DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner Ben Luckens Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Marissa McKinney PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on September 23, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 09/23/2024 were approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on an 8-0-1 vote. Commissioner Carroll abstained. Commissioner Wallace was off the dais. One vacancy on the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Corridor Program. Presented by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services Department. The presentation was made by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services Department. Staff briefing regarding the Red River Cultural District. Presented by Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department. Discussion and action to recommend the Equity-based Preservation Plan to City Council. Presented by Cara Bertron, Planning Department. The motion to recommend the Equity-based Preservation Plan to City Council was approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 10-0 vote. One vacancy on the dais. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project 305 W MLK, located at 305 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Victoria Haase, Thrower Design. The motion that the project 305 W MLK, located at 305 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, does not comply with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii) was approved with the following friendly amendments on motion by Commissioner Howard, seconded by Vice Chair Meiners on a 9-0-1 vote. Commissioner Carroll abstained. One vacancy on the dais. The friendly amendment from Vice Chair Meiners was that the project is not in compliance with the following Urban Design Guidelines: AW.5 – Incorporate Civic Art in Both Public and Private Development PS.1 – Protect the …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT October 23rd, 2024 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Larry Franklin Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Vacant Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Lane Becker Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser Vacant For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Committee. DISCUSSION 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the September 25th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability 2. Presentation on low-carbon concrete – Johanna Anderson, EPA. 3. Presentation on Austin Core Transportation Plan – Cole Kitten, Transportation and Public Works Department. 4. Presentation on Tree Regulations and Protections – Naomi Rotramel and Daniel Priest, Development Services Department. 5. Discussion of agricultural land acquisition and potential Working Farms Fund pilot. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Approval of Proposed 2025 Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Meeting Schedule 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, …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING September 25, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Lane Becker, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Alberta Phillips, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Jon Salinas, Yure Suarez, Haris Qureshi, Natalie Poindexter Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala Braden Latham-Jones Tim Harvey Heidi Kasper Marc Coudert CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:08 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the July 8th special called meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Wheeler motion, Qureshi seconds, passes 12-0. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Scott Johnson speaks on low carbon concrete and residential landscape equipment 3. Presentation on Solar for All program and the Solar Standard Offer – Tim Harvey, Austin Energy • Scott – do energy arbitrage benefits come into play? • Harvey – one of the considered benefits. Utility will control battery to a certain depth of discharge (to support resilience). On edge of event, batteries not used. On blue sky days, AE will use batteries for price chasing, 4CP avoidance, peak usage, to get max value out of battery • PPA will be used for solar purchases, performance contract for battery will • Grant will be used to buy down PPA and performance contract to AE’s avoided allow AE to benefit from them. cost of solar and make it feasible. • Phillips – questions around how program works, if benefits flow to wealthier folks • Harvey – provides clarification • Opportunity to provide feedback in community engagement process to shape program/ • Leal – why is program designed this way • Harvey – difficult to find 2500 low-income homes that are viable • If model is successful, potential to receive unused funds later • Leal – would roof repairs/rebuilding be part of it? • Harvey – there are existing programs, this grant can’t be for that as per EPA agreement. Homes will receive free weatherization if customer qualify • Opportunity for community engagement to help define what homes to target • Leal – what does governance look like? • Harvey – plans to set this up during community engagement. Work in progress, no money yet. Need to staff up in the early years. • Leal – who was engaged? • Harvey – …
2025 JSC Meeting Schedule – Proposed 1. January 22, 2025 2. February 26, 2025 3. March 26, 2025 4. April 23, 2025 5. May 28, 2025 6. June 25, 2025 7. July 23, 2025 8. August 27, 2025 9. September 24, 2025 10. October 22, 2025 11. November 19, 2025 12. December 17, 2025
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION OCTOBER 23, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. Adam Materne Luis Figueroa Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams William Ross Pumfrey District 2 – Vacancy Amy Casto CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Edward Espinoza Brian Mcgiverin Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Mary Kahle CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on September 25, 2024. 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Adopt the Ethics Review Commission regular meeting calendar for 2025. Update from the Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process. Discussion regarding the scheduling of the Greenberg-Greco complaint and the Greenberg- Watson complaint. Discussion regarding the scheduling of the Duchen-Ganguly complaint. Discussion regarding the scheduling of the Kelly-Laine complaint. 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 you are requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information …
