Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 18, 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). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) Applicant: Kane Wei, P.E., Austin Water Utility (AWU) Location: From 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Council District: District 6 Staff: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, 512-974-2128, Development Services Department, brad.jackson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor and b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Great Springs Project – Mikey Goralnik, Trails and Transportation Planner, Great Springs Project; Requested by Environmental Commissioner David Sullivan DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation on the listing status of native mussels – Matt Johnson, Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Recovery Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Service Presentation on Occurrence, Distribution, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 4, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 21, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on August 28, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 21, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on August 28, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Name:1107 Castle Ridge Rd Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Recommendation: Not recommended 1 3. 4. Speakers: Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Tanzia Karim, SOS A motion to close the public hearing passed on Chair Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second, on an 8-0 vote. A motion to deny the 1107 Castle Ridge Rd Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second, on a 7–1 vote. Commissioner Nickels voted against. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Make a recommendation regarding the request for 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0057) located at 200 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Richard Suttle, applicant A motion to close the public hearing passed on Chair Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. A motion to recommend the 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) with staff conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Nickells’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Name: Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Applicant: Nick Brown, Kimley Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultant Location: 4605 S Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: District 2 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, …
Williamson Creek Interceptor SP-2022-1368D Located between 5111 S. 1st Street and 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Brad Jackson Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior Development Services Department 2 Property Data Williamson Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Approximately 3.5-mile-long wastewater interceptor 3 Synopsis Project proposes replacement of existing 36-inch and 42-inch wastewater interceptors with a new 72-inch interceptor Interceptor will be constructed by tunnel boring methods with limited surface disturbance 20 “Cutover” connections proposed to new interceptor Variance Requests 4 To allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor per LDC 25-8-261 To allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation per LDC 25-8-341 Interceptor Overview 5 Interceptor Overview 6 Interceptor Overview 7 Interceptor Overview 8 Interceptor LOC and Slope Map 9 Interceptor LOC and Slope Map 10 Interceptor LOC and Slope Map 11 Interceptor LOC and Slope Map 12 Interceptor LOC and Slope Map 13 Variance Recommendation 14 Staff recommends the variances, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff also recommends and supports the following five conditions: 1. Payment into the Water Supply Mitigation Fund as per Appendix Q-7: Riparian Zone Mitigation of the ECM in the amount of $606,850 for 15.7 acres of required mitigation for a utility line installed parallel to a creek centerline. 2. All areas of the Limits of Construction (LOC) within the CWQZ will be restored with 609S Native Seeding and Planting per restoration plan sheets. Variance Recommendation & Conditions Continued 15 3. Previously identified portions of the exposed infrastructure for the existing and to be abandoned wastewater interceptor will be removed from the CWQZ and restored to natural conditions as per approved plans. 4. The abandoned wastewater interceptor diversion building will be demolished and the hill underneath it will be removed to provide additional floodwater storage and a consistent grade for the CWQZ and restoration of the riparian area at S. Pleasant Valley Road and Williamson Creek. 5. An odor control facility will be installed as part of the project to reduce impacts to adjacent properties. Access Shaft Site and Odor Control Facility 16 17 Portions of project located within the Williamson Creek Greenbelt and Parkland Williamson Creek Interceptor Route Restoration Plans 18 Restoration Plans 19 Location of Cut Variance Restoration Plans 20 Restoration Plans …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: September 18, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Kane Wei, P.E., Austin Water Utility (AWU) LOCATION: From 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 6 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST NO. 1: REQUEST NO. 2: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, DSD, 512-974-2128, Brad.Jackson@austintexas.gov Williamson Creek, Suburban Watershed, Desired Development Zone A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor per LDC 25-8-261 A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation per LDC 25-8-341 Staff recommends approval of the variance with conditions Staff recommends approval of the variance 1. Payment into the Water Supply Mitigation Fund as per Appendix Q-7: Riparian Zone Mitigation of the ECM in the amount of $606,850 for 15.7 acres of required mitigation for a utility line installed parallel to a creek centerline. 