Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 26, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the special called meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair David Carroll Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Anne Charlotte Patterson Spencer Schumacher Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok Tania Ortega CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission May 15, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 05/15/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, June 26, 2024 2. Presentation on the Downtown Austin Plan by Chad Sharrard and Jill Amezcua, Austin Planning Department. The presentation was made by Chad Sharrard, Planner Senior, Planning Department; Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department; and Matthew Schmidt, Program Manager III, Economic Development Department. 3. Presentation on the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Program Manager III, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to override the four consecutive term limit and nominate Commissioner Harris as Chair was made by Commissioner Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Lavigne and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Harris as Chair was made by Commissioner Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Ortega and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Ishmael as Vice Chair was made by Commissioner Levinson, seconded by Commissioner Shifferd and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council to update the Downtown Austin Plan and create an overseeing department charged with implementing the elements of the updated plan. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was motioned by Commissioner Carroll and seconded by Vice Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to add the following under Item 7: “r. Urban Design …
1. 2. in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, July 3, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, July 3, 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, Richard Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers Patricia Bobeck, Butler Landfill Kimerly Duda, Exposition School APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 5, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on June 5, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera abstained. Commissioner Nickells was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin's Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan – Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Speakers: Anna Bryan-Borjas, Austin Water Kevin Kluge, Austin Water Ramesh Swaminathan, Watershed Protection 1 3. 4. 5. 6. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on updates to single family residential landscape transformation activities – Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Speaker: Kevin Kluge, Austin Water Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and recommendation on the Community Investment Budget – Kathy Mitchell, Equity Action. Sponsored by Commissioners Sullivan and Krueger Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs A motion to recommend the Community Investment Budget was approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. COMMITTEE UPDATES Discussion on the draft recommendation from the Urban Forestry Committee on supporting Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Update from the Bird-Friendly Design working group on their first meeting on July 1st – Jennifer Bristol Commissioners Sullivan and Krueger provided an update. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 8:35 P.M. 2
Submittal: July xx, 2024 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Water and Wastewater Commission 1. The Water and Wastewater Commission mission statement is set forth in Section 2-1- 186 of the Municipal Code of the City of Austin, Texas which states: (A) The Water and Wastewater Commission members should reside inside the utility's service area. Not more than two members should be involved in development or development-related activities. (B) The purpose of the Water and Wastewater Commission is to: (1) review, analyze, and advise the City Council on the policies and resources relating to the city water and wastewater utility and water quality; and (2) assist the City Council in ensuring that the City's residents are provided with an adequate, economical, and potable supply of water and a stable, economical and environmentally safe system of wastewater disposal. (C) The Commission shall act as an advisory body to the City Council and shall review programs and make recommendations regarding: (1) the protection and integrity of the water resources for the City; (2) minimization of water quality impacts to downstream areas; (3) implementation of programs that achieve goals and objectives relating to water supply management, water demand management, and land water quality control; (4) the fiscal solvency of said programs; and (5) the fiscal health of the utility. 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Annual Internal Review (D) The Commission may conduct an annual review of the commission’s goals and objectives, and the activities needed to achieve these goals and objectives in the following areas, for the year covered by the program: (1) water supply distribution; (2) water demand and conservation management; (3) wastewater treatment and collection; (4) water quality; (6) utility operating budget; (7) rates and fees; and (8) citizen education. (5) service area master planning and capital improvement project development; (E) The Commission may review and make reports and recommendations to the City Council, or other appropriate Boards and Commissions, concerning the following matters: (1) water and wastewater capital improvement program proposals; (2) water and wastewater bond programs; (3) monitoring of capital recovery fee revenues on a quarterly basis, and review of capital recovery fee dollar amount on an annual basis from the effective date of capital recovery fee ordinance; (4) review of the City's annual budget proposal for the water and wastewater utility; (5) quarterly review of water and wastewater ending balances; (6) cost effectiveness …
