APD’s Response to SB4 April 23, 2024 SB 4 Summary Creates 3 new offenses: Illegal Entry from Foreign Nation Illegal Reentry Refusal to Comply with Order to Return to Foreign Nation Safe Harbors Public, private, primary or secondary school Church, synagogue or other established place of worship Healthcare facility SAFE-ready facility Summary continued… Not in effect at this time No current or anticipated changes to APD’s internal policies APD’s Existing Policy General Order 330 Overview Interactions with Foreign Nationals APD will not consider race, color, religion, language or national origin when deciding whether to inquire into status APD will not inquire into status of a person who is a victim or witness to a crime, except under special circumstances All inquiries are documented and include the officer’s reason for asking, including in follow up investigations Overview continued… APD must inform detainee or arrestee that they are not compelled to respond to the inquiry and will not be subjected to additional action if they do not respond APD must comply with orders and requests for assistance from ICE and federal officials. This includes notification to an APD supervisor and confirmation of validity of detainer APD’s Response to the Community on SB4 Statements to the public regarding updates on status of SB4 Explanation to public that APD is unlikely to have probable cause to make warrantless arrests under SB4 Encouragement to victims and witnesses of crime to continue reporting to APD APD’s Response to the Community on SB4 Commitment to monitor ongoing litigation and keep community informed Continued engagement with immigrant communities while maintaining awareness of and sensitivity to SB4’s impact Questions…
From: Paul Robbins Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11:30 AM To: Rivera, Andrew <Andrew.Rivera@aus�ntexas.gov> Subject: The Home Ordinance and Floods You don't often get email from paul_robbins@greenbuilder.com. Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Members of the Planning Commission: I am alarmed at flooding that might occur because of the proposed HOME ordinance. If I understand the ordinance correctly, it will affect impervious cover in 2 ways. First, it will encourage increased buildout and impervious cover on existing lots. Second, it will allow increased impervious cover on small lots. Austin is in "flash-flood alley." Torrential rains that sometimes fall here endanger about 24,000 Austin properties in flood plains. Increasing impervious cover will only enlarge these flood plains. HOME will also create more lot-to-lot flooding caused by new buildings on lots with poor drainage. I personally know people in Austin whose homes have been flooded because of drainage uphill from them. You cannot argue with a flood. Ignoring this danger for the sake of increased density will trade one problem for another. Sincerely, Paul Robbins 7405 Callbram LN Austin, TX 78736
Name of Speaker (Required) Ron Thrower Adam Greenfield Tom Ashley Jewels Cain Robin Rather Christopher Page Christopher Page Sterling King Rita Thompso Peter Breton Jason John Paul Haskins Michael Waddell Chris Gannon Iliana Medrano Eric Paulus Nyeka Arnold Lauren Ross Celine Rendon Carmen Llanes Karen Wolffe Sarah Herzer Sol Praxis Scott Turner Miranda Best Campos Susana Almanza Valerita Menard Pedro E Hernandez, Jr Adrian Macias Cassandra Sodergren Alexia Leclercq Carlos Pinon Marian Sanchez Tai Hovanky Cedar Stevens Eric Pace Linda Cangelosi Ana Romero Irene Pickhardt Shane Johnson Antonia Romero Barbara McArthur Iliana Medrano Richard Heyman Janis Reinken Carolyn Croom Jessica Braun Julie Woods Bethany Carson Noé Elias Monica Guzmán Misael Ramos Michael Waddell Felix De Portu Yasmine Smith Zach Faddis Ki Gray Cyrus Tehrani Brad Massingill Sharad Mudhol Brita Wallace Elle Allen Cody Carr Matthew Atkinson Traci Kelley Jenny Grayson Pamela Bell Montana McNaughton Sara Smith Homer Parsegian Bill McCamley Blair McKay Lauren Hartnett
April 23, 2024 Via Electronic Submittal Re: Amended zoning request for rezoning application C14-2024-0024 Dear Mrs. Hadri: As representatives of the developer of the property, we respectfully propose to amend the zoning conditional overlay request for application C14-2024-0024 to add the following uses as prohibited. This request is in addition to the originally requested conditional overlay of limiting the maximum height to 60’. If you have any questions regarding this request or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Very truly yours, Mrs. Cynthia Hadri City of Austin Planning Department 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 ● Bail Bond services ● Pawn Shop ● Liquor Sales ● Cocktail Lounge ● Outdoor Entertainment Amanda Couch Brown 214-695-9219 | AMANDA.BROWN@HDBROWNCONSULTING.COM | HDBROWNCONSULTING.COM
Amendment Item (HOME Phase Commissione Reference Pg #/Section Proposed Amendment No. 2, Compatibility, r Proposing Document # of EV Charging, OR Amendment document ETOD Overlay) HOME Phase 2 Barrera- Ramirez General Recommendat Low- & Middle-Income Homeowner Access to Financing Opportunities: Provide creative financing opportunities, ion like forgivable loans, for low- and middle- income Proposed Text Change, IF Text Change Included in Amendment (YES/NO) necessary (Underline added text/Strikethrough deleted text) References and Notes (if needed) HOME Phase 3 Barrera- Ramirez General Recommendat ion HOME Phase 4 Barrera- Ramirez General Recommendat Preservation of Homeownership for Low-Income Homeowners: Adopt strategies and fund programs to ion provide options for homeowners at risk of displacement homeowners who would like to build units on their lots as long as rented units are income-restricted at 50% MFI or below and accepts Section 8 vouchers, and units for ownership are 60% MFI or below. Make ADUs more accessible: Allow manufactured housing to be permissible as an ADU provided it meets standards for safety and climate resistance to make ADU’s accessible for low- and middle-income residents in our neighborhoods and seek opportunities to streamline permitting and provide permitting assistance income restricted at 80% MFI or below. due to property tax increases. Identify funding sources to compensate homeowners to participate in Community Land Trusts run by outside nonprofits. Offer tax abatement for homeowners at or below 50% MFI.
