REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT March 10, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to ___ Bianca A Medina-Leal ___ Brian Poteet ___ Margaret Shahrestani ___ Janel Venzant ___ Michael Von Ohlen ___ Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Yung-ju Kim The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on February 10, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for February 10, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Sign Variance case(s): 2. C16-2024-0001 Michael Everett for Rowdy Durham 6320 Ed Bluestein Boulevard SB (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 104.65 square feet to 314.86 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, February 10, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS Discuss structure of working groups to align with Board’s overall goals and advocacy efforts. 4. Discuss City of Austin budget engagement process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and take possible action on appointing a representative and alternate from the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board to serve as a liaison to the Joint Sustainability Committee liaison. Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County, Marissa Bell (land acquisition) and Board Member Matt Simon (regenerative agriculture). Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 3 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Improve farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring training opportunities, and a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding strengthening opportunities for advancement for workers across the local …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20250210-04C: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, there is a lack of coordination among City departments acquiring land for various purposes, such as water quality, flood control, and green space development, undermining the potential to support the City’s food and climate resilience goals, including agricultural production and carbon sequestration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in our community are related to the food supply chain; and WHEREAS, implementing Regenerative Agriculture supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which aims to ensure that by 2030, 100% of Austinites, especially those who are food insecure, can access a pro-climate, pro-health food systems that prioritize regenerative agriculture; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to “regenerative agriculture” and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan states that a specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be adopted to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use (1.1,1.2) and community food systems support (1.6,1.12); and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and quantifies the resulting greenhouse gas benefits; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process can be also be applied to outdoor spaces such as parks, flood plain, and greenbelts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of Sustainability has previously allocated funds for Texas’ First Resilient Farm plan at the Refugee Collective Farm, written and implemented with technical assistance from National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI). This establishes a precedent of city support for collaborative plan implementation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to assist with the writing and implementation of Resilient Farm Plans; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant is a current funding mechanism available to farmers that supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the …
Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: : Recommended Support for Food Plan Goal 3 Implementation WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin Food Plan in June 2021 to support a more resilient, equitable food system for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issue areas, including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post- Consumption and Food Waste, and 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as input from a Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning teams across both City and County offices, and broad public engagement; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan outlines strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies to be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, Goal 3 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, "Livelihoods," seeks to improve farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening opportunities for advancement across the local food system; and WHEREAS, over 65,000 people are employed in the food sector across Travis County, many of whom earn some of the lowest wages in our local economy, making the implementation of Goal 3 essential to supporting economic stability, worker well-being, and a thriving regional food economy; and WHEREAS, successful implementation of Goal 3 requires specific actions, including: Defining criteria for a livable wage in the food service industry using nationally recognized frameworks, paired with business engagement and data analysis to create a regionally appropriate standard; Conducting regular, culturally appropriate worker surveys and focus groups to assess needs, work environments, and career opportunities to inform responsive policy and program development; Establishing a commission or working group under the Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board to address food and farm worker rights, including benefits, unfair labor practices, and workplace safety; Researching and recommending incentives such as tax rebates and wage supplements to support food system employers who provide livable wages and fair labor practices; Expanding workforce training …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Food Plan Goal: • 6.5: Expand benefits and access to nutritious foods through programs that amplify and supplement the purchasing power of individuals and households facing food and nutrition insecurity and explore the feasibility of creating a locally funded nutrition incentive program with less restrictive eligibility criteria than SNAP/WIC WHEREAS, food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources; WHEREAS, where value multiplying programs are an effective model of extending purchasing power for nutritious foods, allowing SNAP recipients to double their