environmental Protections Streetscape & Built Environment First Then (To Reach Up to FAR / Height Subdistrict Maximums) 70% In-Lieu Fees & Dedications Affordable Housing (extra on-site affordable units credited; Affordable Housing Investment Area) Parks (dedications credited; boundary as defined by typical Parks fees) Infrastructure (supports SCW directly) 30% On-Site Community Benefits *Affordable Creative Space Open Space & Park Buildout Child / Adult Care Cultural Uses Transit-Supportive Infrastructure Grocery Store Music Venues Public Art 7 Affordable Housing 5% of housing on-site up to 3:1 FAR must be affordable. May be: At full buildout, it is estimated: The SCW Bonus Program could produce – Affordable rental units at 60% MFI, – Or if Condos: 481 On-site Affordable Units compared to – Affordable ownership units (condos) at 80% MFI, or – A fee-in-lieu for ownership units. 527 Affordable Units anticipated in the 2016 Vision Plan. 8 ^ *For artistic rendering purposes only ^ Required dispersion of affordable units throughout the residential units Key* Recommended …
C20-2022-003 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Amendment: Description: Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront; and initiating zoning and rezoning for all properties within the South Central Waterfront District except those with Planned Unit Development zoning, Planned Development Area zoning, and subject to Planned Development Agreement, and initiate necessary neighborhood plan amendments for the properties located in the new zoning district’s boundaries. Background: On June 16, 2016, the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Vision Plan) was adopted as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. As defined in the Vision Plan, the South Central Waterfront district encompasses roughly 118 acres. The intent of the Vision Plan was to leverage forecasted development through a districtwide approach that creates a dynamic people-centered district in Central Austin by: - Establishing a lively, attractive pedestrian environment; - Expanding open space and creating great public places; - Enhancing connections to and along the waterfront; and - Providing 20% new affordable housing units, or approximately 527 affordable units in the district. A districtwide approach had been identified as an essential method in realizing the intent of the Vision Plan. Through this approach, the South Central Waterfront is hoped to become a model for how a districtwide green infrastructure system, paired with quality urban design, can provide an interconnected network of public spaces – streets, streetscapes, lakeside trails, and parks – that provides the framework for redevelopment and districtwide value capture to fund other community benefits, such as affordable housing. The urban development envisioned in the Vision Plan requires modifications to the existing zoning and development regulations. To support the development envisioned in the Vision Plan, the City Council passed Resolution Number 20220915-090 on September 15, 2022, to initiate the development of regulations for the South Central Waterfront area. In the resolution, Council asked staff to create regulations that consider today’s market realities, anticipate future demand, and realize the intent of the Vision Plan to: 1 C20-2022-003 - Create a density bonus program “akin” to …
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2023-045 Amendment: C20-2023-045 Site Plan Lite Phase 2 & Infill Plats Description: These proposed amendments to respond to separate council initiatives: Resolution No. 20221201-048 (“Site Plan Lite”) and Resolution No. 20230504-023 (“Infill Plats”). The amendments, which will be included in a single ordinance, facilitate development of missing middle housing. Background: — Site Plan Lite Phase 2 On December 1, 2022, City Council approved Resolution No. 20221201-048 initiating Land Development Code (“LDC”) amendments to facilitate the creation of missing middle housing by scaling site plan review requirements for residential projects of three to sixteen units. As Phase 1 of the project, Council adopted Ordinance No. 20230720-158 on July 20, 2023, creating a site plan exemption for projects having four or fewer residential units. For a few months following passage of the ordinance, DSD required projects utilizing the new process to obtain formal “site plan exemptions,” which is an added step beyond obtaining a residential building permit. Following passage of the initial HOME amendments, which modified the definition of “multi-family,” DSD now routes projects of one to three units directly to residential review without requiring a site plan exemption. These proposed amendments would complete Council’s direction from Resolution No. 20221201-048 by establishing a more streamlined review process for projects of 5 to 16 units located on a single lot. — Infill Plats On May 4, 2023, Council approved Resolution No. 20230504-023 initiating LDC amendments to facilitate the creation of infill lots within existing residential subdivisions, with the goal of expanding opportunities for “fee simple” ownership and easing the impact of non-zoning regulations on residential re-subdivisions. The proposed amendments would achieve this objective by modifying non-zoning regulations for infill development, thereby establishing a more streamlined review process. