Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20230726-XXX Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Priorities for implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Natural Systems and Food & Product Consumption Recommendations: 1. More data and information and more frequent updates to the dashboard is needed to better gauge Austin’s state progress on climate goals. Publish a schedule of official updates to the Climate Equity Plan implementation dashboard, including metrics and more formalized equity accounting, to enable the public to see progress toward Austin’s climate equity goals. Recommend biannual or quarterly updates. 2. Seek out and incorporate indigenous knowledge into the PARD Recommended Land Management Strategy recommendation, with appropriate compensation to contributors for their time and expertise. 3. Make permitting paperwork for community gardens available in Spanish and develop a plan to reach the Spanish-speaking community Commented [1]: Do we know they haven't incorporated indigenous knowledge? Commented [2R1]: Good point. I did not see it addressed in the PARD land management presentation, but have asked Staff to clarify. Commented [3]: Who is this recommended to? Does the city run these gardens? Commented [4R3]: The city approves permitting for community gardens on city-owned lands, with four unrelated volunteers and a sponsoring nonprofit. Details here: https://www.austintexas.gov/parks-and- recreation/community-garden-permit-guide 4. Explore the idea of piloting a sales-tax holiday for thrift store shopping and repair services, similar to the Back to School sales tax holiday weekends, to encourage residents to participate in the circular economy. 5. Set a disposal rate goal for ARR that declines over time 6. Accelerate goals in the ARR plan: near-term goals should be defined as 0-2 years. 3-5 years is medium-term. 7. Promote climate-friendly food choices within the retail and non-retail programs (Mobile Markets, Healthy Food Pantries and Pop-ups, etc.) by developing incentives for plant- based protein. 8. Circular economy- pilot re-usable/refillable develop incentives/programs for retail that provide refillable services using lower impact containers Rationale: Natural Systems and Food & Product Consumption Recommendations 1. Data gaps, in particular on the climate equity plan implementation dashboard, exist. Status of the actual implementation is sometimes out of date, and the individual carbon impact of any individual strategy is unknown, making recommendations sometimes difficult to assess. Additionally, equity accounting needs to be formalized. 2. Austin’s livable future depends on our ability to create and successfully implement sustainable environmental solutions. Sustainability is at the foundation of traditional ecological knowledge, …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 2023XXXX-XXX Date: XXXX XX, 2023 Subject: Priorities for continuing implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Buildings Recommendations: 1. Adopt the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with a local amendment to require space for a heat pump hot water heater, as quickly as possible. 2. Update the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) to require energy efficiency upgrades to multifamily and commercial buildings that perform poorly on energy audits. 3. Create a density bonus (that stacks on top of Affordability Unlocked bonus and other bonus programs) to incentivize the use of the Passive House standard and/or Living Building Challenge standard. 4. Explicitly promote or incentivize the Passive House and/or Living Building Challenge standards throughout the City of Austin RFP and building funding scoring metrics (stating preference for and/or adding points to scoring for meeting these standards). 5. Split the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) program into one track that applies to Smart Housing and a “standard” track for all other development. Allocate funding and staff to administer these programs. Allocate funding for incentives for Smart Housing to meet the requirements of the “standard” AEGB program. 6. Update Austin Energy’s Green Choice program to address current energy needs, such as load-matching renewable energy and improving grid resilience through energy storage. 7. Create a pilot program, possibly utilizing Austin Energy’s Energy Efficiency Services fee and/or Development Service Department funds, to explore the efficacy and cost of certified Passive House and/or Living Building Challenge multifamily projects. Recommend funding $3,000 per unit for first 1000 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units to certify and create a report detailing construction cost increases vis a vis utility savings and other benefits. Rationale: Sustainable Building Recommendations 1. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will result in more efficient residential and commercial building and will establish initial standards for electric-ready and EV-ready construction. These are important improvements that are called for in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Constructing buildings that are efficient and allow for electrification is more cost effective than retrofitting them later. This is a low-cost option for the city because builders would make the investments. It will also ultimately reduce costs for building owners and occupants. 2. The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) was a good first step …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20230726-XXX Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Priorities for implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Transportation Electrification Recommendations: 1. Allocate funding for staff/consultant to define and conduct an EV Community Needs Assessment . communities. 2. Provide city-wide incentives for buying and leasing EVs targeted only to low-income 3. Create a coalition (including organizations that already have trust in the community) to provide education on clarifying the EV charging process, raise awareness about available incentives and increase community involvement by providing systematically excluded groups career/education opportunities focusing on EVs and EV charging infrastructure. Transportation and Land Use Recommendations: 1. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends allocating [$500,000] to pilot a Universal Basic Mobility Program (UBMP) that would advance strategy #2 above all and would forward these other strategies toward Goal 3 as well. These funds would go toward 1. Allocating or hiring [.5 FTE] in [OOS? Transpo? Capmetro?] to manage the one-year pilot, to educate UBMP participants on how to use public transit and shared mobility safely, and to assess UBMP pilot's efficacy; and 2. Providing [300] low-income residents of Austin with [$100] debit cards per month for one year to pay for public transit, shared bikes and e-bikes, and shared e-scooters. 2. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the City of Austin take a comprehensive approach to extreme heat mitigation, response, and resiliency, with a focus on the following priority actions a. Cool Corridor Program. Identify key mobility corridors that could serve as “cool corridors” with natural and engineered shade/cooling solutions to provide safe, climate-resilient connectivity on key pedestrian and transit routes. These corridors should (1) prioritize benefits in low-income neighborhoods facing high heat vulnerability, (2) address gaps based on the City’s existing heat vulnerability analyses, and (3) be developed in consultation with community-based organizations. Initial locations to prioritize for cool corridors should include the Rundberg community and the St. Johns, Montopolis, Franklin Park, and Dove Springs neighborhoods, due to high heat vulnerability as measured by various socioeconomic and heat exposure indicators. Key investments in cool corridors should include the following: Drought-tolerant tree plantings; i. ii. In partnership with CapMetro, Art in Public Places, and other key institutions and stakeholders, joint funding for research, design, and installation of resilient transit stops (including upgrades to existing transit stops) at sites facing high heat vulnerability (see existing example). These sites …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Logan Schugart Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshall (Ex Officio) Sade Ogunbode, Chair Edgar Farrera, Vice Chair Timothy Stostad Joseph Benigno Edward Selig Michael Francis Luis Osta Lugo Blaine Campbell CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on July 26, APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2023. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s): The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 Property address: 4807 Duval Street / Owner: Lyle Leroy Davis Staff presenter: Alicia Tovar Staff recommendation: Repair single family residential structure Property address: 5606 S Congress Avenue/ Johnny Ray McNabb Staff presenter: Johnny Serna Staff recommendation: Repair single family residential structure 2. Case Number: CL 2023-087183 3. Case Number: CL 2023-087171 4. Case Number: CL 2023-096591 Property address: 4707 Ganymede Drive / Owner: Chung Family Investments LLC Staff presenter: Lauren Taggart Staff recommendation: Repair primary structure and demolish mobile home 5. Case Number: CL 2023-088888 Property address: 2519 Rockridge Drive/ …