2. All areas of the Limits of Construction (LOC) within the CWQZ will be restored with 609S Native Seeding and Planting per restoration plan sheets. 3. Previously identified portions of the exposed infrastructure for the existing and to be abandoned wastewater interceptor will be removed from the CWQZ and restored to natural conditions as per approved plans. 4. The abandoned wastewater interceptor diversion building will be demolished and the hill underneath it will be removed to provide additional floodwater storage and a consistent grade for the CWQZ and restoration of the riparian area at S. Pleasant Valley Road and Williamson Creek. 5. An odor control facility will be installed as part of the project to reduce impacts to adjacent properties. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 2: STAFF CONDITIONS: Page 2 of 2 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Williamson Creek Interceptor To allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor per LDC 25-8-261 Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. 2. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. The variance …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240918-003 Date: September 13, 2024 Subject: Great Spring Project Seconded by: Motion by: __ WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation by Trails and Transportation Planner, Mikey Goralnik, of the Great Springs Project. The Great Springs Project (GSP) is an Austin-based non-profit organization with a demonstrated capacity to support local governments and other partners in the region with implementing priority trail and conservation projects; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Great Springs Project is creating a greenway of protected lands between Austin and San Antonio over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. Connected by a network of spring-to-spring trails which link the four iconic springs of Central Texas: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. Great Springs Project works to unify existing local efforts to address the most critical water, land, wildlife, and public health challenges facing the Central Texas region.; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies the Urban Trails System, highlighted by the Tier I and Tier II Urban Trails, as “an integral part of the transportation network” to “increase connectivity between neighborhoods, facilitate active trips, promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor experiences, and strengthen our community’s connection to nature and our ecosystem; and WHEREAS, numerous local and regional planning efforts, including the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, and Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan, state the importance of partnerships between the city and non-profit partners for rapidly and fully implementing the community’s vision of a connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous Austin, and WHEREAS, Great Springs Project has a mission, capacity and resources to support the City’s connectivity, mobility, resiliency, vitality, and equity objectives. The organization also furthers the goals of conservation and watershed protection of environmentally sensitive karst areas and springs; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Protection Department, Transportation and Public Works Departments, and others as necessary, be encouraged to partner and collaborate with the Great Springs Project. Collaboration could entail a variety of activities, such as partnering on applications to state and 1 federal grants to support various trail implementation activities that the partnership determines to be necessary and effective. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Environmental Commission, recommends City Council consider, a memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding, resolution of support, or similar, to establish a partnership with Great Springs Project that will …
GUIDING LOCAL // REGIONAL PLANS GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION // 9.18.24 PREMISE // RAPID GROWTH • WE LIVE IN ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING REGIONS IN THE US • (AND THAT GROWTH DOESN’T ALWAYS HAPPEN EFFICIENTLY OR STRATEGICALLY) • LAND USE PATTERNS CREATE CHALLENGES FOR BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE • DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS CHALLENGE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER IN THE REGION Map 1. The Built Environment Blazing a Trail in a Fast-Growing Region T C E J O R P S G N I A key challenge for this project is how to create a contiguous network of trails and open space as Central Texas transforms into a mega-region. Between now and 2036, the population of Texas will grow at three times the rate of the rest of the US; the four-county region is expected to grow nearly four times as fast.1, 2 This growth presents many challenges for Central Texas: • • • Strain on natural resources, such as water supply Strain on built infrastructure, such as transportation and utilities Loss of open spaces for wildlife, aquifer recharge, flood protection, and recreation Projected Population Growth Rates 2019–2036 SOURCES: - Population density based on 2010 geography using a 2020 population estimate (https://www.arcgis.com/home/item. html?id=db3f9c8728dd44e4ad455e0c27a85eea) - Developed land (Developed, Open Space; Developed, Low Intensity; Developed, Medium