Galindo Neighborhood Opposition to 600 Cumberland Road, 2610 & 2612 South First Street Variance Request Case Number: C15-2024-0040 Elaine Ramirez - Case Manager Board of Adjustments Meeting - January 13, 2025 Patty Sprinkle - Galindo Neighborhood Association President ITEM05/1PRESENTATION-NG1 Compatibility Requirements for DB90 Developments § 25-2-654 - DENSITY BONUS ETOD (DBETOD) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property may not exceed 60 feet. (4) Compatibility Buffer. A compatibility buffer is required along a site’s property line that is shared with a triggering property. a) The minimum width of a compatibility buffer is 25 feet. b) A compatibility buffer must comply with Section 25-8-700 (Minimum Requirements for Compatibility Buffers). ITEM05/2PRESENTATION-NG1 The Galindo neighborhood strongly opposes the 600 Cumberland variance request for the following reasons: • Allowing a variance undermines current zoning laws and sets a negative precedent for future developers to disregard the few remaining community protections. • The proposed project would be significantly out of scale with nearby residential and commercial properties. The development would negatively impact the quality of life and the character of the neighborhood. • The project developer’s inability to reach max density is not a hardship. ITEM05/3PRESENTATION-NG1 Lot Size and Proximity to SF3 Properties on South 2nd Street ITEM05/4PRESENTATION-NG1 Height and Setback Variance Requests for 600 Cumberland CURRENT REQUIREMENTS VARIANCE REQUESTS ITEM05/5PRESENTATION-NG1 Recent Nearby Developments Built to Neighborhood Scale LIVE OAK - 511 WEST LIVE OAK STREET THE MERCURY - 601 CARDINAL LANE FRANK CONDOS - 900 SOUTH FIRST STREET ITEM05/6PRESENTATION-NG1 ETOD Compatibility - Distance to Future Light Rail Station ITEM05/7PRESENTATION-NG1 Title ITEM05/8PRESENTATION-NG1
Galindo Neighborhood Opposition to 600 Cumberland Road, 2610 & 2612 South First Street Variance Request Case Number: C15-2024-0040 Elaine Ramirez - Case Manager Board of Adjustments Meeting - January 13, 2025 Ryan McCarthy – Galindo Neighborhood Resident ITEM05/1-PRESENTATION-NG2 Triggering Property ITEM05/2-PRESENTATION-NG2
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet ITEM05 DATE: Monday December 9, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0041 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___-____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) OUT ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) RESIGNED ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___Y____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OWNER/APPLICANT: Thomas M Schiefer and Meghann Elena Rosales ADDRESS: 1607 10TH ST VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase from 45 percent (maximum allowed) to 65 percent (requested) in order to attach a Single-Family Residence in a “SF-3-NP”, Single- Family - Neighborhood Plan zoning district (Old West Austin Neighborhood Plan) BOARD’S DECISION: November 14, 2024 Postponed to December 9, 2024 due to the absence of a sufficient number of Board Members required for a formal vote on each case; Dec 9, 2024 The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Madam Chair Jessica Cohen’s motion to Postpone to January 13, 2025; Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne seconds on 10-0 votes; POSTPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025. FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: ITEM06/1 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Madam Chair forITEM06/2 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: t Ramirez, Elaine 1607 W 10th St Tuesday, December 17, 2024 9:17:36 AM image.png Outlook-yam4kw2z.png Outlook-Icon Desc.png Outlook-Icon__Desc.png Outlook-Icon Desc.png Outlook-Icon Desc.png This email is to confirm that a variance is required to develop this lot under 25-2-779 (HOME 2; Small lot single family use). As previously mentioned, Single family use and Small lot single family use are two different uses, and as such, have different requirements to develop under. When this project was originally submitted, HOME 2 was not available to use and my comment report reflected this (no comment issued …
BOA Monthly Report July 2024-June 2025 December 9, 2024 Granted 4 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the interior side yard setback and 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses): (1) reduce minimum lot area and (3) (a) reduce rear setback 2. 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (C) (3) (b) for Garage Placement of a parking structure not closer to the front lot line than the front most exterior wall of the first floor of the building façade 3. 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (B) (1) to decrease the minimum 4. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback And 25-2-515 (Rear yard of Through Lot) & 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (B) (3) (a) to decrease the minimum rear yard setback. lot size Postponed 5 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the height, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard, Building Coverage to increase, Impervious Coverage to increase and 25-2- 832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width 2. 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations: (H) Compatibility Requirements (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property may not exceed 60 feet and (H) Compatibility Requirements (4) (a) from compatibility buffer to decrease the from 25 feet (minimum width allowed) 3. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase 4. 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District): (B) to allow more freestanding signs, (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area, (B) (2) to increase overall sign height, (F) to allow for internally sign illumination, (G) to decrease signs from the right-of-way and Section 25-2-191 (Sign Setback Requirements) (E) to decrease the setback, (F) (1) to increase height, (F) (2) to reduce clearance. 5. 