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 23, 2023 BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, August 23, 2023 The BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 23 August, 2023, at the CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE, ROOM 1405, in Austin, Texas. Chair OGUNBODE called the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION (BSC) Meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Sade Ogunbode; Vice-chair Edgar Farrera; Commissioners: Blane Campbell, Michael Francis, Luis Osta Lugo, Logan Schugart, Edward Selig and Timothy Stostad. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Joseph Benigno and Ex Officio Commissioner Chief Stephen Truesdell. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one appeared before the Commission for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on July 26, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of July 26, 2023 were approved on COMMISSIONER FRANCIS’ motion, COMMISSIONER CAMPBELL’s second on a 8-0-0 vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Conduct a public hearing and consider case number CL 2023-087183; Property address: 4807 Duval Street. COMISSIONER OSTA LUGO moved to table the discussion until after counsel receives legal advice on the matter, COMMISIONER CAMPBELL’s second. The motion passed on a 9-0-0 vote COMMISIONER CAMPBELL moved item, COMMISSIONER SCHUGART’s second. The motion passed on a 9-0-0 vote. to un-table the 1 BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 23, 2023 COMISSIONER OSTA LUGO moved to continue this agenda item until the September meeting, COMMISSIONER FARRERA’s Second. The motion passed on a 9-0-0 vote. 3. Conduct a public hearing and consider case number CL 2023-087171; Property address: 5606 S Congress Avenue. COMISSIONER SELIG moved to close the public hearing, COMMISSIONER FRANCIS’ second. COMMISSIONER FRANCIS made a motion to adopt City staff’s recommended order for repair, with the modification of the compliance period from 45 to 90 days, with a penalty of $250 per week thereafter if repairs not complete, COMMISSIONER SELIG’s second. The motion passed on a 9-0-0 vote. 4. Conduct a public hearing and consider case number CL 2023-096591; Property address: 4707 Ganymede Drive. VICE-CHAIR FARRERA moved to close the public hearing and adopt City staff’s recommended order for repair of the primary residential structure and demolish the mobile home structure within 45 days, with a penalty of $250 per week if repairs not completed and allow the Code Official to proceed with demolition if …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA AUGUST 23rd, 2023 REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. CST AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, and some members of the Commission may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or via telephone. Remote speakers must register in advance (August 22nd by 12pm-Noon CST). All public comments will occur at the beginning of the meeting and public speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. To speak or attend remotely, residents must contact the Equity Office’s Business Process Consultant, Jeremy Garza, no later than 12pm-noon (CST) on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023. Please telephone call at (512) 978-1797 and/or email jeremy.garza@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, the item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address, and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Serita Fontanesi Antonio Ross Hanna Huang Nayer Sikder Juliana Gonzalez Richard Bondi Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Miriam Dorantes Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission Leonor Vargas Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT Rebecca Austen Teresa Ferguson Melissa Ortega Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities VACANT VACANT Jennifer Powell Elizabeth Meyer JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA AUGUST 23rd, 2023 MEETING AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JULY 26th, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Discussion on gathering questions for the City Manager’s Office regarding the changes to the telework policy for city personnel; the hiring process for a new Director for the Office of Police Oversight, a new Chief Equity Officer, and the search for a new permanent city manager; and about the organizational changes the City Manager would like to make …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 23rd, 2023 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2023 The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE convened in a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2023, at CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101, 301 W 2ND STREET in AUSTIN, TEXAS. Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING to order at 3:04pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic/Latino Quality-of Life-Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission for Women: Julie Glasser Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Miriam Dorantes Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: VACANT Staff in Attendance: Equity Office, Business Process Consultant – Jeremy Garza JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 23rd, 2023 MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JULY 26th, 2023. The minutes from the REGULAR meeting of JULY 26th, 2023 were approved on COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s motion, COMMISIONER JULIE GLASSER’s second on a 9 – 0 vote. Discussion on gathering questions for the City Manager’s Office regarding the changes to the telework policy for city personnel; the hiring process for a new Director for the