Amendment Item (HOME Phase 2, Compatibility, EV Commissioner Reference Pg #/Section # of Proposed Amendment Proposed Text Change, IF necessary Text Change References and Notes (if No. Charging, OR ETOD Overlay) Proposing Document document (Underline added text/Strikethrough deleted Included in needed) Amendment text) Amendment (YES/NO) 1 HOME 3 HOME Johnson HOME Pg. 4, Line 81 Reduce minimum lot size to 1,500 square Strike "2,000" and replace with "1,500" Yes Ordinance Draft feet. Johnson HOME General This is not a change to current code, but a Add a reference directing users to 25-2- No Ordinance Draft reccomendation clarification that the permitted 513 as needed, to clarify that the existing 2 HOME Johnson HOME Pg. 4, Line 96 Reduce front setback to 10 feet. Strike "15" and replace with "10" Yes encroachment pursuant to current code 5-foot front porch encroachment Sec. 25-2-513 applies to the revised small- allowance will apply to small lot single lot single family residential use. A porch family residential. that is open on at least three sides may encroach up to five feet into a required front or side street yard. v2 v2 Ordinance Draft v2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Committee Recommendation Number: (20240423-005) Resolution of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Budget for Increase Funding for Community Navigators in the Economic Development Department’s Arts Funding Programs. Background: Every year The Economic Development Department (EDD) creates grant opportunities for local artists. Those opportunities are: Nexus, Live Music Fund, Elevate, Thrive and Creative Spaces Assistance Program. The current grant that’s open is Nexus which provides up to $5,000 to new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses to produce creative public projects. EDD has eleven navigators that assist with translation, support and anything that’s needed for communities interested in applying to successfully submit their grant applications. Timeline: ● NEXUS applications opened on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 ● Applications close on May 14th, 2024 (3 weeks from now) ● 28-day application window 2024 Community Navigators / Community Amplifiers 1. Austin Revitalization Authority (ARA) 2. Art Spark Texas 3. Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas 4. Almost Real Things (ART) 5. Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) 6. Health Alliance For Austin Musicians (HAAM) 7. Mission Capital 8. On The Money Finance LLC 9. Greater Austin Performing Arts Center, Inc. dba The Long Center for Performing Arts 10. Visual Matters Consulting 11. The Volt Studios Feedback from the community provided to the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Arts and Culture Workgroup: 1. There are Spanish speaking groups that have been looking forward to applying and to date, only one out of the eleven Community Navigators (Almost Real Things) in the list above has publicly marketed any assistance or resources in Spanish relating to NEXUS or any other cultural arts funding program from the city. 2. None of the eleven community navigators have a documented history of working with Spanish-language / immigrant artists or cultural organizations. 3. There are only two upcoming info sessions that are in Spanish: a. ART General Info Session in Spanish May 4th, 2024 @ 2:30-4PM b. A general info session for anyone interested in the NEXUS program hosted by community navigator Almost Real Things. c. NOTE: This workshop is being offered so late in the process, that Spanish-language artists interested in applying only have 10 days to complete their applications. d. City of Austin Application Assistance April 29th & May 6th @ 5-8PM e. City of Austin will make Spanish-language interpreters available on …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The HISPANIC LATINO QUAITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION convened a REGULAR meeting on TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. CST, in CITY OF AUSTIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 – CITY HALL (301 W. 2ND STREET; AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Daniela Silva Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ivanna Neri (Co-Chair) Kevin Jackson Dulce Castaneda Leonor Vargas Lysette Galvan Commissioners Absent: Vanessa Maldonado Jesus Perales 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 COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER DANIELA SILVA’s motion, COMMISSIONER DULCE CASTAÑEDA’s second on a 6-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Jesus Perales). 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Lila Valencia, City of Austin Demographer, Presenting to Commission on 2024 City of Austin Demographics Updates and Impacts of. Postponed. Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator – APD; Fausto Rodriguez, Lieutenant – APD; Sadot Azzua – Public Information Specialist, SR. – APD. Presenting to Commission on City of Austin Procedures and Policies for Senate Bill 4. Lt. Rodriguez shares that City legal believes there is a little possibility that SB4 will pass, but there is communication ready to explain. APD is here because community is important to APD. We do not see there will be [SB4] encounters in Austin, Texas. Safe harbors are in place if needed. Sadot shares that APD maintains a relationship with Mexican consulate via “Coffee with Cop” session. Sador also shares that the City provides information in the identified 10 languages; Further, Stephanie Gonzales shares that there is an immigrant services network of Austin – victim services and Equity/Inclusion coordinator meets with them monthly to share what resources are available through longer conversations. Follow up question, COMMISISONER IVANNA NERI what if there is a group of community members that would like to get access to a workshop? Answer, APD can give you information about workshops, but APD is not hosting them. COMMISSIONER DULCE CASTAÑEDA thanks APD for the briefing and explains reason for requesting briefing. Follow …