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area and 1. Section 25-2-779 (Small Lot Single-Family Residential Use) from setback requirements to decrease the (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height Withdrawn 0 Denied (Reconsideration) 1 minimum front yard setback. 1 Discussion Items Dec 2024 Interpretations The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items 13 16 0 2 16 0 new inquiries (Added Nov14# 2024) Board members absent: Maggie Shahrestani, …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 13, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 9, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Receive feedback from members of the public regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Christi Vitela, Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 9, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on December 9, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Luis Herrera, D6 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Deborah Ro – TNR in the community Laura Nesmith – TNR in the community Wendy Weiss - TNR in the community Jacobi Alvarez – TNR in the community Rochelle Vickery – TNR in the community 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 14, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of October 14, 2024, was approved on Commissioner Tucker’s motion, Commissioner Herrera’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Nemer, and Nilson were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager, Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department, and Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant. None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Dulzaides’ motion, Commissioner Tucker’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Nemer, and Nilson were absent. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
HUMANE CARE Measures: Strategies: CITY OF AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICE STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030 DRAFT 01.08.2025 Vision: The vision of the Animal Services Office (ASO) is to provide services and resources that allow people and animals to thrive in the city of Austin. Description: Meet animals’ physical and emotional needs and ensure a high quality of life for animals in shelter and foster care by providing enrichment, behavioral support, and well- maintained facilities. Goal: Increase enrichment, socialization, and behavioral services • # of times out of kennel per day per dogs (2 times for large dogs, 3 times for small dogs) • % of animals with daily in-kennel enrichment • # of staff training hours in animal behavior • Expand capacity to provide enrichment and socialization services for all animals through adequate staff, volunteers, funding, and partnerships • Offer staff training and educational opportunities in animal behavior • Enhance support for fosters through training and resources Goal: Improve campus facilities and physical spaces Measures: • Average amount of time between issue identification and entry of work order into Building Services system • Additional location analysis completed within 12 months of strategic plan implementation Strategies: • • In partnership with the Building Services Department, identify opportunities to enhance proactive maintenance and optimize facility operations Identify priority facility upgrades and develop a timeline to enhance animal and staff spaces for optimal care and safety • Research, analyze, and explore additional locations to offer ASO services throughout the community (i.e., new satellite locations, secondary locations) ASO Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Final Draft, 01.08.2025 Subject to further review and revision by the Animal Advisory Commission, City Management, and Austin City Council page 1 Goal: Enhance shelter cleanliness and sanitation • Pass yearly state health inspection • Quarterly kennel cleanliness audit Measures: Strategies: Measures: Strategies: • Establish and implement a sanitation protocol for facilities and kennels aligned with best practices, including routine checks to maintain a high standard of cleanliness Goal: Develop responsible pathways for all eligible animals emphasizing those with behavioral needs • % of at-risk animals who have a behavioral training plan • % of behavioral animals placed with partners and rescues • % of adult animals in ASO care beyond 30 days who are plead for foster or rescue placement • % of behavioral animals in ASO who are plead for foster placement • Total number of cats and dogs over 30 days • …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, December 12, 2024. 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFING Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Presentation from Drew De Los Santos, Executive Director at Austin Cooperative Business Association on the Del Valle Food Co-op. Discuss the draft recommendation to support Goal 1, Strategy 1.12 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Fully fund City and County park plans that include strategies to support community agriculture (such as the Vision Plan at John Trevino Jr. Metropolitan Park) and include support for staff to implement community agriculture programs in these locations and distribute food grown to surrounding communities. Board Member Andrea Abel and Board Member Lisa Barden. Discuss draft recommendation(s) to support Goal 1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County, Board Member Marissa Bell (land acquisition) and Board Member Matt Simon (regenerative agriculture). Discuss draft recommendation(s) to support Goal 4 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Establish and …
This template is a guide for liaisons. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Farmland Acquisition and Preservation NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in the Capital Region is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritize expanding community food production and preserving farmland for regenerative agriculture through strategies such as conservation easements, land purchases, and land banking; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan also recommends pursuing funding sources, including general obligation bonds, to conserve agricultural land; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and This template is a guide for liaisons. WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means in order to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as a dedicated …