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: Below is a general summary of amendments proposed to implement the Infill Plat and Site Plan Lite resolutions. Modified Drainage Regulations Background LDC Sec. 25-8-211(B)(3) exempts development with up to 8,000 square feet of impervious cover from the requirement to provide water quality controls on sites located outside of the Barton Springs Zone. However, the code provides no similar exemption for drainage regulations. This means that I. — 1 infill re-subdivisions and small-scale site plans are required to meet detention standards similar to those required for large-scale multi-family and commercial projects. The proposed amendments would tailor drainage regulations more closely to the scale and intensity of residential …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg CITY STAFF PRESENT Jordan Feldman, Planning Department Paul Books, Planning Department Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department CALL TO ORDER Chair Hempel called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1 DRAFT Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No speakers signed up for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the February 21, 2024, meeting minutes. On a motion by Vice Chair Flores, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell, the minutes from the February 21st, 2024, meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Commissioners Greenberg and Azhar absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-026 Live Music and Creative Space Bonus Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a Creative Combining District and Development Bonus Program to enhance the development and preservation of live music venues and creative sector businesses. City Staff: Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department, (512) 974- 2214, DonaldE.Jackson@austintexas.gov. Chair Hempel motion to recommend the amendment to Planning Commission seconded by Commissioner Maxwell 5-0, Commissioners Greenberg Azhar absent. 3. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION ITEMS Jordan Feldman presented. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:19 pm. 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 before …
Affordability Impact Statement South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program Case number: C20-2022-003 Date: March 27, 2024 Proposed Regulation • The proposed code amendments will create the South Central Waterfront Combining District (SCWCD) and the South Central Waterfront Density Bonus (SCWDB). The SCWCD is established to implement the intent of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Vision Plan). The SCWDB will allow for additional density beyond the South Central Waterfront SCWCD standard regulation in exchange for implementing certain design criteria and providing community benefits. • The affordable housing component includes: o Require 5% of housing on-site within 3:1 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) must be affordable For rental units: • 60% MFI; or For ownership units: • 80% of ownership units; or • A fee in lieu equivalent to the otherwise required on-site set-aside percentage of the total residential units, including the mix of bedrooms required, at the rate set in the fee schedule at the time of final site plan submission. • Apart from meeting the on-site requirements within the 3:1 FAR, up to 70% of the additional bonus area can be attained through fees-in-lieu and dedications. These fees-in-lieu will be equally allocated among affordable housing, parks, and infrastructure. • The funds designated for affordable housing will be spent within a boundary delineated by Ladybird Lake to the North, E Ben White to the South, IH-35 to the East, and MoPac to the West and within a ½ mile of a rail stop or ¼ mile of a bus stop. • Recently, the City Council approved changes to City Code Chapter 4-18, impacting both residential and non-residential redevelopment. These changes included regulations for density bonus programs, with specific focus on residential redevelopment requirements. Initially, the ordinance called for the replacement of all units affordable to households earning 80% or less of the Median Family Income (MFI). However, subsequent collaboration among various City departments led staff to conclude that a more finely-tuned threshold for triggering unit replacement under this requirement would be to replace existing units affordable to a household earning 60% MFI or below. This adjustment aligns with the goals outlined in the Strategic Housing Blueprint, prioritizing deeper levels of affordability, and aiming to enhance participation in density bonus programs. Staff recommends bringing forward an item on a future Council agenda to update this provision of Chapter 4-18. • The staff proposal for redevelopment …