WATER & WASTEWATER COMMISSION BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT Overview The Committee appreciates the opportunity to review Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 (FY25) budget material and provide the following summary to the Water and Wastewater Commission. Budget Committee Members: Susan Turrieta, Chair Judy Musgrove, Vice Chair Marcela Tunon Sion Budget Review Executive Summary Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales and staff presented an update on Austin Water’s five-year financial forecast and gave an update on the FY 2023-2024 (FY 24) budget vs. actual, and presented the FY 2024-2025 (FY 25) Proposed Budget. Staff also covered the recent cost of service study including revenue and rate projections, debt service management, and Austin Water’s 5-year CIP spending plan. These items are highlighted below: 1) Enterprise Resiliency - Austin Water (AW) continues to focus on enhancing emergency preparedness and responsiveness, developing operational resiliency for a range of emergency conditions, and identifying and addressing natural hazards resulting from climate change. This is reflected in additional FTE’s to cover various EUM attributes, and new funding for an infrastructure academy to address work force challenges. 2) Key financial performance indicators a) Operating Budget – FY 2024 estimated budget is $741.1 M, FY 2025 proposed budget is $768.6 M. b) Debt Coverage – FY 2024 estimated to be 1.88, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 1.91, well above AW’s goal of c) Days Cash on Hand - FY 2024 estimated to be 313 days, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 312 days, above AW’s d) % Cash for CIP Spending – FY 2024 estimated to be 29.7%, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 27.8%, slightly 1.75. goal of 245 days. under AW’s goals of 35%. 3) Debt Management FY 2024. a) The Utility continues to use capital recovery fees (CRF) for debt defeasance with $60 M debt defeasance b) CRFs are declining, net revenue FY 23 was $30.7 M, net revenue as of March 2024 was $15.4 M. c) Other funding opportunities currently being utilized by AW include: i) TWDB Low-interest loans to date of $267 M. ii) $25 M SWIFT AMI new loan in fall of FY2025 iii) EPA WIFIA for Walnut Creek WWTP $447 M; AW has been invited to apply for funding d) AW’s estimate of debt savings for FY 2024 is $81.5M. includes $20M in CRF cash and $40M in Operating cash for a defeasance transaction in late fall or early winter of …
1 2 3 Cost of Service Objectives • Develop rates that: • Meet annual Financial Plan needs • Ensure water and wastewater services are each self-sustaining • Meet AW objectives while ensuring equitable cost recovery from customer classes • Included a Public Involvement Committee (PIC) to review Cost of Service methodology and provide input and recommendations 4 5 Purpose 1. Bolster transparency in the rate-setting process 2. Raise awareness about the Cost of Service Study 3. Obtain customer input on pricing objectives Approach As of 9/27, 98 open issues currently being worked As of 9/27, 4,242 issues resolved Promotion of Feedback Opportunities Reached 200,000 unique Austinites • Press Release • Media Coverage • Direct email through My ATX Water Portal • Social Media Posts • Reached 39,830 unique people • Displayed content 45,650 times • Notifications to all Council Offices 400 Voices Heard • Nearly 200 responded on Speak Up Austin • Over 100 attended Open Houses in 10 Council Districts • 20 attended Virtual Open House • 56 participated in the emailed survey • 27 participated in Focus Groups • 32 attended an Austin Neighborhood Council meeting Community Priorities Most important to least important: 1. Affordability for essential uses of water. 2. Water conservation to encourage sustainable use of water. 3. System resilience to withstand climate impacts and reliability to minimize outages. 4. Affordability for low-income users. 5. Minimizing bill impacts by gradually increasing rates over time. 6. Revenue stability so that Austin Water receives a stable level of revenue despite fluctuations in water use. Recommendations • Affordability for basic services and system resiliency. • Lower cash financing of CIP for large, generational projects. • Bill discount target of 50% for Customer Assistance Program (CAP) customers. • Community Benefit Charge increase from $0.15 to $0.30 per thousand gallons to support the Customer Assistance Program. • Implementation of water budget billing to address high irrigation for commercial and multifamily customers. 12 Budget Overview & Highlights • Incorporate Cost of Service Study and Community Engagement results. • Balance affordability with necessary operational and infrastructure investments. • Continue resiliency and service reliability investments for essential infrastructure. • Support staffing additions, including temporary employee and contractor conversions. • Continue debt management strategies. • Maintain financial strength with stable bond ratings, as in place since 2016. 13 Budget Overview & Highlights • Proposed average monthly residential bill increase of $8.14 per month. • Smaller …