Regular Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, October 23rd 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs VACANT Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Eliza Gordon Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT VACANT Daniela Silva Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Yuri G Barragán Jennifer Powell Lisa Chang CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION AGENDA 1 The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. Discussion on meeting with the College Student Commission. Discussion on LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Feasibility Study for a Cultural Center. Discussion on making quorum and using the hold over provision for the JIC Representatives from Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and Mayoral Appointees. Discussion on including Joint Inclusion Committee updates on home Commission monthly agendas. Discussion on promoting the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices sessions with Commissioners from home Commissions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve a Recommendation to support Sunday Sessions ATX. Approve Commissioners attending, …
Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, October 23rd 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs VACANT Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Eliza Gordon Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT VACANT Daniela Silva Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Yuri G Barragán Jennifer Powell Lisa Chang AGENDA REVISED 1 CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. Discussion on meeting with the College Student Commission. Discussion on LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Feasibility Study for a Cultural Center. Discussion on making quorum and using the hold over provision for the JIC Representatives from Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and Mayoral Appointees. Discussion on including Joint Inclusion Committee updates on home Commission monthly agendas. Discussion on promoting the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices sessions with Commissioners from home Commissions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve a Recommendation to support Sunday Sessions ATX. Approve Commissioners …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell & Lisa Chang Commissions With Vacancies: Commission on Veterans Affairs Commissioners Absent: Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. None. AGENDA 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: African American Resource Advisory Commission’s Commission Fowler, Commission for Women’s Commissioner Diana Melendez, and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis. Absent: Early Childhood Council’s Commissioner Eliza Gordon.) Presentation by Sunday Sessions ATX with an overview of the organization, upcoming opportunities for Community engagement, and needs for FY25. (Cierra Madison, Founder of Sunday Sessions ATX) Cierra begins presentation by providing context for Resolution 20240215-023. Shares that Austin’s Black and Brown communities do not have green spaces available to them. Shares that Sunday Sessions ATX has been rejected for permits, that the impacts of this has shown a bias when serving Austin’s Black and Brown owned businesses and communities. Cierra shares that because People of Color continue to be displaced from central Austin, it is important to provide a central local for Black and Brown people to socialize in green spaces. Sunday Sessions ATX asks for structural support and money in support of the organization’s work and the impact of the work. COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN thanks Cierra for presenting and asks if Sunday Sessions ATX has connected …
RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT OF SUNDAY SESSIONS ATX WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity, well-being, and engagement through free, open-to-the-public music events hosted in outdoor greenspaces that reflect the City of Austin’s cultural identity and enhance its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World"; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of supporting free community events, which attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement; and WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No. 20240215-023, acknowledged the challenges faced by event organizers due to rising costs, emphasizing the need for support to sustain free, accessible community events like "Blues on the Green," which contribute to Austin’s cultural vibrancy; and directed the City Manager to solicit input from the Arts, Music, and Quality of Life commissions in developing recommendations to support and sustain these events by utilizing partnerships across all areas of expertise involved in the live music and arts event space, with the goal of expanding opportunities for the City to co-sponsor community events that are centered around locality, diversity, and inclusivity; and further established an ordinance for associated fee waivers, co-sponsorships, or related budget authorizations needed to effectuate these goals; and WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is an ongoing, monthly event that aligns with the goals outlined in Resolution No. 20240215-023 by providing free access to local music, arts, and wellness activities, while creating inclusive and diverse spaces for Austinites; and WHEREAS, the ACE permitting fee presents a financial barrier for small, grassroots organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX, and waiving this fee on an ongoing basis would directly support the City’s goal of fostering open, accessible, and culturally enriching events; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to preserving and promoting accessible community events that reflect Austin’s diversity and vibrancy, including supporting organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX through fee waivers and other resources to ensure their long-term sustainability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX on a recurring, monthly basis in recognition of its valuable contributions to Austin’s cultural and community life, as part of the City's broader efforts to support free, public, and inclusive events; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) supports …