South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to remove or exclude height limits from the SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Height limits should be removed or excluded from the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. Rationale: Given the difficulty of predicting future market conditions, the decades-long redevelopment timeline for the district, the significant variability of parcel sizes within the district, and the other prescriptions in the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program, arbitrary height limits would serve to limit flexibility and adaptability to future market conditions, particularly on smaller parcels. As a transit-connected district facing Downtown, a significant portion of which already falls within the Downtown Public Improvement District, the South Central Waterfront will become an integrated extension of Downtown over time. The Core/Waterfront and Rainey Street Districts in the Downtown Austin Plan, which comprise the northern banks opposite the South Central Waterfront, are also not subject to height limits but remain regulated by FAR limits. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to amend SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM to direct the Director of the Housing Department to allocate funds from the Housing Trust Fund Fee-in-Lieu to purchase existing housing units within a refined Affordable Housing Fee Spending Area Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Proceeds allocated to the Housing Trust Fund Fee-in-Lieu should be spent to purchase existing housing stock within a refined Affordable Housing Fee Spending Area, as defined by the walkshed of the district and current or planned transit lines transecting or terminating in the district, bound by the borders defined in Section 6.4.E.1.b. Rationale: Given the high cost of building new housing units, affordable or otherwise, in the South Central Waterfront District, the city should allocate funds from the Housing Trust to purchase existing, cheaper housing units within or as close to the district and nearby transit as possible. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to amend the boundaries of the Housing …
Infill Plats & Site Plan Lite, Part 2: Overview of Staff Proposal Codes & Ordinances Joint Committee | April 1, 2024 Brent Lloyd, DSD Development Officer Agenda Items • Discuss proposed code amendments for: 1. Infill Plats 2. Site Plan Lite, Part 2 • Questions & Answers Infill Plats Subdivision Overview Subdivision Plats • The division of land into one or more lots for the purpose of sale, transfer, development, or extension of utilities. • Unless an exception applies, only land within an approved subdivision plat may be developed. • Infrastructure and amenities dedicated at subdivision serve multiple lots, which can then be developed independently. — Commercial & Residential Subdivisions Subdivision Overview (cont’d) Subdivision Types and Order of Process • Preliminary Plan • Final Plat • Subdivision Construction Plans • Re-subdivision Effect of Subdivision on Residential Development • “Fee Simple” Ownership vs. “Condominium Regimes” Greenfield Subdivision Subdivision Construction Plan - Build Infrastructure Residential Subdivision Infill Plats – Challenges • In the platting context, “infill” is the re- subdivision of lots in existing single-family subdivisions into new, smaller lots. • Current regulations, particularly drainage & water quality, are tailored to greenfield subdivisions rather than residential infill. Infill Plat Process - Council Direction Goals of Resolution No. 20230504-023: • Establish an efficient process to create infill lots within residential subdivisions, thereby facilitating fee-simple ownership and small-lot development form. • Right-size regulations to the scale and intensity of infill development. • Explore making waivers and variances administrative. • Include other changes to facilitate creation of infill lots. Subdivision-Related Improvements Adopted in 2023 Ordinance No. 20230831-141 • Eliminated commission approvals for plats, which means all applications without variances may be approved by staff. • Streamlined application submittal requirements. • Extended application deadlines. • Modified flag lot regulations. Summary of Infill Plat Proposal Response to Resolution No. 20230504-023 • Targeted changes to regulations for residential resubs. aimed at: — Making the process more efficient and less costly for small-lot developments that are comparable in scale & intensity to development currently permitted under HOME 1. — Ensuring that drainage requirements are: Right-sized to infill development Sufficient to ensure that development does not increase risk of lot-to-lot flooding. Infill Plat Proposal (cont’d) Drainage Plan In-Lieu of Onsite Detention & Drainage Studies • For resubdivisions of platted residential lots, onsite detention & drainage studies would not be required for development that: — Does not exceed: (b) …
Special Called Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Jordan Feldman Erica Leak Paul Books Chad Sharrard Matt Hollon Liz Johnston Brent Lloyd Lyndi Garwood MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern MEMBERS ABSENT Felicity Maxwell CALL TO ORDER Call to Order by Vice Chair Flores at 6:00 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the March 20, 2024, meeting minutes. On a motion by Chair Hempel seconded by Commissioner Azhar, the minutes from the March 20, 2024, meeting were approved unanimously (6-0) with Commissioner Maxwell absent. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; and to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront. City Staff: Erica Leak, Planning Department, (512) 974-9375, Erica.Leak@austintexas.gov. Erica Leak presented. Chair Hempel moved to forward the staff recommendation to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Azhar seconded. Commissioner Azhar moved to consider an amendment to expand affordable housing spending area to Ben E. White next to transit. Commissioner Anderson seconded. The amendment passed unanimously with Commissioner Maxwell absent. Commissioner Azhar moved to consider an amendment to expand Subdistrict 5 between S. First and S. Congress Avenue to the southern edge along Bouldin Creek. Commissioner Anderson seconded. The Amendment passed on a 5-1 vote with Commissioner Greenberg against and Commissioner Maxwell absent. Commissioner Greenberg moved to consider …