Update on Water Supply Strategy Implementation Marisa Flores-Gonzalez, Program Manager III Water and Wastewater Commission July 17, 2024 Water Forward 2018 Supply Strategies Emergency Indirect Potable Reuse Update What is Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? The use of reclaimed water for potable purposes by discharging to a water supply source, such as surface water or groundwater. The mixed reclaimed and natural waters then receive additional treatment at a water treatment plant before entering the drinking water distribution system. What is Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? There are five indirect potable reuse operating facilities in Texas: • El Paso Water Utilities - recharging the Hueco Bolson Aquifer since 1985. • North Texas Municipal Water District - polishing water using wetlands and augmenting the Lavon Lake since 2009. • Tarrant Regional Water District - polishing water using wetlands and augmenting the Richland Reservoir. • The City of Abilene - augmenting Lake Fort Phantom Hill since 2015. • The City of Wichita Falls - augmenting Lake Arrowhead since 2017. How Would AW Implement Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? IPR is an emergency water supply strategy included in the 2018 Water Forward plan The strategy would use Lady Bird Lake as an environmental buffer and convey highly treated WWTP effluent to Ullrich WTP for use in supplementing drinking water supplies Drought Triggers Lakes Buchanan and Travis Total Combined Storage Projection (LCRA) City of Austin Drought Triggers DCP Stage 1 1.4 MAF DCP Stage 2 0.9 MAF DCP Stage 3 0.75 MAF DCP Stage 4 0.6 MAF IPR Operational Trigger 0.4 MAF Progress Update AW Internal IPR Task Force progressing on project tasks • Includes Operations, Engineering, Systems Planning, PIO, and Government Relations staff and key executives Decision on water supply source has been made Staff have developed scopes for further rotation list consultant services to support project components and is moving forward on consultant procurement Water Supply Source SAR has been selected as source of treated effluent for emergency IPR implementation Current plan is to construct and separately permit sidestream IPR treatment facilities to further treat effluent Planned Consultant Support Rotation List Engineering Support Schematic design, design criteria, technical specifications for: • Intake and pump station facilities • Reclaimed transmission main • Sidestream wastewater effluent treatment facilities Design Build Project Full IPR project design and construction Timeline Fall 2024 Development of schematic design, design criteria, technical …
Downtown Commission July 17, 2024 I-35 TODAY The East/West Divide I-35 AT 5TH STREET I-35 UPPER & LOWER DECKS OUR FUTURE 35 The Opportunity Our Future 35 can provide transformational new infrastructure for Austin that is of regional and national significance • TxDOT project lowering the main lanes allows the City to deck over the highway • Up to 25 acres of new urban real estate • Local enhancement can provide an array of community benefits and change the landscape of Austin IMAGE: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF FREEWAY CAPS • Reconnect East and West Austin • Change the landscape of Central Austin • Create marquee public space for citywide use • Support / incubate local businesses • Address local noise and air quality concerns • Create climate resilient public spaces CAP AND STITCH OVERVIEW Potential Cap Locations Potential UT Cap Locations Potential Stitch Location 5 WHERE ARE CAPS POSSIBLE? Height Clearances The image below shows a cross section through a highway cap. The cap needs to have at least 16 ½ feet height clearance above the roadway and any ramps or structures. Highway Cap Highway Bridge 16 ½ feet clearance (min) Roadway Surface Beneath Deck CAP & STITCH COMPONENTS Roadway Elements + Tunnel Elements and Cap + Amenities Amenities Deck Cap COA-Funded Roadway Elements COA-Funded Deck Structures COA-Funded Amenities Roadway Elements - Preserves the opportunity to build Caps and Amenities in the future. 7 FUNDING STATUS (All Costs = 2024 Dollars) Decision by Dec 2024 Decision by Dec 2026 Concept Decision by Dec 2024, Final Layout by 2032+ Recurring Annually 2032+ Structural Design Costs Roadway Elements Costs Deck Costs Amenity Costs O&M Costs Acres ($M) ($M) Design ($M) Structure ($M) Amenities ($M) Construction ($M) 1.05 0.23 5.28 3.72 2.10 5.21 4.76 2.74 Holly Stitch CC South Extension CC-4th* 4th-7th 11th-12th 38th-41st 41st-Red Line Red Line-Airport Total Need Funding Secured Remaining Need $34 $34 $15 $19 ($M) $9 $5 $30* $26 $15 $37 $33 $19 $174 $30* $144 - - $69* $49 $28 $70 $65 $37 $318 $69* $249 $1 $1 $6* $4 $2 $6 $5 $3 $28 - $28 $13 $3m $45** $47 $26 $65 $60 $34 $293 $6m* $287 $1 $0.5 $7 $5 $7 $6 $4 $1 $0.5 $3 $3 $3 $2 $1 $1.5 $3.5 $15 $34 * Received $105 Million Neighborhood Access and Equity Federal grant for CC-4th Structures (Roadway Elements + Deck Costs). * …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717-004 Second by: Date: July 17, 2024 Subject: “Green Fee” for Environmental Investment Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the responsibility of the Environmental Commission is “to review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the City, act in an advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin and to make recommendations for standards”; AND WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 20190808- 078 declaring a climate emergency in the City and calling to accelerate the timeline for achieving the City's climate goals; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing due to climate tipping points are likely already being reached; AND WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissions by 2030; AND WHEREAS, it is a scientific fact that greenhouse gas emissions reductions made sooner will yield climate benefits sooner and are therefore more valuable in avoiding tipping points that could make preserving a livable climate impossible; AND WHEREAS, land acquisition, increasing the use of solar energy and battery storage, and tree planting are strategies that are adopted within multiple City of Austin plans (including the Climate Equity Plan, Water Forward, Austin/Travis County Food Plan, Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and PARD Land Management Plan and Long Range Plan, and Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan) created with substantial public input and adopted by the Austin City Council; AND WHEREAS, increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; AND WHEREAS, other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; AND WHEREAS, the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; 1 of 2 AND WHEREAS, funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing needs and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt Item 93 on the July …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717-004 Second by: David Sullivan Date: July 17, 2024 Subject: “Green Fee” for Environmental Investment Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the responsibility of the Environmental Commission is “to review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the City, act in an advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin and to make recommendations for standards”; AND WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 20190808- 078 declaring a climate emergency in the City and calling to accelerate the timeline for achieving the City's climate goals; AND WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing due to climate tipping points are likely already being reached; AND WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissions by 2030; AND WHEREAS, it is a scientific fact that greenhouse gas emissions reductions made sooner will yield climate benefits sooner and are therefore more valuable in avoiding tipping points that could make preserving a livable climate impossible; AND WHEREAS, land acquisition, increasing the use of solar energy and battery storage, and tree planting are strategies that are adopted within multiple City of Austin plans (including the Climate Equity Plan, Water Forward, Austin/Travis County Food Plan, Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and PARD Land Management Plan and Long Range Plan, and Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan) created with substantial public input and adopted by the Austin City Council; AND WHEREAS, increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; AND WHEREAS, other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; AND WHEREAS, the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; AND WHEREAS, funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing needs and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs. 1 of 2 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt Item 93 on …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240714 – 012 July 17, 2024 Date: Subject:Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation on Austin Water’s Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025- 2029) as required by Financial Policy Number 8. Seconded By: Commissioner Judy Musgrove Motioned By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission approved the attached report listing Austin Water Capital Improvement projects for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025-2029). Description of Recommendation to Council See attached memo and report from Austin Water to Boards and Commissions, dated March 30, 2024 Rationale: The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW presented the new growth-related projects to the following Commissions as set forth in the ordinance, with the following outcomes: • • June 18, 2024 – Recommended by the Resource Management Commission on a 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioners Johnson and Scaffidi absent, and two vacancies. June 5, 2024 – Recommended by the Environmental Commission on a 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Cofer and Schiera absent and one vacancy. Water and Wastewater Commission Vote taken July 17, 2024: For: Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Mike Reyes, Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Sabrina Reichert, Commissioner Sam Angoori, Vice-Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) …
Date: July 17, 2024 WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717 – 014 Subject: Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation of Austin Water’s FY 2024- 2025 Proposed Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion Seconded By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Description of Recommendation to Council The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Rationale: The Water and Wastewater Commission reviewed a report from the Commission’s Budget Committee regarding Austin Water’s Financial Forecast as a basis for Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. The Commission also received a briefing from Austin Water staff on July 17, 2024 on Austin Water’s Proposed FY 2024-2025 Proposed budget. Vote For: Vice-Chair Judy Musgrove, Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Chris Maxwell-Gaines Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Chair Susan Turrieta Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20240717-005: Message Board for Use by Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, the City Council Message Board is running