REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, April 16, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be 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 comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman Gustavo Ramirez VACANT – D2 AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and election of a Chair and Vice Chair for the Commission on Veterans Affairs. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 2, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Applicant: Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) Location: 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Austin, TX 78724 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%; b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut, and c) LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on Environmental Commission committee membership 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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Cofer called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bobby Levinski, CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Commissioner Schiera abstained. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Recognition of Melinda Schiera for her service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. In response to Council Resolution 20250327-062, consider variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including site-specific amendments to Chapter 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment 1 Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department (WPD) Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Charles Celauro, Austin Water (AW) Bobby Levinski, Save Our Springs Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, WPD Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, AW Erik Kunkel, Capitol Delivery Services A motion to recommend variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including site-specific amendments to Chapter 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project, with additional recommendations, passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Vice Chair Cofer called a recess at 8:43. The meeting reconvened at 8:50. 4. Election of Environmental Commission Officers for May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026 term. A motion to nominate Commissioner Bristol as chair was approved on Commissioner Cofer’s motion on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. A motion to nominate Commissioner Krueger as vice-chair was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Commissioner Brimer nominated Commissioner Sullivan for secretary. Sullivan declined the nomination. A motion to nominate Commissioner Cofer as secretary was …
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FLATZ-130 7400 ZEKELMAN BOULEVARD SP-2024-0298D David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Extraterritorial Jurisdiction • Desired Development Zone • Suburban Classification • Decker Creek Watershed • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features – Critical Water Quality Zone, Wetlands LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION HW130 LOCATION HW130 ELEVATIONS CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONES LOCATION POST OAK SAVANNAH VARIANCE REQUESTS • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 11 feet. • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet and construct a water quality control facility over 4 feet on slopes with a gradient of more than 15%. • Request to vary LDC Sec. 25-8-302 to allow 600 SF of building to be located on slopes over 25%, and 3,000 SF of parking area to be located on slopes over 15%. PROPOSED CUT & FILL PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ON SLOPES VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Requested grading and construction on slopes are not design decisions, and the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. STAFF DETERMINATION Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Staff Conditions: 1. The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. 2. The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being located in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree 3. All new 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. . APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 4/16/2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) LOCATION: 7400 Zekelman BLVD Austin, TX 78724 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, 512-974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Decker Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Suburban Desired Development Zone. REQUEST: Variance requests are as follows: • Request to vary LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: • All new 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. • The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. • The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Ordinance Standard: LDC Sec. 25-8-302 Variance Request: Request to vary LDC Sec. 25-8-302 to allow 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow 3,000 SF of parking area to be located on slopes over 15%. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; Yes. Not allowing the requested 600 SF of building area on slopes over 25%, and 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15% will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. This variance from code is necessary to integrate a typical multifamily housing development within a typical …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 16, 2025, 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 register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg 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 March 19, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, including amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), to improve the functionality of the program. City Staff: Brendan Kennedy, Housing Department, (512) 978-1594, Brendan.Kennedy@austintexas.gov. 3. Officer Elections. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov . 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 19, 2025, 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 register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Alejandra Flores (Chair) Betsy Greenberg Greg Anderson (Late at 6:05) Awais Azhar Lonny Stern COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:03 PM. 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. Ryan Saunders – Regarding concerns about food trucks and live music venues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of February 19, 2025, meeting minutes. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg, seconded by Commissioner Azhar, the minutes from the February 19th, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Vice Chair Hempel absent. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-010 UNO Update. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal University Neighborhood Overlay District requirements and regulations, and to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants additional building height and modifies uses and site development regulations, including compatibility standards, in exchange for community benefits, for property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov and Alan Pani, Planning Department, (512) 974-8084, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov. Paul Books presented. Public Speakers on Item 2: - Justin Lanier, Policy Director for University Tenants Union - Christian Tschoepe, AURA member and Commissioner of the Zoning and Platting Commission - Sarah Campbell, CANPAC member Commissioner Stern moves to consider an amendment to staff’s recommendation to require a 5-ft public access easement on any side of buildings that does not front a public right-of-way. Motion passes (4-0) with Commissioner Anderson off the dais. Commissioner Stern moves …
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee S.M.A.R.T. Housing Amendments Phase 2 Brendan Kennedy, Program Manager Housing Department S.M.A.R.T. Housing S.M.A.R.T. Housing Incentives ▪ Waiver of certain development fees ▪ DSD review times are shortened; S.M.A.R.T. Housing development permits are prioritized for case management ▪ Gatekeeper requirement for new construction seeking most affordable housing approvals 3 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Requirements ▪ At least 10% of units priced at or below 80% MFI for sale or lease (= 25% fee waiver) – Scales up to 40% of units affordable = 100% fee waiver ▪ Requires AEGB 1-Star certification and additional accessibility/visitability standards ▪ Requires transit proximity, with options for waiver set in Code 4 Initiation – Resolution No. 20230720-129 ▪ Phase 1: Amend Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance ▪ Phase 2: Amend Title 25 as needed to improve the operation and functionality of the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program. 5 Proposed Amendments Amendment #1 – Land Restriction Process ▪ Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to require affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification – Establishes consistency between programs – Ensures applicants are aware of and bound to requirements at an earlier stage 7 Amendment #2 – CLT exemption ▪ Amend § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) to remove exemption for land dedicated to City-approved CLT. – Presents significant administrative burdens and frequently infeasible to implement – Underutilized by dedicated CLT entities 8 Proposed Amendment #3 – Rental MFI ▪ Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to lower affordable rental MFI from 80% MFI to an average 60% MFI – Establishes consistency between programs by requiring 60% MFI rental – Reduces confusion on affordability from permit reviewers – Meets Department’s programmatic goals to target 60% MFI and below affordability – Income averaging still accommodates "workforce housing" when deeper affordability levels are provided 9 Amendment #4 – Remove Outdated Provisions ▪ Remove in their entirety: – § 25-1-702 (B), a requirement to notify TPW of all S.M.A.R.T. developments – § 25-1-703 (D),§ 25-1-704 (B)(2)(c), and § 25-1-705 (A)(4), an automatic 100% fee waiver for Vertical Mixed Use developments – This provision is inconsistent with move to 60% MFI for rental – § 25-1-705 (A)(1), which has been superseded by more recent University Neighborhood Overlay ordinances 10 Amendment #4– Remove Outdated Provisions cont’d ▪ Remove in their entirety: – § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(b) 25-1-704 (B)(2)(d), and …
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2 Description: Amend the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program and City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to improve the functionality of the program. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution 20230720-129. On July 20, 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230720-129 that directed staff to make amendments to S.M.A.R.T. Housing. Staff with the Development Services Department initiated amendments related to Phase 1, which amended Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance. On February 1, 2024, City Council approved Ordinance No. 20240201-053 to adopt these amendments. Phase 2 directs staff to amend the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program to improve the functionality of the program. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: Amendments to § 25-1-703 (C)(2) will lower the eligible median family income (MFI) level for rental properties from 80 percent to 60 percent MFI. Amendments to this section will also allow for income averaging to achieve the required MFI for both rental and ownership. This will improve consistency and clarity across programs, and is responsive to recommendations recently made from a comprehensive density bonus study conducted by the Planning Department. Amendments to § 25-1-705 (D) will improve program administration and consistency across programs by requiring affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification. § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) will be removed in its entirety to eliminate a provision related to exceptions for certain units dedicated to a community land trust, which has been underutilized and is administratively infeasible. Additional provisions will be removed to eliminate outdated provisions or provisions which are inconsistent with the amendments listed above. Proposed Text Amendment(s): Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to read, or amend with comparable language: “ dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 80 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department. (a) If an applicant develops dwelling units for sale, reasonably-priced (b) If an applicant develops dwelling units for lease, reasonably-priced dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 60 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department.” Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to read, or amend with comparable language: “(D) Before the director may certify a proposed development, the applicant shall comply with § 4-18-25, Certification. The agreement required under § 4-18-25 (C)(1) may …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission April 16, 2025 — 4:00 pm Austin Water Headquarters Waller Creek Center 625 East 10th Street, Austin Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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, call or email the board liaison Heather Cooke at 512-972-0083 or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Amanda Marzullo (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Vacant (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Vice Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the February 19, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Improvements project Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. 3. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. 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 Heather Cooke at Austin Water, 512-972-0083 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on February 19, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:02 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Susan Turrieta, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Judy Musgrove (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Amanda Marzullo (remote), Alex Navarro, William Moriarty, Jesse Penn Commission Members Absent: Shwetha Pandurangi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no registered public speakers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 15, 2025, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent and Commissioner Marzullo off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the 2020 Bond Substandard Streets Ross Road North with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $29,650,594.00 plus a $2,965,059.40 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $32,615,653.40. Funding in the amount of $29,669,890.33 is available in the Capital Budget of the Transportation and Public Works Department and Funding in the amount of $2,945,763.07 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent and Commissioner Marzullo off the dais. 3. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Service Regulations) to authorize wastewater billing methodology for customers with onsite water reuse systems and customers with evaporative loss from cooling towers. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Recommended on Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ motion and Commissioner Moriarty’s second on a 9-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on proposed ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Service Regulations) to authorize an alternative wastewater billing methodology for customers with onsite water reuse systems and customers with evaporative loss from cooling towers. Supervising Engineer Katherine Jashinski provided a briefing and answered questions from Commissioners 5. Staff briefing on My ATX Water program implementation update. Assistant Director Randi Jenkins provided a briefing and answered questions from Commissioners COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force meeting regarding Water Forward Plan implementation – Commissioner William Moriarty provided an update 7. Update …
Item 2 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Improvements Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. Funding: $4,382,682 is available in the Austin Water Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE / WBE: This contract was awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 7.95% MBE and 92.05% WBE. Prior Council Action: January 23, 2020 – Council approved a contract for engineering services with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., for the Davis WTP Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Improvements project. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The City utilizes surface water resources from impoundments of the Colorado River for its potable water supply. Austin Water operates three existing Water Treatment Plants, which are Ullrich, Davis, and Handcox. The Davis Plant has been in service since 1954 and has a rated treatment capacity of 118 million gallons per day (MGD). The Davis Water Treatment Plant’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition equipment and network infrastructure are essential to the operation of the facility. The existing equipment has exceeded its service life and is now obsolete, no longer supported by the manufacturers, and difficult to maintain. This equipment needs to be replaced and upgraded to maintain reliability. This amendment will provide construction phase engineering services including reviewing project submittals and construction documentation, developing control narratives, providing PLC and top-end programming, testing services and developing record drawings. AUTHORIZATION HISTORY Item 2 DATE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT $1,500,000.00 $2,882,682.00 $4,382,682.00 Total Contract Authorization 01/23/2020 03/27/2025 Proposed (Council) – Construction Phase Engineering Services (Council) – Preliminary and Design Engineering Services CONTRACT HISTORY AMOUNT DATE DESCRIPTION $115,708.88 $1,093,893.51 $80,525.08 $2,882,682.00 $4,172,809.47 Total Contract History 04/30/2020 Preliminary Engineering Services 09/29/2021 SA #1 – Design Engineering Services 03/18/2024 SA #2 – Additional Design Engineering Services Proposed SA #3 – Construction Phase Engineering Services City of Austin Council Meeting Backup Date: April 24, 2025 File ID: 25-0344 Page 1 of 1 Item 2 M/WBE Summary Participation goals stated in the original approved …
Item 3 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. MBE/WBE: Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide software maintenance and support for VertexOne VXSmart utility billing customer service portal. The portal alerts customers when unusual water consumption occurs due to water leaks, high water usage, and also predicts future water bills based on current water usage. Austin Water (AW) relies on VXSmart to provide their utility customers with a portal that provides water usage alerts, notifications, historical water usage billing history, and emergency messaging. Since the installation of this system in 2020, AW has sent over 5.5 million messages which have been read by nearly 70 percent of its customers. These alerts have helped to reduce water waste by over 500 million gallons each calendar year in 2023 and 2024. Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc. is the manufacturer and sole source contractor for VXSmart. AW is unable to procure this software as a service from any other supplier. This contract replaces an existing contract expiring on April 30, 2025. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these services. If this contract is not approved, AW will lose the ability to send water usage alerts and communications to utility customers.
Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Garden Villa Lane Water & Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $8,426,181 plus a $842,619 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $9,268,800. Funding: $5,440,931 is available in Austin Water’s Capital Budget and $3,827,870 is available in the Watershed Protection Department’s Capital Budget. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1025 for these services. The solicitation was issued December 9, 2024, and closed February 6, 2025. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest 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=140140 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 7.17% MBE and 0.83% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Garden Villa Lane Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is a part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks, that are in poor condition, and impact service delivery. The program also coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. Additionally, through a partnership with the Watershed Protection Department (WPD), the project also includes the replacement of existing storm drainpipes to mitigate aging infrastructure and to reduce localized flooding risks. The Garden Villa Lane Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project consists of repairing and replacing existing water and wastewater mains located within Barton Skyway to Cardinal Lane, Garden Villa Court, and Cardinal Lane from 5th Street to Locke Lane. Water system renewal includes approximately 143 linear feet (LF) of 6-inch, 618 LF of 8-inch, and 2,446 LF of 12-inch main along with service lines to individual properties and associated appurtenances. Wastewater system renewal includes approximately 1,825 LF of 8- inch main …
Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with Facilities Rehabilitation Inc., in the amount of $1,042,210 plus a $104,221 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,146,431. Funding: $1,146,431 is available in Austin Water Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1094 for these construction services. The solicitation was issued on November 14, 2024, and closed on January 23, 2025. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest 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=141943 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 99.33% MBE and 0.67% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks that impact service delivery, including wastewater lines in poor condition within the project area that need replacement. The Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project consists of repairing and replacing existing water and wastewater mains located within Sinclair Ave between 42nd and 44th Streets. Water system renewal includes approximately 810 linear feet of 8-inch main along with service lines to individual properties within associated right of way. Wastewater system renewal includes approximately 895 linear feet of 8-inch main, manholes, and service lines to individual properties. Installation of approximately 150 linear feet of 18” storm drain and equipment is also included. Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Due to the potential for encountering unknown subsurface conditions, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. The project will …
Item 6 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding Undine, LLC’s proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for its customers located in the City’s corporate limits in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: November 8, 2012 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20121108-004 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by PK-RE Development Company, Inc. on a 7-0 vote. May 2, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240502-007 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC on an 11-0 vote. May 30, 2024 – Council set a public hearing to be held on July 18, 2024, to receive comment on the City’s recommendations regarding Undine LLC’s proposed water and wastewater rates. July 18, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240718-115, approved water requested rates and denied wastewater requested rate changes. January 30, 2025 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20250130-005 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer Heather Cooke, 512-972-0083 or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Undine, LLC (Undine), an investor-owned utility with customers in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates to increase water and wastewater rates for its Greenshores customers. Of Undine’s affected 230 water customers and 177 wastewater customers, only a few are within Austin’s corporate limits. The remaining customers’ rates fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Under Texas Water Code Chapter 13, Council is the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits served by non-City utilities. The Council has authority to determine whether the rates, as they affect City residents, are just and reasonable and, that in all other respects, meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings and requires the determination to be made in a public hearing. As also required by …
Item 7 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize a contract for 2025 Facilities - Emergency and Lift Station – IDIQ for Austin Water with Rangeline Utility Services, LLC, in the amount of $7,000,000 for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $21,000,000. Funding: $7,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1080 for these services. The solicitation was issued on January 6, 2025, and closed on February 13, 2025. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest 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=141594 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 5.37% MBE and 2.52% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: A previous contract was developed to support facility needs such as emergency response services as well as non-emergency improvements for components of the Austin Water system. That contract was approved by Council in 2014 and has been completed and fully expended. This project is the fourth sequence of contracts to deliver Emergency and Lift Station Services and this contract will be used by Austin Water Facility Engineering to address facility emergencies and maintain lift stations. Item 7 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 The work includes but is not limited to emergency on-call response, operations support, and the rehabilitation of existing facilities. The contractor will provide on-call or emergency response services to repair/replace components of the system due to maintenance, failure, etc. This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract which provides for an indefinite quantity of services for a fixed time, usually an initial term with extension options. They are commonly used when precise quantities of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, cannot be determined. IDIQ contracts help streamline the contract process and service delivery and …
Item 8 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $45,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for Austin Water’s Polybutylene Pipe Replacement project (also known as the “Municipal Conservation Project”). Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $45,000,000 for Austin Water’s polybutylene pipe replacement project. Austin Water's waterline services replacement program was established to systematically replace water service lines—the small-diameter lines that connect water mains to customer meters—aimed at reducing water loss throughout Austin's distribution system. Polybutylene pipes tend to fail at a disproportionately high rate compared to other materials, such as copper and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This initiative is part of Austin Water’s conservation strategy, which seeks to minimize water loss through the replacement of outdated service lines. Since 2001, Austin Water has been proactively replacing polybutylene and polyethylene services in areas of high static pressure using both internal forces and contractor resources. Under a current amended contract that Council approved on March 27, 2025, Austin Water is replacing approximately 2,200 polybutylene and polyethylene water services with pressures exceeding 105 pounds per square inch in 62 subdivisions across Austin. Construction on this current phase of replacements is currently ongoing and is projected to be completed in Fall 2025. This proposed loan from the Texas Water Development Board will be used to fund an additional phase, to replace another 10,000 polybutylene service lines. The design contract for this next phase will be brought to Council for consideration in Winter 2025.