This template is a guide for liaisons. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Farmland Acquisition and Preservation NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in the Capital Region is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in October 2024, includes strategies to address local food security and environmental sustainability; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritize expanding community food production and preserving farmland for regenerative agriculture through strategies such as conservation easements, land purchases, and land-banking; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan also recommends pursuing funding sources, including general obligation bonds, to conserve agricultural land; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-8 urged Travis County to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, Travis County has a history of successfully managing agricultural leases through the Land stewardship program; and This template is a guide for liaisons. WHEREAS, Travis County currently operates a Conservation Easement Program that allows landowners to preserve agricultural, natural, or cultural resources while retaining ownership of their property. This program, funded by voter-approved bond funds and supplemented by donations, has successfully preserved significant tracts of land and helps protect vital resources such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Easement Program has been a key tool for Travis County in its efforts to protect land from development, with more than $24.9 million approved by voters in 2011 and 2017 for the purchase of easements. The program prioritizes properties in conservation corridors and those with significant environmental or agricultural value, aligning …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Preparing Culturally and Medically Appropriate Supply Side Nutrition, Provision and Distribution Access During Disasters, Disruptions, and Emergencies WHEREAS, food insecurity already disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources and most acutely during emergencies, significant weather events, or disasters; and WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County Food Plan, adopted by City Council in October 2024, includes the goal of establishing and funding a resilient, inclusive, and accessible emergency food provision system that ensure all community members, regardless of cultural background or medical needs, have access to safe, nutritious, and culturally relevant food during disasters and emergencies (Goal 4); and WHEREAS, it is essential to develop and fund a coordinated emergency food access response plan that ensures that City and County community centers and resilience networks have access to water, culturally and medically appropriate food, proper storage, and inventory management practices (Strategy 4.3); and WHEREAS, having preparedness teams and partners be able to meet dietary needs during emergencies, including culturally relevant and medically appropriate food preparation, and for emergency staff and volunteers to have training in such (Strategy 4.4); and WHEREAS, it will be necessary, as part of the preparedness ecosystem, to work with community partners to have a real-time inventory management system to track emergency food availability, expiration dates, and replenishment needs to ensure a steady supply during emergencies while minimizing food waste (Strategy 4.5) and WHEREAS, it is essential and critical to create a diverse and reliable food supply by establishing partnerships with a wide range of local suppliers and develop contingency plans for food supply chain disruptions, including alternative sourcing strategies (Strategy 4.6); and Commented [1]: See above comment for "Whereas." Need to add "Resolved" pertaining to 6.1 Food Retail and 6.6 school meal and summer food service programs. WHEREAS, there is a significant need to create mechanism that improves emergency response and preparedness for major power outages that impact the food supply at all stages of the food system (Strategy 4.7). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the following actions: 1. Establish Pre-Existing, Prepared Trusted Community Partners o Build upon Mass Care’s ecosystem survey, identify key partners to establish preexisting procurement relationships through Austin Finance Online o Prioritize …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for new and existing central aggregation, processing, and distribution facilities (Food Hubs) WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need to support regional food systems; WHERAS, schools in the Austin-Travis County region currently source a significant portion of their food from mainline distributors, who, in turn, source their products from large-scale farms located outside of Texas, contributing to long supply chains and increasing the carbon footprint of food procurement; WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan calls for the development and support of central aggregation, processing, and distribution facilities (food hubs) to supply regional institutional purchasers with local agricultural goods, ensuring the stability and resilience of the food system in Austin/Travis County; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan emphasizes the importance of building a community-driven food system that prioritizes regenerative agriculture to achieve climate and equity goals by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan calls for supporting institutions and developing supply-chain infrastructure and regional food networks to facilitate large-scale pro-climate, pro-health food procurement, supporting regenerative agricultural producers and increasing access to sustainable, healthy food options; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, and other disruptive events have exposed vulnerabilities in long, centralized food supply chains, emphasizing the importance of