Office of Police Oversight, a new Chief Equity Officer, and the search for a new permanent city manager; and about the organizational changes the City Manager would like to make to the Equity Office, Civil Rights Office, Small & Minority Business Resources Department, Office of Sustainability, and the Resilience Office. Hiring Question: What is the timeline to fill the vacant positions and those being held interim positions? Hiring Question: Will there be community input or community participation in the hiring process or feedback? Hiring Question: Do they envision a need to change or modify the posting for the vacant positions before starting the hiring process? Concern that reclassification slows down the process more. Hiring Question: What will public communication look like throughout the process since these are such high-profile roles? DISCUSSION ITEM 2. JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 23, 2023 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. Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Haksoon Andrea Low Alysa Nunez Edward Espinoza William Ross Pumfrey Mikki Teneyuca CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Luis Soberon Amy Casto Michael Lovins Sidney Williams 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: 1 A complaint filed by Daniel Llanes against José Velásquez raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosures), Subsection 2-7-72(E) (Reports). PRELIMINARY HEARING 2. A complaint filed by Daniel Llanes against José Velásquez raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosures), Subsection 2-7-72(E) (Reports). 3. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on June 28, 2023. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 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 …
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 23, 2023 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on August 23, 2023, at City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room #1101, at 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Chair Soberon called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Luis Soberon, Vice-Chair Mary Kahle, and Commissioners Amy Casto, Edward Espinoza, Haksoon Andrea Low, Michael Lovins, William Ross Pumfrey, and Sidney Williams were present at City Hall. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Alysa Nuñez. Commissioners Absent: Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams and Commissioner Mikki Teneyuca. Vacancy: None. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; and Victoria Hayslett, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL One speaker, Christina Flores, signed up for General Communication in person and was allotted three minutes to speak. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: A complaint filed by Daniel Llanes against José Velásquez raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosure), Subsection 2-7-72(E) (Reports). The Commission went into Executive session at 6:12 p.m. Commissioner Nuñez abstained from items 1 and 2 and did not participate in Executive Session. 1 The Commission reconvened the public meeting at 7:19 p.m. However, Commissioner Nuñez did not rejoin the meeting. PRELIMINARY HEARING A complaint filed by Daniel Llanes against José Velásquez raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosure), Subsection 2-7-72(E) (Reports). Parties attending: Complainant’s counsel Bill Aleshire, Complainant Daniel Llanes, and Respondent’s counsel Ross Fischer. All parties signed oath forms and spoke on item 2. The Commission heard opening statements from Bill Aleshire, Counsel for Complainant, and Ross Fischer, Counsel for the Respondent. The Commission then asked questions of the parties. Commissioner Low’s motion to find reasonable grounds that a violation occurred and set a final hearing was seconded by Vice-Chair Kahle. The motion was tabled by unanimous consent. Counsel for Respondent Ross Fischer provided an admission to the Commission that there was a violation to counts 1, 2, and 4 on the complaint filed. Commissioner Williams’ motion to find that an admission has been made to counts 1, …
City of Austin Ethics Review Commission LETTER OF ADMONITION August 31, 2023 Hon. José Miguel Anwar Velásquez City of Austin Ethics Review Commission Determination of Sanctions under City Code, Section 2-7-48(C)(2) TO: FROM: DATE: RE: In accordance with Chapter 2-7 of the Austin City Code, this letter is to advise you that the City of Austin Ethics Review Commission (the “Commission”) has completed its consideration of the complaint filed with the Commission against you on July 14, 2023. The Complaint alleges that you violated Austin City Code, Chapter 2-7-72(E), which deals with information required for disclosure in required Statements of Financial Information (“SFI”). The Complaint states you violated these provisions by failing to include certain income sources and board membership in your 2021 and 2022 SFI filings. During the preliminary hearing on the complaint, through your counsel you admitted that three of the four violations cited in