Intensity; Developed, High Intensity). National Land Cover Database (https://apd.maps.arcgis.com/home/item. html?id=3ccf118ed80748909eb85c6d262b426f) ______ 1 U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division; https://www.census. gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/intercensal-2000- 2010-counties.html 2 Texas Demographic Center https://demographics.texas.gov/ data/tpepp/projections/ 18 THE CH ALLENGE R P S T A E R G E G N E L L A H C E H T This plan will help local communities and regional organizations face these challenges by identifying a recommended network of connected trails and protected lands as the region grows. Opportunity in Growth The key conservation and trail-building opportunity that comes along with a growing population is the greater potential for the large- scale funding that will be needed to protect land for parks, trails, and open space. Recent examples include the Hays County 2020 Parks and Open Spaces Bond, the City of Austin’s 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond, and the Travis County 2023 Parks Bond. Similarly, increased coordination with development projects could yield substantial results for trails and open spaces, such as the following: 🟊🟊 Parkland and trail dedication with new residential and commercial development 🟊🟊 Coordination of trail development with TxDOT and other transportation partners 🟊🟊 …
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Texas Freshwater Mussel Updates TEXAS FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY COORDINATOR MATT JOHNSON AUSTIN TX ESFO MATTHEW_S_JOHNSON@FWS.GOV General Central Texas Freshwater Mussel Ecology Occupy freshwater rivers, creeks, and streams Inhabit streambeds consisting of mixtures of bedrock, cobble, gravel, sand, and silt Require a host fish to complete their unique reproductive cycle. Mussels can be host fish specialists or generalists. Require stable habits and adequate water quantity and quality: Pollution Appropriate Temperatures Instream Flows G. Pandolfi - FWS Habitat Requirements Substrate Suitable substrate requirements vary by species root wads Cobble, gravel, sand, silt – Stability! Some species will utilize undercut banks or Water Flow/Quantity Appropriate Flow Regime Flow Refugia – area of stream bed that is not mobilized during high flooding events Water Quality – Pollution, ammonia, turbidity, conductivity, etc. Water Temperature – behavior, feeding rate, dissolved oxygen consumption and reproduction are all tied to temperature Freshwater Mussel Habitats Primary Threats Habitat Alterations Flow alteration and decline (water quantity) Sediment accumulation Reduced water quality Fish barriers Overcollection Ammonia Freshwater Mussel Ecosystem Services Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation History 2007 – Suite of mussel species petitioned for listing under the ESA 2009 – USFWS issued a positive 90-day finding for most of the petitioned species 2009 – TPWD listed 15 species as State-Threatened 2011 – 12-month finding determined listing was warranted but precluded by other activities Resulted in mussel species being added to the Candidate List Species placed into listing work plan to be completed between FY20 and FY22. The Service created several Species Status Assessment (SSA) packages to review the status of selected freshwater mussel species across the state. SSA information is presented to a Recommendation Team where policy is applied to the best available science to reach a listing recommendation. The listing recommendation is then made to the Regional Director who decides if they approve or disapprove of the recommendation. What Actions did the Service Take? On August 26, 2021, the Service proposed: The listing of 5 freshwater mussels as Endangered with associated Critical Habitat The listing of 1 freshwater mussel as Threatened with a 4(d) rule and associated Critical Habitat Proposed critical habitat in 27 units (1,944 river miles …
1 Briefing on Occurrence, Distribution, and Protected Status of Austin-Area Freshwater Mussels N I T S U A F O Y T I C Environmental Commission September 18, 2024 Bianca J. Perez WPD Environmental Scientist Bianca.Perez@austintexas.gov W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Introduction • I m p r o ve wa t e r q u a l i t y h a b i t a t • P r o v i d e s t r u c t u r a l • P r o v i d e n u t r i e n t c y c l i n g a n d s t o r a g e • S e n t i n e l s p e c i e s N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Introduction N I T S U A F O Y T I C • H a b i t a t d e g r a d a t i o n • Impervious cover • E n v i r o n m e n t a l p o l l u t i o n • Anthropogenic pollution • F l o w m a n a g e m e n t / a t t e n u a t i o n • Highland Lakes • I n v a s i v e s p e c i e s • Zebra mussels • Asian clams 3 Zebra mussels Public awareness W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Stream restoration project N I T S U A F O Y T I C 4 Objectives O b t a i n g e n e r a l p o p u l a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i …