US EPA's Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials Program for City of Austin's Joint Sustainability Committee October 23, 2024 The U.S. Federal Government www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 2 2022 Inflation Reduction Act directed EPA to: Develop a determination for “Substantially Lower Embodied Carbon Construction Materials” for GSA & FHWA Provide grant funding and technical assistance to increase and improve environmental product declarations (EPDs) Create a label to help purchasers identify and procure lower embodied carbon construction materials www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 3 Why embodied carbon? Embodied carbon of construction materials accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 4 Why embodied carbon? Embodied carbon of construction materials accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 5 Range of Strategies to Reduce Embodied Carbon in the Market Energy Efficient Manufacturing (e.g., ENERGY STAR Industrial) Salvage & Reuse US & Locally Made Materials Material Efficiency Lower Carbon Input Materials Durable Materials (vs. High Replacement Rate) Recycled Content Bio-Based Materials Renewable & Lower Carbon Intensive Fuels Most strategies to reduce embodied carbon of construction materials take place long before they arrive at a construction site. www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 6 Quantifying & Reporting Embodied Carbon Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 7 Key LEC Program Elements www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 8 www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 9 Grant Selections – Texas NEW SLIDE •University of Texas – Austin (salvaged materials) •Knauf Insulation (insulation) •Heidelberg (cement/concrete) •Holcim (cement/concrete, asphalt) Read more about the above projects: Selected projects summaries www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 10 Interim Determination Overview “Substantially lower embodied carbon construction materials” as determined by EPA • Enables GSA & FHWA to implement their portions of the IRA • Defines “substantially lower embodied carbon construction materials” • Best performing 20% GHG emissions in CO2e (GWP per ISO 21930:2017)* • If not available in project location, best performing 40% • If not available in project location, better than estimated industry average *Because GWP is used in EPDs for construction products as an impact category (per ISO 21930), it was used in the Interim Determination as a proxy for embodied carbon. However, GWP is defined differently in other GHG accounting efforts. For clarity and consistency, EPA is exploring ways to better align terminology. Top 40% Top 20% Better than Industry Average www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 11 Initial Focus Materials The label program does not address what type of material should be used in a project -- it is limited to “like to like” comparisons. Additional materials may be …
An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations Joint Sustainability Committee October 23, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance Why Do We Protect Trees? Austin’s urban forest currently has over 33 million trees, all of which support the following benefits: • • • • • • • • Trees improve air quality by filtering out particles, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees help reduce flood impacts by slowing and filtering rainwater. Trees contribute to connections with nature that improve people’s health outcomes and contribute to an environment where people feel connected to their community. Trees are good for business: Shoppers spend more time and money in shopping areas with businesses that have good tree coverage. Tree roots hold soil in place, reducing erosion. Shade from urban trees can cool the air up to 8 degrees Celsius. Their shade and wind protection reduce energy use. Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting for diverse wildlife. Trees provide a sense of place and soften the sharp outlines of concrete, metal, and glass of urban and suburban cityscapes Source: Texas A&M Forest Service To maintain the health and integrity of our urban forest, the City of Austin strives to plant trees, preserve trees during land development, and care for existing trees. Why Do We Protect Trees? Land Development Code 25-8.B.1 • Prohibits removal of Protected or Heritage trees without a permit • 8"+ trees – preserve "to extent feasible" on site plan applications • Defines removal - physical removal, over pruning, or excessive root disturbance • Creates position of City Arborist to implement LDC 25-8.B.1 • Approval criteria for removal: • Reasonable use • Reasonable access • Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard • Administrative rules – preservation criteria, protection requirements, mitigation • Variances and appeals Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design Criteria Protection (3.5.2) …
ERC Calendar for 2025 (4th Wednesday for first 10 months; 2nd Wednesday for last 2 months) 6:00 p.m. 2nd Wednesday 6 pm 4th Wednesday 6 pm January 22, 2025 February 26, 2025 March 26, 2025 April 23, 2025 May 28, 2025 June 25, 2025 July 23, 2025 August 27, 2025 September 24, 2025 October 22, 2025 November 12, 2025 December 10, 2025
RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20241023-009: Support of Sunday Sessions ATX RECOMMENDATION FOR SUPPORT OF SUNDAY SESSIONS ATX WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity, well-being, and engagement through free, open-to-the-public music events hosted in outdoor greenspaces that reflect the City of Austin’s cultural identity and enhance its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World"; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of supporting free community events, which attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement; and WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No. 20240215-023, acknowledged the challenges faced by event organizers due to rising costs, emphasizing the need for support to sustain free, accessible community events like "Blues on the Green," which contribute to Austin’s cultural vibrancy; and directed the City Manager to solicit input from the Arts, Music, and Quality of Life commissions in developing recommendations to support and sustain these events by utilizing partnerships across all areas of expertise involved in the live music and arts event space, with the goal of expanding opportunities for the City to co-sponsor community events that are centered around locality, diversity, and inclusivity; and further established an ordinance for associated fee waivers, co-sponsorships, or related budget authorizations needed to effectuate these goals; and WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is an ongoing, monthly event that aligns with the goals outlined in Resolution No. 20240215-023 by providing free access to local music, arts, and wellness activities, while creating inclusive and diverse spaces for Austinites; and WHEREAS, the ACE permitting fee presents a financial barrier for small, grassroots organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX, and waiving this fee on an ongoing basis would directly support the City’s goal of fostering open, accessible, and culturally enriching events; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to preserving and promoting accessible community events that reflect Austin’s diversity and vibrancy, including supporting organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX through fee waivers and other resources to ensure their long-term sustainability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX on a recurring, monthly basis in recognition of its valuable contributions to Austin’s cultural and community life, as part of the City's broader efforts to support free, public, and inclusive events; …