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, April 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email lindsay.hutchens@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-3788. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on March 4, 2024. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from March 18, 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Terminal Expansion Phase II / West Gate Expansion AIPP Project – Kat Quay ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Dove Springs Health Center AIPP Project – Mai Gutierrez ACTION: Approve the Selection Process Recommendation for three Austin Fire Department/Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Station AIPP Projects – Loop 360 / Davenport Ranch Station, Goodnight Ranch Station, and Canyon Creek Station. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Art in Public Places Staff Updates on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones by Art in Public Places Staff Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, Lindsay Hutchens, Bryana Iglesias, Alex Irrera, and Ryan Runcie FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Lindsay Hutchens at the Economic Development Department at lindsay.hutchens@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-3788 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024, via Zoom. Chair Stephanie Lemmo called the Meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair J Muzacz, and Panel Members Taylor Davis, Sarah Carr, and Kristi-Anne Shaer. Panel Member Woods and Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado absent. Staff in Attendance: EDD staff: Cultural Arts Division Manager Meghan Wells. AIPP staff: Project Coordinators Alex Irrera, Ryan Runcie, Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, and Lindsay Hutchens. Guests in Attendance: Kat Quay, Mai Gutierrez, Lys Santamaria (Artists); Paul Bielamowicz (Page); Ryan Stoltz (Structures); Angel Gomez (Bercy Chen Studio); Constance White (Department of Aviation); Kalpana Sutaria (Capital Delivery Services Department); Peter Teliha (Austin Fire Department); Eric Jakubauskas (Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, were approved on the motion of Panel Member Carr and Vice Chair Muzacz seconded. Passed 5-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from March 18, 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado. No report given. 3. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Terminal Expansion Phase II / West Gate Expansion AIPP Project by Kat Quay. Discussion ensued. Approved on the motion of Panel Member Carr, Panel Member Davis seconded. Passed 5-0-0. 4. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Dove Springs Health Center AIPP Project by Mai Gutierrez. Discussion ensued. Approved on the motion of Chair Lemmo, Panel Member Shaer seconded. Passed 5-0-0. 5. ACTION: Approve the Selection Process Recommendation for three Austin Fire Department/Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Station AIPP Projects – Loop 360 / Davenport Ranch Station, Goodnight Ranch Station, and Canyon Creek Station. AIPP Staff Frederico Geib presented the Selection Process Recommendations for three Austin Fire Department/Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Station AIPP Projects. Discussion ensued. Approved on the motion of Vice Chair Muzacz and Panel Member Shaer seconded. Passed 4-0-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Art in Public Places Staff Updates on Current Projects, and Milestones by Art in Public Places Staff Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, Lindsay Hutchens, Bryana Iglesias, Alex Irrera, and Ryan Runcie. Frederico Geib noted that a successful dedication event for the Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park AIPP Project by …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Community Interest Announcement Nuts & Bolts Open House for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Thursday, March 28, 2024 – 5:30 P.M. Cafetorium Baker School 3908 Avenue B Austin, Texas A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact: cara.bertron@austintexas.gov Cara Bertron 512-974-1446 1
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair 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. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY25 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department. 2