the complaint (as set out in Counts 1, 2, and 4) had occurred. The Commission determined based on those admissions and the available record that the violations set out in Counts 1, 2, and 4 had occurred, and also found that reasonable grounds did not exist to believe that a violation of Austin City Code had occurred with respect to Count 3 of the complaint. The Commission recognizes that you filed corrected SFIs including certain information that had not been provided previously, and that you admitted to violations at the hearing, which you assert were inadvertent. The Commission directs that you be mindful of the various provisions of Austin City Code that are the subject of this complaint as well as all other applicable provisions of the Austin City Code moving forward in your future financial disclosures. Based on those determinations, the Commission issues this letter of admonition to you. This action is effective as of the 31st day of August 2023. CITY OF AUSTIN ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION Luis Soberon Chair, Ethics Review Commission
§ § § § § § § CITY OF AUSTIN ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION Complaint No. 20230714 Daniel Llanes Complainant v. Jose Velasquez Velásquez Respondent ORDER ON PRELIMINARY HEARING I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY On July 14, 2023, Daniel Llanes (“Complainant”) submitted to the Austin City Clerk (“City Clerk”) a Sworn Complaint (“the Complaint”) against Jose Velásquez (“Respondent”). On July 14, 2023, the City Clerk sent a copy of the Complaint and a notice of filing to the City Attorney, the Chair of the Ethics Review Commission (“the Commission”), Complainant, and Respondent. The Complaint alleged that Respondent violated Section 2-7-72(E)(Reports), which deals with information required for disclosure in required Statements of Financial Information (“SFI”). On August 23, 2023, the Commission conducted a Preliminary Hearing. During the hearing, Respondent’s counsel admitted that three of the four violations cited in the complaint (as set out in Counts 1, 2, and 4) had occurred and that corrected SFIs had been filed. The Commission determined based on those admissions and the available record that the violations set out in Counts 1, 2, and 4 had occurred, and also found that reasonable grounds did not exist to believe that a violation of Austin City Code had occurred with respect to Count 3 of The Commission further determined that a letter of admonition be issued to the City of Austin Ethics Review Commission ORDER ON PRELIMINARY HEARING – PAGE 1 the complaint. Respondent. The agenda for the August 23, 2023 meeting of the Commission and Preliminary Hearing in this matter was timely posted by August 18, 2023. The Preliminary Hearing was properly noticed in accordance with Chapter 2-7 of the City Code and the Texas Open Meetings Act. The Commission has jurisdiction over Chapter 2-7-72 of the City Code (Reports). 1. Counsel for the Complainant and Respondent appeared at the hearing and made statements II. FINDINGS OF FACT 2. Complainant’s counsel provided documentary evidence attached to his complaint as well as for purposes of the hearing. Respondent’s counsel submitted a written response for 3. During the hearing, Complainant’s counsel reiterated the evidence attached to his under oath. purposes of the hearing. complaint. 4. During the hearing, Respondent’s counsel referred to the written response provided for purposes of the hearing and described corrective measures taken by Respondent. III. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. Respondent agreed to three of the four violations cited in the complaint (as set out in Counts 1, …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2023 @ 1:30 PM- IN PERSON PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER; CONFERENCE ROOM 1401-1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Watson); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) A.J Juraska(Pool); Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from May 24, 2023 2. Presentation by Austin Health Dept. on Legionellosis Prevention in Commercial APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS Healthcare Facilities. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
24 UPC Code Ammendment Mechanical and Plumbing Board meeting, June 27, 0930 Permitting Development Center APH Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance presentation Goal: Improving timing of flushing prior to occupancy Legionella prevention Legionella Overview • Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems like • Showerheads and sink faucets • Cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for buildings or industrial processes) • Hot tubs • Decorative fountains and water features • Hot water tanks and heaters • Large, complex plumbing systems • About 1 in 3 cases (35%) are due to changes in water quality from reasons 3 external to the building itself Legionella in biofilm… ▪ Biofilm is often associated with Legionella in plumbing systems. Biofilm is a slimy coating that is formed as microbes attach to