Special Called Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee DRAFT MINUTES June 18, 2024, at 12:00 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) Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Greg Anderson Awais Azhar CALL TO ORDER Call to Order by Chair Hempel at 12:04pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 DRAFT 1. Approval of the April 1, 2024, meeting minutes. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg seconded by Vice Chair Flores, the minutes from the April 1, 2024, meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Commissioner Anderson and Azhar absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-011 Density Bonus 90 Revisions. Discussion and possible action to Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to revise uses, site development regulations, density bonus requirements and compatibility standards applicable in density bonus 90 (DB90) combining district. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov. Paul Books presented. Commissioner Flores moved to forward the staff recommendation to the Planning Commission seconded by Commissioner Maxwell, and the amendment passed on 4-0-1 vote with Commissioner Greenberg abstaining and Commissioners Azhar and Anderson absent. 3. Officer Elections. Discussion and action to elect Chair and Vice Chair. On Commissioner Greenberg’s motion, Commissioner Flores was unanimously approved as Chair. On Commissioner Greenberg’s motion, Commissioner Hempel was unanimously approved as Vice Chair. DISCUSSION ITEMS No discussion items. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Hempel suggested a possible future briefing on uses and how they relate to the upcoming comprehensive plan. Notes from the discussion: Commissioner Stern proposed to discuss the possible implementation of uses such as counseling, guidance, medical office, personal improvement, pet services, and the like in commercial zoning district, since certain areas of the City particularly east of IH 35 lack these services. Commissioner Maxwell noted a possible need to update the use table. …
C20-2024-017 PDA2 & Density Bonus for Commercial Highway & Industrial Zones Combining Districts CODES & ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE Alan Pani, Planner Principal Sept. 18th, 2024 Background 1966 City Council first adopted the Planned Development Area land use with the following purpose: “to provide suitable and conducive environment for the development of modern administrative facilities, research establishments, specialized manufacturing plants, and similar enterprises plus retail and other customer service facilities… and not intrude upon nearby existing or future residential and associated development.” (page 21) 2014-2024 Based on staff analysis of PDA zoning ordinances over the last ten years, there has been an increase in the number of cases where residential uses have been permitted. Since 2014, there have been 45 zoning ordinances which permitted residential uses, with 31 of those cases since 2020. 2024 City Council initiated Resolution No. 20240718-091, which directed the City Manager to: “create a new density bonus program that will apply to the PDA zoning district and allow increased heights for residential uses in exchange for income-restricted units or a fee-in-lieu.” 2 PDA Current PDA2 Proposed Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones Proposed • Allows residential uses to be added • Allows commercial uses to be added • Allows site development standards to be • Does not allow residential uses to be added • Allows commercial uses to be added • Allows site development standards to be • Adds residential uses • Adds certain commercial uses • Amends certain site development modified • Allows increased heights • Allows increased FAR modified • Allows increased heights • Allows increased FAR • Allows increased height to max. 240 feet • Allows unlimited FAR • Requires set-aside affordable housing standards units Base zones that can use PDA: • Commercial Highway (CH) Industrial Park (IP) • • Major Industry (MI) Light Industrial (LI) • • Research & Development (RD) Base zones that can use PDA2: -- • Industrial Park (IP) • • Major Industry (MI) Light Industrial (LI) • • Research & Development (RD) Base zones that can use density bonus: • Commercial Highway (CH) Industrial Park (IP) • • Major Industry (MI) Light Industrial (LI) • • Research & Development (RD) 3 PDA2 – Purpose ▪ The purpose of a Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) is to: – Allow for additional uses & revision of site development standards in: – Industrial Park (IP) – Major Industry (MI) – …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION September 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ralph E. Ishmael Jr, Vice Chair VACANT (District 5) David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson VACANT (District 6) Tania Ortega Sania Shifferd VACANT (District 8) CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Carl Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) VACANT (Design Commission) AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan’s path to adoption by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding safety issues and a yearly overview of the Downtown Area Command by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Nightlife and Entertainment Services Program by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 21, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Mike Lavigne Taylor Major Tania Ortega Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission special called meeting on June 26, The minutes from the meeting on 06/26/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was absent. 2024. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, August 21, 2024 2. Presentation by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library, on construction at the John Henry Faulk Building at the Austin History Center Campus and programming at the Central Library and Austin History Center. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. 3. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works, on Our Future 35 Project, a project that aims to co-create public spaces over IH 35. The presentation was made by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Downtown Austin Plan Update (Ishmael, Harris) Austin Core Transportation (Ishmael, Levinson) Great Streets Update (Carroll, Levinson) Seaholm TIRZ – Cesar Chavez Update (Ishmael, Shifferd) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:09 pm without any objection.