spending on fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets; WHEREAS, the need for culturally relevant nutrition education and cooking skills training, can empower community members to make healthy, affordable food choices; WHEREAS, current food assistance programs often have restrictive eligibility criteria that exclude many community members experiencing economic hardship; WHEREAS, technological barriers and limited digital literacy can further complicate access to food assistance resources and online food shopping options; WHEREAS, language and disability barriers continue to create additional challenges for individuals seeking food assistance and nutrition support; WHEREAS, existing successful local programs that provide valuable frameworks for expanding food access and nutrition education; new programs can and need to be created; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City of Austin expand and enhance Nutrition Incentive Programs, building upon the successful value purchasing models to create a locally funded nutrition incentive program with more flexible eligibility criteria that complement existing federal/state/local assistance programs. These efforts could provide additional purchasing power for nutritious foods, particularly fresh produce and local agricultural products and create mechanisms to support both farmers and food-insecure households. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages Austin City Council to provide funding for Nutrition Education and Skill-Building initiatives to increase utilization and health among vulnerable populations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City Council reduce Barriers to Food Assistance through accessible digital and in-person application processes, where application materials and support services are provided in multiple languages and create accessible accommodates for individuals with disabilities. in all food assistance program communications BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that these recommendations align with the city's commitment to the food plan, equity, health, and community support, recognizing that …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION March 10, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory 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, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 10, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion regarding the development of bond technical criteria and the recent work of the Bond Election Advisory Task Force. Presentation by Jason Garza, Deputy Officer, Animal Services Office. 4. Overview of budget requests made by Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. 5. Discussion of targets for the Animal Services Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion of long distance adoption support at Austin Animal Center and formation of a working group to research, support and encourage the shelter in increasing adoptions by utilizing long distance adoption models. 7. Discussion of Greater Good Charities, Good Fix support and formation of a working group to find ways to improve outcomes. 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. …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 10, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Sarah Huddleston, D9 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochelle Vickery – Dogs Pat Valls-Trelles – Performance Measures APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2025. 1 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on January 13, The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on January 13, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Hoke was absent. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 3. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreements reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. 4. Discussion of the draft Animal Services Strategic Plan. The presentation was made by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department, Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the draft Animal Services Strategic Plan. The motion to amend the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 with the titled “Proposed Additions to ASO Strategic Plan” was made by Vice Chair Linder, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston. The amendments were as follows: “Spay Neuter (Page 13) • Goal 2: Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Partner with volunteers and organizations that support community cats to identify opportunities to enhance, reduce barriers to, and maximize the impact of trap-neuter-return programs. Goal 1: Add Strategy C as follows: “C. Develop methods to identify and Open Intake (Page 14) • implement policies to prioritize emergency cases and most at-risk animals for immediate intake.” Open Intake (Page 15): • Goal 3: Remove “Get” in title. 2 • Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Review, research, and provide recommendations …
Information is from October 1, 2024– February 28, 2025 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Difference of outcomes - intakes Intake Year (fiscal) Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total Dog Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total RTO/RTO Adopt SNR (former SCRP) RTO/RTO Adopt 2025 2129 2024 4153 2025 2059 2206 4265 2025 -70 182 112 2025 1595 78 274 67 32 2 158 2206 2025 1328 290 369 63 9 0 2059
February 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Austin Animal Center clinic, and 1 at TLAC). clinic, and 4 at TLAC). Animal Protection Rescue. positive bat. Wildlife • The live outcome rate for February was 95.81%. • A total of 846 animals were brought to the shelter which included 476 dogs, 331 cats, 20 wild animals, 10 rabbits, 4 betta fish, one guinea pig, and one rat. • A total of 526 animals were adopted (140 adult dogs, 154 puppies, 112 kittens, and 120 adult cats). • A total of 75 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On February 1, there were 745 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (460 onsite, 280 in foster, 2 at a vet • On March 1, there were 770 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (479 onsite, 285 in foster, 2 at a vet • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) made contact with the public 2,234 times in the month of February. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 29 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 19 fencing assistance applications and implanted 4 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 89 injured animals and delivered approximately 62 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife • Officers entered 197 rabies exposure reports and submitted 20 specimens for rabies testing. We had 1 • There were 38 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 22 sightings, 7 wild sick, 2 incidents, 3 observations, 1 encounters, 1 wild injured, and 2 wild speak • Out of 38 coyote related activities, 28 (74%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 1/1 (100%) of encounters reported. 1/1 encounters (100%) involved a coyote chasing an owned outside cat in a fenced o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported. 1/2 incidents (50%) involved a coyote possibly injuring a pet. Unable to contact the 1/2 incidents (50%) involved a coyote injuring a person’s dog and caller backyard. caller for more information witnessed incident. • Out of 38 coyote related reports, 12 (32%) reports were updated to the correct behavior types. o 2 sightings updated to wild sick (due to mange) o Residents are mistaking coyotes with mange for dogs …
Animal Services Budget Animal Services Office Budget Asks and Appropriations March 10th, 2025 Presented by: Don Bland 1 Operating Budget Operating Budget Expenditure by Program Animal Services Support Services Transfers, Debt Service, and other Requirements 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved 13,176,253 15,056,502 15,149,003 16,010,710 1,492,425 3,431,484 1,544,174 4,161,880 1,751,149 4,161,880 2,036,181 5,419,387 Total by Program Revenue from General Fund 15,957,928 18,684,168 19,064,818 21,225,540 21,062,032 20,762,556 18,100,163 23,466,278 Revenue from Fees/ILA 2,142,235 2,078,388 1,997,204 2,240,738 Total Revenue Civilian FTEs 18,100,163 20,762,556 21,062,032 23,466,278 121.00 126.00 126.00 128.50 2 Animal Services Operating Budget Expense Categories Provides an array of animal protection, animal sheltering, rabies prevention, and pet owner services. Expense Category 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved Animal Services Personnel Contractuals Commodities Expense Refunds Non-CIP Capital Total Program Revenue Civilian FTEs 9,516,023 2,708,860 1,259,272 (307,902) 0 9,798,286 10,269,387 10,740,720 3,506,162 1,913,827 (161,773) 0 3,687,002 1,352,387 (161,773) 2,000 3,669,603 1,652,387 (54,000) 2,000 13,176,253 15,056,502 15,149,003 16,010,710 112 116 116 118.50 3 Support Services Operating Budget Expense Categories Provides administrative and managerial support to the Department. Expense Category 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved Support Services Personnel Contractuals Commodities Expense Refunds Non-CIP Capital Total Program Personnel Civilian FTEs 1,011,592 1,025,083 1,272,932 1,435,573 357,032 90,404 (189) 33,587 465,819 53,522 (250) 0 406,125 72,342 (250) 0 530,608 70,250 (250) 0 1,492,425 1,544,174 1,751,149 2,036,181 9.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 4 Transfers, Debt Service, and Other Requirements Operating Budget Expense Categories comprises Primarily other departmental requirements at the fund or agency level. transfers and Expense Category 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved T.DS.OR Services Personnel Contractuals Transfers Total Program 31,445 662,447 662,447 905,737 3,398,842 3,499,433 3,499,433 4,513,650 1,197 0 0 0 3,431,484 4,161,880 4,161,880 5,419,387 5 5 2 0 2 - 4 2 0 2 s e g n a h C t n a c i f i n g i S 6 Requested for Animal Services Expense Category $2,932,551.00 To t a l E st i m a t ed Co s t o f U n me t N e e d s $2,932,551.00 $2,119,898.00 (Recurring FTE costs) $812,653.00 (One-time costs) Job Title Vehicles Laptops Animal Protection Officer 11 Vehicles ($65,423/each) 31 units ($3,000/each) Total(s) $812,653 Department/Position # of positions Grand Total Animal Protection 11.5 $951,899 Vet Services Coordinator, Rescue/Foster Animal Care Total(s) 10 2.5 6 30 $766,263 $207,704 $430,547 $2,356,413 Approved for Animal Services Expense …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION March 10, 2025 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Nici Huff, at Nici.Huff@AustinEnergy.com or via phone at 512-972-8621. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Ayo Akande Raul Alvarez Lauren Bellomy Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Al Braden Chris Kirksey Cyrus Reed Joshua Rhodes CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 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 Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on February 10, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an electric utility depreciation rate study for Austin Energy with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $175,000. Funding: $175,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. 3. Recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continued Veritas-Netbackup products and services for Austin Energy with TEQSYS, Inc., to increase the amount by $1,500,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $8,800,000. Funding: $1,500,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 4. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for comprehensive management of Austin Energy’s IBM software portfolio for Austin Energy with CDW, LLC d/b/a Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC, CDW Government, for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options, in an amount not to exceed $27,065,000. Funding: $2,656,500 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. 5. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for service updates and repairs at District Cooling Plant #2 for Austin Energy with Texas Airsystems, LLC d/b/a Texas Airsystems, in an amount not to exceed $3,209,924. Funding: $3,209,924 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. 6. Recommend approval authorizing amendments to two contracts for continued overhead distribution …
Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for the Cap Ex South, CKT987 & 1031 Structure Relocation 2021 Project for the public use of relocating various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 requiring relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I- 35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program, requiring the acquisition of a Permanent Electric Transmission and Distribution Easement, consisting of approximately 0.584 acres (25,438 square feet, including part 1 of 2,562 square feet and part 2 of 22,876 square feet), an Access Easement, consisting of approximately 0.1272 acres (5,540 square feet), and a Temporary Construction Easement, consisting of approximately 0.1591 acres (6,928 square feet, including part 1 of 329 square feet, part 2 of 3,874 square feet, and part 3 of 2,725 square feet) of land out of the Santiago Del Valle survey, Abstract No. 24, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 4A, Block “A”, resubdivision of Lot 4, Block “A” South Bend Subdivision, a subdivision of recorded September 2, 2003 in Document No. 200300231, Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas , currently appraised at $1,462,131 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioner’s award. The owner of the needed property is Home Depot, U.S.A., Inc. The property is located at 124 E. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78744. The general route of the project is along Interstate 35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. Funding: $1,462,131 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322- 6087; David Tomczyszyn, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322-6821; Tina Little, Austin Energy, Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Various structures along the existing circuits 926/927, 987, and 988 require relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize an increase in authority to the previously approved interlocal agreement for construction projects involving jointly owned transmission infrastructure project between Austin Energy and the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation from an amount not to exceed $24,000,000 to an amount not to exceed $52,000,000. Funding: $52,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: July 20, 2023- Council authorized negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation for construction projects involving jointly owned transmission infrastructure projects. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Government Relations (512) 322-6087; David Tomczyszyn, Vice President, Electric System Engineering and Technical Services (512) 322-6821. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025- To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The initial cost estimate underestimated the construction costs primarily as a result of continued rise in inflation that drives up the costs of materials and labor and the exclusion in the initial estimate of key environmental protection matting that will protect the vegetation and decrease the chances of adverse environmental impacts. These project costs are a reimbursable expense for the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) 25.192 Transmission Cost of Service (TCOS). This interlocal agreement will authorize Austin Energy (AE), the Lower Colorado River Authority, and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation (the latter two jointly referred to as LCRA) to provide and obtain labor, parts, and materials, in support of construction improvement projects that involve existing jointly owned transmission facilities. This agreement defines the projects’ scope, projected costs, performing parties, reimbursing parties, facility ownership of the modified and/or added assets, and other identified responsibilities between AE and LCRA. The construction improvement projects include: 1. Fayette Power Plant (FPP) Yard 2 to Lytton Springs Transmission Line Storm Hardening: LCRA will upgrade existing jointly owned transmission structures to improve system reliability, resiliency, and safety. This project involves LCRA’s transmission circuit T255 and AE’s transmission circuits 3121, 3122, and 3136. 2. Howard Lane - McNeil Transmission Line Storm Hardening: LCRA will upgrade existing jointly owned transmission structures to improve system reliability, resiliency, and safety. This project involves LCRA’s transmission circuit T163 and AE’s transmission circuit …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for tire repair, maintenance and replacement services for Austin Energy with T & W Tire, LLC d/b/a T & W Tire, for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $350,000. Funding: $80,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $80,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 1100 DPL1005REBID for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on August 26, 2024, and closed on September 12, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the most responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141590 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide tire repair, maintenance, and replacement on leased Austin Energy vehicles, including aerial bucket trucks, fleet vehicles, cranes and digger-derrick trucks. These services will reduce downtime and avoid disruption in providing services such as outage response, maintenance, and ongoing scheduled jobs for Austin Energy customers. Without this contract, Austin Energy will not be able to respond to customers’ needs in a timely manner. Item 12
Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for an electric utility depreciation rate study for Austin Energy with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $175,000. Funding: $175,000 is available in Austin Energy’s Operating Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note $175,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 WDD3032REBID for these services. The solicitation was issued on October 21, 2024, and closed on November 14, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/finance/. MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 10, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is to provide Austin Energy (AE) with a utility depreciation rate study. The study will determine how the value of AE's assets (e.g. buildings and equipment) decreases over time and aims to suggest depreciation rates that ensure accuracy of financial reporting as well as ensure compliance with requirements for AE’s upcoming comprehensive transmission cost of service rate filing. AE maintains accounting records for capital assets and associated depreciation based on the estimated useful life of its assets. This information is utilized for financial reporting requirements and rate-setting related to AE’s role as a transmission service provider. AE recovers costs through rates paid by load-serving entities and approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT). This study will help AE ensure accuracy of financial reporting as well as ensure compliance with the PUCT requirements for AE’s upcoming comprehensive transmission cost of service rate filing. Item 2