resilient local food systems that prioritize local procurement, climate adaptation, and equity-driven food access; and WHEREAS, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), such as the Farm to School Program and the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program, provide funding to support local food systems and school meal programs, benefiting farmers and communities; WHEREAS, local purchasing incentives for schools, such as the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program, remain underutilized due to insufficient local food production and regional distribution capacity to meet the demand for school markets, and small, Central Texas farmers need technical assistance to scale …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Goal 6.1, 6.5, 6.6: • Actively establish culturally relevant, affordable, community-backed or -driven retail options in areas experiencing food insecurity or facing barriers to food access, including replication and expansion of existing food retail initiatives in the City and County • Expand benefits and access to nutritious foods through programs that amplify and supplement the purchasing power of individuals and households facing food and nutrition insecurity and explore the feasibility of creating a locally funded nutrition incentive program with less restrictive eligibility criteria than SNAP/WIC Increase utilization of publicly administered programs that improve food access, such as SNAP, WIC, the national school breakfast/lunch program, and summer food service program. • WHEREAS, food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources; WHEREAS, where value multiplying programs are an effective model of extending purchasing power for nutritious foods, allowing SNAP recipients to double their spending on fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets; WHEREAS, the need for culturally relevant nutrition education and cooking skills training, can empower community members to make healthy, affordable food choices; WHEREAS, current food assistance programs often have restrictive eligibility criteria that exclude many community members experiencing economic hardship; WHEREAS, technological barriers and limited digital literacy can further complicate access to food assistance resources and online food shopping options; WHEREAS, language and disability barriers continue to create additional challenges for individuals seeking food assistance and nutrition support; WHEREAS, existing successful local programs like Double Up Food Bucks and The Happy Kitchen provide valuable frameworks for expanding food access and nutrition education; new programs can and need to be created; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the following actions: 1. Expand and Enhance Nutrition Incentive Programs: o Build upon the successful value purchasing models to create a locally funded nutrition incentive program o Develop more flexible eligibility criteria that complement existing federal/state/local assistance programs o Provide additional purchasing power for nutritious foods, particularly fresh produce and local agricultural products o Create mechanisms to support both farmers and food-insecure households 2. Strengthen Nutrition Education and Skill-Building: o Expand programs that provide culturally relevant food and cooking/nutrition education Multilingual cooking classes Nutrition education workshops Skill-building for affordable, healthy meal preparation o Develop technology-integrated education modules …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION January 13, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFING 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Christi Vitela, Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION January 13, 2025 ▪ 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Amy Everhart, at Amy.Everhart@AustinEnergy.com or via phone at 512-322-6087. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Ayo Akande Raul Alvarez Lauren Bellomy Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Chris Kirksey Cyrus Reed Joshua Rhodes CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on November 18, 2024 and approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Special Called Meeting on December 2, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Fund Operating Budget (Ordinance 20240814-007) by increasing transfers out to the Austin Energy Power Supply Stabilization Reserve (Ordinance 20240814-007) in the amount of $30,000,000; and amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Power Supply Stabilization Reserve Fund by increasing transfers in for the same amount. Funding is available in the Austin Energy Operating Fund balance. 3. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for vegetation management services on energized transmission lines for Austin Energy with Wright Tree Service, Inc., for an initial term of two years with up to four one-year extension options, for a total contract amount not to exceed $42,000,000. Funding: $5,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 4. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for electric meters and associated services for Austin Energy with Texas Electric Cooperatives, for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $62,000,000. Funding: $62,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. 5. Recommend approval authorizing …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Fund Operating Budget (Ordinance 20240814-007) by increasing transfers out to the Austin Energy Power Supply Stabilization Reserve (Ordinance 20240814-007) in the amount of $30,000,000; and amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Austin Energy Power Supply Stabilization Reserve Fund by increasing transfers in for the same amount. Funding is available in the Austin Energy Operating Fund balance. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note A fiscal note is attached. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Rusty Maenius, Chief Financial Officer, 512-322-6133; Stuart Reilly, Deputy General Manager, 512-322-6817 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 13, 2025- To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy’s financial policy No. 22 requires it to maintain 90 days of net power supply cost. These funds are maintained in the Power Supply Stabilization Reserve. In 2023, due to extreme high wholesale prices in the ERCOT market, Austin Energy transferred funds from its Power Supply Stabilization Reserve to working capital to pay the increased power supply costs. Austin Energy now seeks to come into compliance with this financial policy minimum by transferring funds to the Power Supply Stabilization Reserve to return to 90 days of net power supply costs. At fiscal year-end 2024, the Power Supply Stabilization Reserve is approximately $27 million less than the 90-day minimum of $140 million. Maintaining 90 days of power supply reserves is calculated as part of, and is not separate from, Austin Energy’s overall required policy minimum of 150 days cash on hand. Austin Energy’s Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) tariff authorizes the transfer of a PSA over-recovery to the Power Supply Stabilization reserve. The PSA over-recovery balance is now sufficient to transfer funds back to the reserve. Austin Energy seeks approval of an ordinance amending the FY 2024-2025 Austin Energy Power Supply Stabilization Reserve Fund budget by increasing transfers in from the Austin Energy Operating Fund in the amount of $30,000,000 and amending the FY 2024-2025 Austin Energy Operating Budget to increase transfers to the Power Supply Stabilization Reserve Fund in the same amount in order to fund the reserve in accordance with FY 2024-2025 Austin Energy Financial Policies and as outlined in the Power Supply Adjustment tariff.
..Title Posting Language Authorize a contract for vegetation management services on energized transmission lines for Austin Energy with Wright Tree Service, Inc., for an initial term of two years with up to four one-year extension options, for a total contract amount not to exceed $42,000,000. Funding: $5,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $5,250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 SMB3026 for these services. The solicitation was issued on July 29, 2024, and closed on August 22, 2024. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140989 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) 0.35% combined MBE/WBE participation. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 13, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide vegetation management services on energized transmission lines for Austin Energy. The contractor will perform services on an as needed basis for capital improvement projects; circuit, grid, and substation facilities; individual customer requests; trouble work or storm restoration events; and vegetation suppression. This work is highly specialized, and the contractor will be required to follow standard processes which include notice of work and herbicide use and follow strict safety protocols. The contractor will also work in partnership with the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division to reduce the risk of wildfires. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Wright Tree Service, Inc. as the best to provide these services based on Program, Experience, …
..Body Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for electric meters and associated services for Austin Energy with Texas Electric Cooperatives, for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $62,000,000. Funding: $62,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $62,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 PAB3015REBID for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on August 5, 2024, and closed on August 22, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141498 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 13, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is for the purchase of commercial and residential electric meters deployed throughout Austin Energy service area on an as-needed basis. Electric meters provide the ability for Austin Energy to measure, track, and bill for energy consumption. They are also used to provide additional insights into the distribution system such as voltage levels and outage information. Additionally, the contractor will provide technical support on metering features and functionality, testing, and training on new metering software and features. The contractor will also manage the meter remediation process when meters are sent for repairs or replacement. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Texas Electric Cooperatives as the best to provide these services based on project concept and strategy, safety and materials, remediation program, experience, price, Local Business and Small Business Preference. The recommended …
..Body Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for tire repair, maintenance, and replacement services for Austin Energy with Youngblood Automotive & Tire LLC d/b/a Youngblood Auto & Tire, for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $360,000. Funding: $120,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $120,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 1100 DPL1005REBID for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on August 26, 2024, and closed on September 12, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the most responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141590 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 13, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide tire repair, maintenance, and replacement services on leased Austin Energy utility vehicles, such as aerial bucket trucks, digging trucks, and cranes. These services will reduce downtime and avoid disruption of daily operations, including outage response, maintenance, and ongoing scheduled jobs for Austin Energy customers. This recommendation is in accordance with Local Government Code 271.905 and Resolution Number 20140807-113 to invoke local preference. This local bidder is offering the best combination of contract price and additional economic development opportunities for the City created by the contract award, including the employment of residents and increased tax revenues. …