C20-2024-017 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-017 PDA Density Bonus District Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) combining district and a Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones combining district. The PDA2 combining district is proposed to allow for modification of use and site development standards in certain commercial and industrial base districts. Under the proposal, additional residential uses would not be allowed under the PDA2 combining district. The Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones combining district is proposed to allow additional residential uses and modification of certain site development standards for residential uses in certain commercial and industrial base districts through a voluntary density bonus program. Under the proposal, PDA2 could be added to the IP, MI, LI, and R&D base districts and the Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones could be added to the CH, IP, MI, LI, and R&D base zoning districts. Moving forward, sites would no longer be able to rezone into PDA, but would need to request either PDA2 or the Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240718-091. Planned Development Areas (PDA) were first added to the land development code in 1966 (19660616, City Council Meeting Minutes (austintexas.gov)) for the following purpose: “to provide suitable and conducive environment for the development of modern administrative facilities, research establishments, specialized manufacturing plants, and similar enterprises plus retail and other customer service facilities… and not intrude upon nearby existing or future residential and associated development.” (page 21) The use of a PDA allows for modifications to site development standards, including maximum height and floor-to-area ratio (FAR), as well as modifications to allowed and prohibited uses within a zoning district. On May 23rd, 2023, via Resolution No. 20230323-085, the City Council initiated an amendment to Land Development Code Section 25-2-582 (Commercial Highway (CH) District Regulations) to eliminate all the regulations found in 25-2-582(C) and clarify that a zoning ordinance establishing a CH-PDA controls over any conflicting CH regulations. This allowed for wider use of PDA zoning for Commercial Highway (CH) districts. Based on staff analysis of PDA zoning ordinances over the last ten years, there has been an increase in the number of cases where residential uses have been permitted: since 2014, 45 PDA zoning ordinances have permitted residential uses, with 31 of those cases …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION | SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, craftspeople, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian American Film …
COMPSTAT George Sector (DTAC) Region I Commander Craig Smith September 5, 2024 George Sector Yearly Overview Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Persons George Sector 137 124 120 111 112 112 103 104 97 109 93 111 108 104 88 89 91 78 78 79 72 17 14 3 2 1 1 1 NIBRS Desc – Excluding FMV: August 2024 Count 13B Simple Assault 13C Intimidation 13A Aggravated Assault 11D Fondling 11A Rape 11C Sexual Assault with an Object 2023 2024 100 Kidnapping / Abduction 09A Homicide: Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter Grand Total 111 TOP THREE PERSON OFFENSES: AUG 2024 Simple Assault: 72 74.86% of Crimes Against Persons Intimidation: 17 15.31% of Crimes Against Persons Aggravated Assault: 14 12.61% of Crimes Against Persons D I e s n e f f O f o t n u o C 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Property George Sector D I e s n e f f O f o t n u o C 330 300 270 240 210 180 150 120 90 60 30 0 319 291 279 264 265 245 251 243 230 239 227 241 224 207 204 224 204 200 191 151 2023 2024 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec NIBRS Desc – Excluding FMV: August 2024 23H Theft: All Other Larceny 290 Destruction / Damage / Vandalism of Property 23F Theft: from Motor Vehicle (BOV) 23A Theft: Pocket Picking 240 Motor Vehicle Theft 26A Fraud: False Pretenses / Swindle / Confidence Game 26B Fraud: Credit Card / ATM Fraud 220 Burglary / Breaking & Entering 26C Fraud: Impersonation 120 Robbery 23C Theft: Shoplifting 210 Extortion / Blackmail 23G Theft: Motor Vehicle Parts or Accessories 250 Counterfeiting / Forgery Grand Total Count 46 41 27 26 16 15 10 7 4 4 3 2 2 1 204 TOP FOUR PROPERTY OFFENSES: AUG 2024 Theft: All Other Larceny: 46 22.55% of Crimes Against Property Destruction / Damage / Vandalism of Property: 41 20.09% of Crimes Against Property Theft: from Motor Vehicle (BOV): 27 13.23% of Crimes Against Property Theft: Pocket Picking: 26 12.74% of Crimes Against Property Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Society George Sector 170 117 …