on software whose last major update was in 2007, the time before smartphones. The software is named “phpBB”, where “BB” stands for “bulletin board”, a technology from the era of dial-up modems. WHEREAS, Austin is known as a technology city. We are home to leading hardware companies like IBM, NXP, AMD, and Samsung. WHEREAS, Austin has a significant presence of technology companies such as Apple, Google, Dell, and Meta and Indeed. WHEREAS, Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the top technology universities in the world. WHEREAS, Technology is part of Austin’s brand and our city’s government should be using the most modern applications available. WHEREAS, the city council message boards of Port Aransas and Amarillo are using WordPress, a newer software than Austin’s. WHEREAS, there is a new generation of collaboration software based on instant messaging and designed with smartphones in mind. This includes such proprietary apps such as Slack and Discord, as well as open-source alternatives like Zulip and Matrix. This innovative technology is being used by the boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations to communicate and collaborate. WHEREAS, our Mayor, Kirk Watson, when in the Texas Senate, authored and championed changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act. The addition of Section 551.006 to the Texas Government Code permits government bodies to use online real-time communication that is visible to the public. Thus enabling the Austin City Council Message Board which now has thousands of posts and millions of views. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions play an important role in city government. They are vital in adjudication, monitoring rights, monitoring the environment, and oversight of critical industries. They improve Austin by cherishing amenities, fostering the arts, and providing expert advice to City Council and serve as the inclusive interface for communities that are often overlooked by the government. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions do not have message boards and, therefore, still suffer under the restrictive provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act prior to the addition of Section 551.006 by then Senator Kirk Watson. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends the City of Austin: 1. Research and implement modern technology solutions for the current City Council Message Board. 2. …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 17, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Acting Chair Jesse Penn called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:04 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta (remote), Jesse Penn, Judy Musgrove, Shwetha Pandurangi Commission Members Absent: Alex Navarro, Sam Angoori, Sabrina Reichert, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Laneta Cooper registered to speak on Item 15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori, and Maxwell-Gaines absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Penn recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on Santiago, TxDot APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 3, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on July 3, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. Commissioner Qureshi was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and make a recommendation regarding investments the City should fund as part of Council Resolution 20240215-025: Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioner Haris Qureshi Item taken with item 4. 1 2. 3. 4. Discuss and make a recommendation in support of adding a Climate Fee to address funding for the Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended at the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioners Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, and David Sullivan A motion in support of the Environmental Investment Plan and a climate fee was made on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second. An amendment to add a recommendation for a citizen advisory bond committee was made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi. An amendment to keep the 2025 date in Commissioner Cofer’s amendment failed on a 1-5 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted in favor. Commissioners Schiera, Brimer, Sullivan, Bristol, and Cofer voted against. Commissioners Qureshi and Bedford abstained. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The amendment to add a recommendation for a Citizen Advisory Bond Committee made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi passed on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The original motion with Commissioner Cofer’s amendment passed on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Krueger requested a presentation on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, with a recommendation, seconded by Bedford. Secretary Bristol asked for …
1. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (9), Michael Nahas (4), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Rodrigo Cantu (5), Amy Rister (6) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Amy Noel (7), Laura Dixon (Mayor), Christiana Ponder (1) • Vacancy: District 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Global Business Expansion working group. The motion to approve the creation of the Global Business Expansion working group with Commissioners Rister (group chair), Nahas, and Hitchingham, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. 1 3. 4. 5. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Redevelopment working group. The motion to approve the Redevelopment working group with Commissioners Osta Lugo (group chair) and Cantu, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Small Business working group. The motion to approve the Small Business working group with Commissioners Valdez Sanchez (group chair) and Gonzales, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Gonzales’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to provide the EPC and other Boards and Commissions a message board, similar to the City Council Message Board, as allowed by Section 551.006 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET TO: SF-3 DISTRICT: 5 CASE: C14-2024-0089 (7900 Persimmon Trail) ADDRESS: 7900 Persimmon Trail ZONING FROM: MH SITE AREA: .2441 acres (10,633.93 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: Anna Cecilia Berry AGENT: Texas Permitting Solutions (Shae Willard) CASE MANAGER: Beverly Villela (512-978-0740, Beverly.Villela@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends SF-3, Family Residence District, zoning. See the Basis of Recommendation section below. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: July 16, 2024: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is an undeveloped lot within the Greenleaf Estates subdivision. The Greenleaf Estates and the Brownleaf Estates, the adjacent subdivision to the north, are manufactured home subdivisions and were zoned mobile home residence (MH) district in the mid-1980s. Some of the lots contain one or more manufactured homes, and other lots have single family residence or two-family residence uses. In this case, the applicant has requested SF-3 zoning to build a single-family residence. Staff is recommending the Family Residence (SF-3) district zoning. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. C14-2023-0000 2 The Family residence (SF-3) district is the designation for a moderate density single- family residential use and a duplex use on a lot that is a minimum of 5,750 square feet. An SF-3 district designation may be applied to a use in an existing single-family neighborhood with moderate sized lots or to new development of family housing on lots that are 5,750 square feet or more. Up to three units are permitted under single- family residential development standards. Zoning changes should promote compatibility with adjacent and nearby uses. 2. The staff supports the applicant’s request because the property is located in an area that is developed with a mixture of manufactured homes, single family residences, and two-family residences. The SF-3 zoning district would be compatible and consistent with the surrounding uses and there are existing SF-3 and SF-2-CO zoned properties located to the north and east that are currently developed with single- family residential uses. In addition, many of the manufactured homes in this area have been enclosed with framed facades making it difficult to recognize them as manufactured homes and not single family structures. LAND USES Undeveloped Manufactured Home, Single-Family Residences Undeveloped Undeveloped, Single-Family Residences Manufactured Home MH ZONING MH, SF-2-CO EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: Site North MH, SF-3 South MH East …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 2 TO: GR-MU-V-DB90 CASE: C14-2024-0047– 8501 S. 1st Street ADDRESS: 8501 South 1st Street ZONING FROM: DR SITE AREA: 7.459 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Mae Katherine Rich Clay AGENT: Drenner Group PC (Leah Bojo) CASE MANAGER: Marcelle Boudreaux (512-974-8094, marcelle.boudreaux@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant community commercial – mixed use – vertical mixed use building – density bonus 90 (GR-MU-V-DB90) combining district zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION/ RECOMMENDATION: July 16, 2024: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: In December 2023, Ordinance No. 20220609-080, Ordinance No. 20221201-056 and Ordinance No. 20221201-055 were invalidated. On March 11, 2024, Ordinance No. 20240229-073, was enacted to create the “DB90” combining district, which amended City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants 30 feet in height above the base zoning district, to a maximum of 90 feet, and modifies site development regulations including compatibility standards. C14-2024-0047 Page 2 CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The subject rezoning area is approximately 7.459 acres and is developed with a modest industrial warehouse and four single-family residential buildings but is primarily undeveloped. The rezoning area is situated at the east side of S. 1st Street, just north of the intersection with Ralph Ablanedo Drive and less than half a mile north of its intersection with Slaughter Lane. S. 1st Street is a level 3 mobility corridor, and the site is located equidistant walking distance two stops for Cap Metro bus route 10, with high frequency access to downtown. This portion of S. 1st Street is identified as an Imagine Austin Corridor, with growth and new development focused along such corridors per the plan. Development on the east side of S. 1st Street is mostly undeveloped to the immediate north (DR) and further north a vacant Construction sales and service use (MF-4-CO). There is a Religious facility use and Childcare service use to the south (IP-CO). To the east is a Fire station and Police station, with access from Ralph Ablanedo Drive (P). Across S. 1st Street to the west is Single family residential use and Multifamily residential (SF-2; MF-2-CO). Please refer to Exhibits A (Zoning Map), A-1 (Aerial View). The Applicant proposes to rezone the property to the community commercial – mixed use – vertical mixed use building – density bonus 90 (GR-MU-V-DB90) combining district for a mixed use development that will …