Watershed Protection Department FY24 Budget, Programs, and Projects 1 Overview ◦ Mission & Organizational Structure ◦ FY24 Budget Highlights ◦ Programmatic Activities ◦ Capital Improvement Program ◦ Project Highlights ◦ Resources 2 Mission & Organizational Structure 3 Our Department & Mission Established in 1991, Watershed Protection Department was charged with the goal of managing the City’s creeks, drainage systems and water quality programs. Our Mission: “…to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community by reducing the impact of floods, erosion, and water pollution.” Our Funding: Primary Source: Drainage Charge - >94% Other sources: Bonds (for Capital Projects), Development Fees, Interest Income, Grants 4 WPD Organizational Structure Watershed Protection Total FTEs: 442.5 Planning, Monitoring, & Compliance FTEs: 105.5 Project Design & Delivery FTEs: 62 Field Operations FTEs: 173 Support Services FTEs: 102 5 FY24 Budget Highlights 6 FY 2024 Budget Expenses by Program Total Budget: $114.7 Million Other Transfers 19.2 Projects Design and Delivery 8.6 Planning, Monitoring, & Compliance 14.6 Transfer to CIP 28.0 Support Services 15.8 Field Operations 28.5 7 Programmatic Activities 8 Funding Sources • Operations ◦ Drainage Utility Charge Based on Amount and Percent of Impervious cover ◦ Other Fees and Interest Income Site plans, subdivisions, MUD, PUDs; Permit Fees • Capital Projects ◦ Cash transfer from operations ◦ GO bonds ◦ Grants ◦ Tax Increment Financing ◦ RSMP and USCF Payments 9 FY24 Funding Source and Uses Funding Sources Revenue Source Drainage Utility Charge Development, licenses and permit Fees Interest Income and other misc. revenue Total Funding Uses Funding uses Personnel Cost Other program costs Transfers Total $Millions 104.1 1.4 5.2 110.7 $Millions 48.8 18.7 47.2 114.7 10 Watershed Operational Activities • Drainage infrastructure maintenance • Trash and debris removal • Land management & ponds maintenance 11 Watershed Operational Activities • Pollution prevention and response • Floodplain modeling and development review • Environmental policy and planning • Environmental research and data analysis 12 Watershed Operational Activities • Storm event monitoring • Replenishing creek beds • Community education and outreach 13 Capital Improvement Program 14 Capital Improvement Program: Overview ◦ Projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are major improvements to our infrastructure, facilities, and waterways ◦ CIP projects have a higher price tag and longer lifespan than routine maintenance or in-house projects funded through the operating budget Storm drain improvement project 15 Capital Improvement Program: Priorities Flooding in the Onion Creek watershed ◦ …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220330-001 Date: March 28, 2024 Subject: Watershed Protection Department FY 2024-2025 Budget, Programs, and Projects Motion by: Perry Bedford Seconded by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was presented the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) Fiscal year 2024 budget; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual Financial Forecast is still being prepared and the final plan will be provided to Council in near future; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission supports the Watershed Protection Department’s Budget, Programs, and Projects as presented to the Commission with the following recommendations: Continue to support the funding for trash removal and working with profit and nonprofit contracts for trash removal in the community and neighborhoods. Research federal and state funding available to supplement city funding for applicable improvement projects. Replenishing creek beds Pollution prevention and response Personnel and wage increases as appropriate VOTE 7-0 Invest money in water quality monitoring to quantify the impact of the IH-35 expansion. For: Perry Bedford, Rick Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Marianna Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Kevin Ramberg, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Vice Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas 78752. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Rick Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Melinda Schiera Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, Colin Nickells, Kevin Ramberg PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY25 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Watershed Protection Department Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department A motion to make recommendations for Watershed Protection’s Fiscal year 2025 budget was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Qureshi, Nickells, and Ramberg were absent. Vice Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the May 1, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner’s Bristol and Nickells abstained. Commissioners Qureshi and Schiera were off the dais. 1
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MARCH 27, 2024 – 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TX 78752 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/7iNcGXNT4q or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. Free on-site parking is available in the parking garage and with validation. Attendees should enter via the Event Center Doors on Wilhelmina Delco Drive. More information is available here: https://www.austintexas.gov/pdc. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) VACANT (D-6) Julie Hayes (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 26, 2024. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS Report of recommendations by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Working Group. (Sponsors: Flowers, Orme, Merritt, Becker, Franklin). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Cold Weather Shelter staff. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): David Crabb, Community Recreation Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. DISCUSSION ITEMS STAFF BRIEFINGS Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 160 days, of parkland located at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave). Total mitigation fee is $1,774,993. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Karen Poff, P.E., Power System Principal Engineer, Austin Energy Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. Approve …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Recommendation Seconded By: The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: 1. The allocation of sufficient additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to begin the process of addressing the under resourcing of recreation centers and senior centers, both in programming and physical capacity, including: a. Continuation of existing staff study and proposal of a potential bond for capital improvement projects identified as high priority for investment in the forthcoming PARD - Recreation and Senior Center Facility Assessment & Gap Analysis report. Potential priorities include but are not limited to: shade structures, increased headcount for PARD staff to run programming, additional recreational and/or senior facility space in areas identified as high need, and an expansion in adaptive services. (~$80,000, potentially in existing staff time) b. Additional part-time and/or hourly staff to accommodate more children during summer camps at facilities where space has been identified and expansion is possible, to total no fewer than 5 FTE ($150,000) 2. The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address the following needs outlined in the Climate Equity Plan: a. Carbon Neutral Public Lands (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. ii. iii. The installation of efficient automated/drip irrigation on PARD property with native trees and landscaping, with priority near underserved communities with lower access to nature in East Austin, using reclaimed water wherever practical ($250,000) Additional annual funding to be allocated for the maintenance of existing installations and irrigation systems ($150,000) A full-time Program Manager positions (1 FTE) to be created and funded to plan land management projects and identify and apply for funding to implement them ($150,000) 3. The allocation of additional funding to the appropriate department to address the following needs outlined in the Climate Equity Plan: a. Converting Impervious Cover to Functional Green (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. Audit of City-owned non-functional or unnecessary impervious cover, including surface-level parking lots, and develop a plan to convert an ambitious percentage of these to functional green uses as soon as practical ($200,000) b. No Mow Signage (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) Permanent signage to show city land is not being neglected but rather managed for wildlife. Signage should be prioritized in low income and BIPOC neighborhoods, be bilingual, and include visuals when possible ($75,000) 1 …
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G M.O.U. # 24-003 FDU: 1/10/2024 13,116 sq. ft. = $1,491,945 7,314 sq. ft. = $185,998 $93,050 3,659 sq. ft. = Bob Kahn General Manager, Austin Energy Department Kimberly McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP Director, Parks and Recreation Department TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Austin Energy Duct Bank - Brazos and Trinity DATE: Austin Energy Department is requesting a Chapter 26 application for the change of use of parkland at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave) as part of the work site for the above referenced project as indicated in Map Exhibit Attachment B. The parkland is to be used for Permanent and Temporary Use. The requested area is: Permanent Use: Temporary Work Area: Temporary Staging/Access Total Parkland Mitigation Amount = Austin Energy agrees to provide the above mitigation in return for the use of the parkland. Estimated construction duration is 160 calendar days. Estimated Date of final completion (restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and PARD: June 2025. Extension or modification of parkland use must receive prior written approval from PARD. Additional fees may be required. Austin Energy Department Point of Contact: Karen Poff Parks and Recreation Point of Contact: Gregory Montes Phone Number: 512-974-9458 Parks & Recreation Board: Council Approval: Phone Number: 512-332-6464 $1,770,993 1 of 2 Date ____________________________________________________________ Kimberly McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP Director, Parks and Recreation Department CONCURRENCE ____________________________________________________________ Bob Kahn General Manager, Austin Energy Department Date Attachments: A (Mitigation Calculation) Attachments: B (Map Exhibit) 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Permanent Use - Downtown MOU 24-003 Calculated Fee $1,491,945 Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park Temporary Use - Downtown Work Area $185,998 Temporary Use - Downtown Staging Area $93,050 TOTAL = $1,770,993 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use - Downtown TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $406,178,487 Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park 0 MOU 24-003 Avg. Lot Size (sq. ft.): 1,249,780 Based on subject property Value per Square Ft. ($): $325 TCAD Land Value divided by subject property Requested Area (sq. ft.): 13,116 