Entertainment Services Program Downtown Commission Briefing September 18, 2024 Program Overview • Oversee Entertainment-Related Sound Management • Serve as a liaison to bars, clubs and music venues and residents • Support programs and efforts to create a welcoming and safe environment across all of Austin’s entertainment districts and establishments Program Updates SIP Safely • Drink Spiking Awareness Program Nightlife Establishment Training Program • Providing Training and Support to Bars, Clubs, and Venues SIP Safely Drink Spiking Awareness Program Goals • Raise awareness among patrons, staff and the community about what drink spiking is • Educate about how to reduce the threat, identify suspicious activity, support victims and report incidents Program Components • Bar, Club, and Venue Partnership • Public Outreach SIP Safely Drink Spiking Awareness Program Bar, Club and Venue Partnership • Provide drink testing kits, patron-facing awareness flyer, and educational materials for staff for bars to post Public Outreach • Partner with the Sobering Center to conduct public outreach in the entertainment districts • Distribute drink testing kits, educational materials, and drink covers to the public & patrons SIP Safely Results Bar, Club & Venue Partnerships • 70 bars, clubs, and venues • 3,500 test strips distributed • Patron and Staff Education Posters provided Public Outreach • Four Saturday night tabling activations • ~ 1,200 people engaged • 1,375 test strips distributed • 275 drink covers distributed Nightlife Establishment Training Program Purpose • Provide training and support to bars, clubs, and venues • Enhance safety in Austin’s entertainment establishments and districts districts Goals • Elevate operating standards • Focus on education and prevention • Increase coordination and communication • Enhance safety in Austin’s entertainment establishments and Nightlife Establishment Training Program Types of Training Provided • Active Shooter Response & Stop the Bleed • Overdose Awareness and Prevention • Door Staff Training (de-escalation, conflict resolution, reducing liability) Nightlife Establishment Training Program Active Shooter Response and Stop the Bleed Training Nightlife Establishment Training Program Overdose Awareness & Prevention Training Nightlife Establishment Training Program Door Staff Training Thank you!
City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Our mission is to strengthen the competitiveness and resiliency of the Austin region. How do we do it? By fostering job-creating investments while also advocating for policies and programs that nurture our workforce, quality of life and pro-business climate WHERE WE STARTED ABOUT OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Early 2000s Recession eliminated 15,000 jobs in Tech 2004 OA was founded to increase economic resiliency of the Austin region. Launched OA1.0 2009 Launched OA2.0 2014 Launched OA3.0 2019 Launched OA3.0 2024 Launched OA5.0 Opportunity Austin has helped bring more than 600,000 jobs to the Austin region. WHERE WE ARE NOW Austin ranked as the Best-Performing City by the Milken Institute. This study measures each metro area’s economic performance using outcomes-based metrics of labor market performance, high tech impact, and access to economic opportunities. Source: Milken Institute, Best-Performing Cities 2024, February 6, 2024. ABOUT AUSTIN Metro Population 2.5M 11th Largest City As per U.S. 2020 Census Low Cost of Living Below National Average OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN PILLARS OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN 5.0 Economic Development Global Innovation & Expansion Workforce Development Policy & Advocacy ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Recruitment, Expansion, Retention Target Industries Real Estate, Maps, & Research RELOCATIONS & EXPANSIONS 600,000+ Total Jobs Created 2,500 Companies 230,000 Direct Jobs Relocations & Expansions 2004 - July 2024 2,454 companies | 229,813 jobs Relocations Expansions Total Jobs OA 4.0 2019-2023 842 companies 96,676 jobs 26,877 138 22,124 19,856 OA 5.0 2024-2028 66 companies 6,156 jobs 28,000 250 200 150 100 50 0 OA 2004-2008 459 companies 27,752 jobs OA 2.0 2009-2013 411 companies 34,097 jobs 72 71 62 7,741 48 61 6,568 4,664 4,069 31 26 36 31 4,710 21 35 2,662 17 52 5,435 29 34 31 OA 3.0 2014-2018 676 companies 65,132 jobs 20,063 110 110 118 13,562 101 14,257 9,615 7,734 53 55 55 8,651 82 87 13,262 63 11,502 70 10,068 10,237 64 50 53 50 51 46 58 45 90 64 81 37 23,000 18,000 13,000 6,156 8,000 36 30 3,000 (2,000) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 TARGET INDUSTRIES Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace & Defense Clean Technology Financial Services Life Sciences Semiconductors Space Technology GLOBAL INVESTMENT & INNOVATION Austin’s Innovation Ecosystem makes us globally competitive. International Recruitment, Expansion, and Retention Global Investment Innovation Ecosystem GLOBAL & INNOVATION 4,500 Startups 200+ Venture Capitalists 5,000+ Funding …