1. 2. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION October 22, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 1101 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Lyssette Galvan Kevin Jackson Jr Jesús Perales Leonor Vargas CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ivanna Neri, Chair Daniela Silva, Vice Chair Amanda Afifi Dulce Castañeda CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 27, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. Presentation by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department, on the Equity Based Preservation Plan and approval of a Recommendation to Council regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Jill Skinner and Deborah Nieves regarding Drive a Senior ATX. Discussion on voting awareness and exchange of resources for the upcoming elections in November 2024. Presentation by the Anti-Defamation League Austin on their work locally in combatting antisemitism, hate and extremism. Discussion on attendance of the November and December 2024 meetings of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative on the Equity Office and Joint Inclusion Committee’s Budget Input Sessions for Fiscal Year 2026. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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 …
1. HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 27, 2024 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Neri called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ivanna Neri, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Daniela Silva, Vice Chair Amanda Afifi Dulce Castañeda Lyssette Galvan Kevin Jackson Jr. Jesús Perales Leonor Vargas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on May 28, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 05/28/2024 were approved on Commissioner Perales’s motion, Commissioner Castañeda’s second on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Silva and Commissioner Vargas were off the dais. Commissioner Maldonado was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Presentation by Lila Valencia, City Demographer, City of Austin Demographer Office, on demographic data. The presentation was made by Lila Valencia, City Demographer, City of Austin Demographer Office. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability, on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. The presentation was made by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Cathy McHorse regarding Affordable Child Care in the greater Austin area. The presentation was made by Cathy McHorse, Early Childhood Consultant. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the progress of the addition of the Commission on Veteran’s Affairs to the JIC. Commissioner Afifi provided an update. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the approval of a Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Budget Working Group to follow up on Fiscal Year 25 Budget Recommendations and prepare for Fiscal Year 26 Budget Town Halls. Commissioner Afifi provided an update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS APH Homegrown Grant (Vargas, Neri) Discuss Townhalls (Neri, Afifi) Update from JIC representative on September Budget Recommendations meeting (Afifi, Neri) Food Plan Recommendation (Vargas, Neri, Afifi) Chair Neri adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m. without objection. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 2
Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 2025 Meeting Calendar 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm 1. January 28, 2025 2. February 25, 2025 3. March 25, 2025 4. April 22, 2025 5. May 20, 2025 (Memorial Day on 26th)* 6. June 24, 2025 7. July 22, 2025 8. August 26, 2025 9. September 23, 2025 10. October 28, 2025 11. November 18, 2025 (Holiday week on 25th)* 12. December 16, 2025 (Holiday week on 23rd)* *revised due to holiday
REGULAR MEETING of the PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Planning 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. Registration no later than 2 PM the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. For more information on public comment, please see the agenda section “Speaker Registration”. Please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, for questions regarding speaker registration at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0821. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Claire Hempe1, Chair (District 8) Awais Azhar, Vice Chair (Mayor’s Representative) Greg Anderson, Secretary (District 4) Alice Woods, Parliamentarian (District 2) Patrick Howard (District 1) Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (District 3) Felicity Maxwell (District 5) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: Casey Haney (District 6) Ryan Johnson (District 7) Danielle Skidmore (District 9) Grayson Cox (District 10) Alberta Phillips (Mayor’s Representative) Adam Haynes (Mayor’s Representative) Jessica Cohen, Chair of Board of Adjustment Candace Hunter, AISD Board of Trustees TC Broadnax, City Manager Richard Mendoza – Director of Transportation and Public Works EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Planning Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, according to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters Executive Liaison: Joi Harden, 512-974-1617 Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0821 Attorney: AJ Urteaga, 512-974-2386 specifically listed on the agenda. The Commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first four 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 Planning Commission regular meeting on October 8, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS Location: 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2024-0027.01 - Rawson Saunders - Tarrytown Christian Church Improvements; District 10 2614 and 2614 ½ Exposition Boulevard, 2702 McCoullugh Street, 2615 ½ and 2611 Hillview Road, Taylor Slough South Watershed; Central West Austin Combined (West Austin) Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: Austin Area School For Dyslexics Inc./Tarrytown Baptist Church Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Thrower Design, LLC (Ron …