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $4,262,700 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 35% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $1,491,945 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value DISTURBANCE VALUES Area can still be developed with minimal or no limitations (underground work/materials with no/few above ground appurtenances/fixtures) Area can still be developed with moderate limitations (underground work/materials with some small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) Development severely limited (underground work/materials with large or several small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) No future park development possible in the area - dedicated to installation (underground and/or surface appurtenances/fixtures) 35% 50% 75% 100% Temporary Use - Downtown 1 ATTACHMENT 'A' - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park 0 MOU 24-003 Average Daily Cost to Park Car ($): $24 Based on average for downtown parking lot fees Parking Space Size (Sq. Ft.): 151 Based on standard parking space Requested Area (Sq. Ft.): 7,314 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Equivalent Number of Parking Spaces: 48 Requested Area divided by standard parking space Daily Mitigation Rate ($): $1,162 Equivalent Number of Parking Spaces multiplied by Average Daily Cost to park car Days Requested: 160 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Total Mitigation Rate ($): $185,998 Daily Mitigation Rate multiplied by Days Requested Temporary Use - Downtown 2 ATTACHMENT 'A' - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Project: AE - Brazos Ductbank - Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park 0 MOU 24-003 Average Daily Cost to Park Car ($): $24 Based on average for downtown parking lot fees Average Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 151 Based on standard parking space Requested Area (Sq. …
C E S A R C H A V E Z B R A Z O S S T T R I N I T Y S T EASEMENT LEGEND LADYBIRD LAKE (1) TEMPORARY ACCESS EASEMENT PART 1 - 406 SY (1) TEMPORARY ACCESS EASEMENT PART 2 - 810 SY (3) PERMANENT ELECTRIC EASEMENT - 179 SY TBPE Registration #F-2966 2705 Bee Cave Road, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 314-3100 Fax (512) 314-3135 (4) PERMANENT SUBTERRANEAN ELECTRIC EASEMENT - 1277 SY MAP EXHIBIT B N 0 20' 40' 80' SCALE: 1" = 40' PARD EASEMENTS BRAZOS ST DUCT BANK CIVIL WORK AUSTIN ENERGY CITY OF AUSTIN EXHIBIT EX-1 (REVISION #2) 03-1-23
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Seconded By: Duct Bank at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 160 days, of parkland located at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave). Total mitigation fee is $1,774,993. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign]
03/14/2024 Women swimmers request an essential “change order” for the Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse Rehab For consideration by the Parks Board and Council Members 03/14/2024 Contact: Diana Prechter dianaprechter@gmail.com 512-922-0113 Page of 1 6 I have an update and a request regarding the Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse rehab design. Our self-appointed Women Swimmers Technical Advisory Group met with Director McNeeley, ACM Hayden-Howard and members of the bathhouse project team on 2/29/2024. Our swimmers’ YouTube video explaining our concerns and our reasonable proposals has now received 547 views. We are waiting to hear the response from ACM Hayden-Howard. However, we have one essential concern that we want to express to Council Members and the Parks Board. We are asking Council and the Parks Board to please ensure that the City Manager’s Office directs the project team to remove the SE corner family restroom proposed for the women’s shower and dressing area. Page of 2 6 The “red oval” is the open-air women’s shower in the middle of the courtyard. If family restroom #5 is intended to be used by families with young children, it violates the privacy of both the women showering and of the children. The men’s courtyard has no such family restroom opening into their showers. Please give women the same privacy. If family restroom #5 is intended to serve gender-fluid people, it fails the test because they have been forced to walk through the women’s corridor and showers. Let me explain why women’s safety is compromised by this corner location of a family restroom. Page of 3 6 Zilker Park is a metropolitan park that allows overnight parked vehicles. The pool and bathhouse offer select hours of free admission daily. The facility is open to the public from 5 am to 10 pm which includes many hours of darkness. I have often been in these showers, completely alone, on a dark summer night — once I was startled to find a man hiding by the toilets. I have been in these showers while there was a woman screaming, experiencing mental health issues. I have been here in the morning when feces were discovered in a shower from an overnight hidden guest. The existing women’s corridor family restroom is frequently abused. Lifeguards are tasked with cleaning a family restroom when it looks like a crime scene with blood, feces and needles. Staff has explained to us: If they don’t …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County Find your seat at the table Some Food for Thought Developing a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan sets clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan builds on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and Communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan centers equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system Here’s a brief message from our Community Advisory Committee on why you should care about this plan: Food connects us all. Every bite sparks a ripple effect, impacting the system that nourishes our community. From farmers, chefs, and grocery store workers to neighbors and families, we're all part of this story. As the City of Austin and Travis Country continue to grow, this food plan is here to guide us moving forward, ensuring everyone has access to the food they need to thrive. This isn't just about eating – it's about building a future where food is a basic human right and our choices nourish not just ourselves but our world. Good to Know ● On June 2021 Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 ● A draft was released on March 18th and it’s now open for public comment. Link to full resolution Project Timeline Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March - August 2023 September 2023 - February 2024 February - Summer/Fall 2024 We are here ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafe’s ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at events 📞 Equity Grounding Workshops 🤝 Community Circles 👐 Selecting Issue Area Groups🍽 ● ● ● ● Issue Area Group Meetings 🏘 Develop Goals and Strategies 🎯 Review Goals and Strategies Develop a draft for the Food Plan 🖊 ● ● ● ● Community Review of Plan 👀 Council and Commissioner Review ⚖ Approval 👍 Adoption 🏁 Co-creating …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Parks and Recreation Board March 25, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 2 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Program. ▪ Maximize community benefits and infrastructure investments. ▪ Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown and that supports Project Connect. ▪ Allow entitlements for required infrastructure and community benefits. ▪ Ensure entitlements meet market demand. ▪ Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. ▪ Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 3 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 4 Combining District Components ▪ General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) ▪ Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) ▪ Development Standards (What can be built and where) ▪ Design Standards (How it will look) ▪ Definitions 5 Density Bonus Components ▪ Procedures/Requirements ▪ “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment ▪ In-Lieu Fees and Dedications ▪ Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 6 Streets and Light Rail 7 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Critical Water Quality Zones 9 Permitted land uses support: Land Uses – Transit – Pedestrian use – Mixed-use – Creative Enterprise – Recreation and Entertainment Activity 10 Parks & Open Space ▪ Required publicly accessible Open Space (5% of site) ▪ Parkland dedication may be credited towards Parks Fee-in-Lieu amount ▪ Buildout of parks amenities is a community benefit available for bonus area ▪ Both parkland dedication and buildout must meet PARD criteria and be accepted by the PARD Director 11 *For artistic rendering purposes only 12 Bonus Program Structure First Then (For Additional FAR Beyond Base) Gate Keeper Requirements Onsite Affordable Housing (Fee for Non-Residential) Enhanced Environmental Protections Streetscape & Built Environment (To Reach Up to FAR Subdistrict Maximums) 70% In-Lieu Fees & Dedications Affordable Housing Parks Infrastructure 30% On-Site Community Benefits Open Space Universal Design Child / Adult Care Park Buildout Cultural Uses Music Venues Grocery Store Transit- Supportive Infrastructure 13 Existing PUDs, PDAs, and Planned Development Areas 15 Timeline b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J Public Comment Period Feb. 20 – Mar. 20 E n g a g e me …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on February 26, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lisa Hugman, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Julie Hayes, Shelby Orme. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ted Eubanks - Friends of Wooldridge Square Claire Krebs - Festival Beach Community Garden Andrea Hill - Barton Springs Bathhouse Contract Diana Prechter - Barton Springs Bathhouse Patricia Bobeck - Donating 3 minutes to Diana Prechter Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Joel Manzo - Austin Youth Baseball. Donated 2 minutes to Jason Williams Jason Williams - Game time fields owner Zoey Carlson - Austin Sandlot Baseball Community Santiago - Incomplete tree inventory near I-35 C Rickner - Austin Sandlot Baseball Community APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Team 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve the letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Unit was approved on Chair Villalobos' motion, Board Member Bazan's second on a 9-0. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to the environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Liz Johnston, Environmental Policy Program Coordinator and Katie Coyne, Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the width of portions of the trail, erosion, trail paving martials, 2:1 mitigation vs 1:1 mitigation, City Council's authority to authorize the widening of trails, Council …