underwater surfaces (e.g., the inside of a pipe). Biofilm can form in valves, fittings, and on pipe walls, feeding Legionella. ▪ Legionella overgrowth can also be caused by plumbing system replacement and repairs, water temperatures between 68°-122°F, water pressure drops, boil water notices, water main breaks, water stagnation, and increased sediment 4 Legionella Symptoms (you have to breathe it in) • Symptoms can include: • Cough • Shortness of breath • Fever • Muscle aches • Headaches • Legionnaires’ disease can also be associated with other symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer • Legionnaires’ disease is deadly for about 10% of people who get it. 5 Issue: Water stagnation leads to Legionella overgrowth • Recently a healthcare facility had brown water when connected early April. • “Prior to use” flush done >4 months ago • Water service lines installed last June 2022 • Common issue in new hospital construction especially when water does not get turned on in timely manner and no timed flushing protocols in place • Corrosion of pipes leads to biofilm growth • Many Legionella outbreaks in hospitals are related to new construction • What is current Austin standard? • Can we improve? Click to edit footer style 6 Travis County Case Counts 7 Uniform Plumbing Code- no timing for flushing https://www.iapmo.org/publications/read-uniform-codes-online/ 609.10 Disinfection of Potable Water System New or …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING BOARD Tuesday August 22 @ 9:30 AM- IN PERSON PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER/ 1st FLOOR, CONF RM 1401-1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Joseph Bowie (Vela); Robert Thornton-V Chair (Alter, R); Alex Ramirez (Kelly), Kyle Smith (Pool), Bobbi Joe Foster (Ellis) Bill Harris(Alter), Robert Butler(Watson), Robert Cooper(Fuentes), Ramon Perez(Velasquez) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: 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. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from June 27, 2023 DISCUSSION 2. Reclaim water use at Single Family Residential sites. 3. Water saving calculator appendix in the Uniform Plumbing Code 4. Appendix L in the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code DISCUSSION AND ACTION 5. Mechanical and Plumbing Board Elections FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information of the Mechanical and Plumbing Board, please contact Rick Arzola at 512-974-2417
BOARD MEETING August 22, 2022 Mechanical and Plumbing Board APPROVED MINUTES The Mechanical and Plumbing Board convened in a Regular Called Meeting on August 22, 2023. Meeting took place at the Permit Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive. Vice Chairman Thornton, called the Meeting to order at 9:37 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: William Harris, Robert Thornton, Kyle Smith, Joe Bowie, Robert Butler, Alex Ramirez, and Joe Cooper Absent members: Bobbi Jo Foster and Roman Perez Staff Members in Attendance: Chad Watson (DSD), Tony Hernandez (DSD) Charlie Ablanedo (DSD), Eric Reynolds (AWU), Kevin Kluge (AWU), Robert Stefani (AWU), Shwertha Pandurangi (AWU) and Katherine Jashinski (AWU). GENERAL CITIZEN COMMUNICATION- John Mata of IAPMO spoke on behalf of discussion item 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1.The minutes from the June 27th, 2023 meeting was approved as written. Board member Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes, board member Harris second the motion. Motion pass 6-0. Board member Foster and Perez were absent. Board member Ramirez entered after the minutes were approved. DISCUSSION ITMES 2. Reclaim Water use at Single Family Residential Sites. – Shwertha Pandurangi and Katherine Jashinski with Austin water provided a presentation on reclaimed water in Single Family (SF) residential buildings. Austin Water Utility (AWU) is currently developing a policy with guidance and implementation for steps on indoor uses on SF homes but requires coordination with Development Services (DSD) with ongoing education, outreach with the site development and along with the design and plumbing inspections as to what DSD will inspect up to. Currently reclaim water is being serviced by 182 commercial properties which include parks, grocery stores and the airport. There are additional 320 or more planned for reclaim water. Implemented in 2015, reclaim water are being used for Commercial and multifamily development, primarily being used for irrigation, cooling, toilet flushing and other significant uses. With SF lots, currently there would be no prohibition on using reclaimed water for irrigation but developing a plan and policy for indoor uses is still ongoing as concerns of public health and safety and the build-out as time goes forward. Possible year of having to access reclaim water lines for SF lots could be in 2070. 3. Water saving calculator appendix in UPC- Robert Stefani with Austin Water (AWU) notes that a water saving calculator is a pipe downsizing water allowance. Noted as appendix M, peak demand water calculator which allows the …