PLANNING COMMISSION April 23, 2024 MINUTES The Planning Commission convened in a meeting on April 23, 2024, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas and via videoconference @ http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live Chair Hempel called the Commission Meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Greg Anderson- Secretary Awais Azhar -Vice-Chair Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Grayson Cox Adam Haynes Claire Hempel - Chair Patrick Howard Felicity Maxwell Jennifer Mushtaler Alberta Phillips Danielle Skidmore Alice Woods Jessica Cohen – Ex-Officio Absent Candice Hunter - Ex-Officio Richard Mendoza – Ex-Officio Jesús Garza– Ex-Officio PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first four (4) speakers signed up prior to the closure of speaker registration 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 March 12, 2024 and April 9, 2024. PUBLIC HEARING 2. LDC Amendments Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Land Development Code Amendments: Citywide Compatibility, Electric Vehicle Charging and HOME Phase 2 Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) that would: revise height, building placement, and other related regulations that apply to property and are in addition to the base zoning regulations (also known as Compatibility Standards); create regulations that allow properties to be used for charging electric vehicles and revise regulations that apply to lots with one housing unit and regulations that apply to flag lots. Recommended Citywide Compatibility - Johnathan Lee 512-974-7232; Electric Vehicle Charging - Eric Thomas, 512-974-7940; HOME Phase 2 - Laura Keating 512- 978-1584. Public hearings closed. Motion by Vice-Chair Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell to grant staff’s recommendation, as amended, to revise height, building placement, and other related regulations that apply to property and are in addition to the base zoning regulations (also known as Compatibility Standards) was approved on a vote of 10-3. Commissioners Cox, Phillips and Mushtaler abstained. Motion by Vice-Chair Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell to grant staff’s recommendation, as amended, to create regulations that allow properties to be used for charging electric vehicles was approved on a vote of 13-0. Motion by Vice-Chair Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to revise regulations that apply to lots with one housing unit, flag lots, and small lots (also known as HOME Phase 2) was approved on a vote of 8-1. Commissioner Haynes voting nay. Commissioners Cox, Mushtaler and Phillips off the dais …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD APRIL 22, 2024 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/7CGe6ax037 or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) VACANT (D-6) Julie Hayes (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (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 Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 27, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Human Resources Team for their successful recruiting and hiring practices, use of new technology, administration of summer bonuses, and nationally recognized safety training program. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): Daniel Paciocco, Human Resources Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement events, planning updates, development updates, maintenance updates, program updates and administrative updates. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Kimberly McNeeley, Parks and Recreation Director. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on March 27, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin, Julie Hayes, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Stephanie Bazan. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joe Kendall - Texas River School Aubrea Rudder - Austin Rowing Club Joe Riddell - Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Concerns Joel Manzo - Youth Baseball Advocate Jason Williams - Youth Baseball Advocate, Northwest Park Justin Graber - Youth Baseball Advocate, Garrison Park Horacio Garcia - Youth Baseball Advocate Rob Bluestein - Youth Baseball Advocate Sharon Blythe - Parkland used for infrastructure projects APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of February 26, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 26, 2024 was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Chair Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Member Bazan absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Report of recommendations by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Working Group. Vice Chair Flowers addressed the Board regarding discussions of the working group, the needs of Austin’s Park system, and how to realistically have the most impact. No action was taken on this item. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The motion to approve the recommendation as posted in backup was made by Board Member Becker and seconded by Board Member Merritt. The motion to amend the recommendation to include funding for three full-time employee positions to implement PARD’s Land Management Plan was made by Board Member Reed and seconded by Chair Villalobos. Board Members discussed this amendment. Board Member Reed withdrew the motion. The motion to amend the recommendation to add Section 4 to read “The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address funding for fourteen additional full-time employees for the PARD Ground Maintenance Team in order to align with …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD | APRIL 22, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process 26 working group members 1,100 working group hours 300+ people involved Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners and …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, April 22, 2024 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 AGENDA Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant 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 DISCUSSION ITEM 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission meeting on March 25, 2024. 2. Welcome the new Commissioners and allow introductions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation related to transgender and sexual identity protections. 4. Conduct office elections for the Chair and Vice Chair for the term ending in April 2025. 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 email Damian Pantoja at damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024, 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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, call or email Nicole Corona, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chi Lee Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on March 25, 2024. Presentation by Lily Rerecich and Heidi Trudell, Travis Audubon Society, regarding bird-safe buildings. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council the Sound Assessment and Disclosure Requirements Proposal. Presented by Brian Block, Development Services Department. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Mexic-Arte Museum Renovation, located at 419 Congress Avenue, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Matt Catterall, Levy Dykema. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Select a representative to serve on the Downtown Commission per City Code § 2-1-140. 5. 6. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. 8. 9. Update from the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group regarding the meeting on April 12, 2024. Update from the representative of the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding the meeting on March 27, 2024. Update from the representative of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board regarding the meetings on April 1, 2024, and April 15, 2024. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: City Code requires two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed …
April 22, 2024 Design Commission The Travis Audubon Society requested this report on bird safe buildings for presentation to the City of Austin and general dissemination within the Central Texas community. It was submitted to the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board on March 18, 2024, and was prepared by Heidi Trudell, a bird collision prevention researcher and consultant, who in March 2024 was hired as a technical advisor by Guardian Glass. Passing directly over Austin, North America’s Central Flyway serves as the primary migration corridor1 during spring and fall for hundreds of species of birds. Due to this geographic funneling, Texas is home to three of the top ten most deadly cities for birds2 (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio), making it especially critical to proactively preserve biodiversity. Travis County alone has documented 4273 species of birds, which is more than fourteen states4 have recorded. With bird populations in steep decline,5 and an estimated 621 million to 2 billion6 birds dying at windows in the US annually, it is critical now more than ever that municipal leaders, especially in ecologically significant areas like Austin, step forward to reverse the trend. Initial steps have already been taken; Austin’s dedication to bird conservation has already been established by committing to meet the standards of a Bird City.7 This includes a pledge to reduce nonessential lighting during migration8 that comes as part of a statewide initiative9 to address the detrimental impact that artificial light at night has on migrating birds. As Austinites are well aware, however, it’s not just birds that need dark skies to thrive; even outside of bird migration, bats are especially sensitive to lighting.10 1allaboutbirds.org/news/heres-how-to-use-the-new-migration-forecast-tools-from-birdcast/# 2news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/04/chicago-tops-list-most-dangerous-cities-migrating-birds 3ebird.org/region/US-TX-453?yr=all 4ebird.org/region/US/regions 53billionbirds.org 6meridian.allenpress.com/wjo/article-abstract/125/2/406/129654/Evaluating-the-Effectiveness-of-Select-Visual/ 7austintexas.gov/news/austin-now-designated-bird-city-working-protect-habitats-and-promote-bird-friendly-practices 8traviscountytx.gov/news/2021/2113-lights-out-for-migrating-birds 9tx.audubon.org/urbanconservation/lights-out-texas 10batcon.org/new-paper-suggests-light-pollution-limits-bat-habitat/ The next step is to address the built environment directly. Glass is a dynamic material; it can reflect habitat or be entirely transparent. As a result, birds are unable to see glass11 unless it is modified. Poorly designed buildings dramatically increase the risk of collision. One way to significantly improve the odds of survival for birds living in or migrating through Central Texas is to ensure that buildings meet bird safe standards.12 Every building that is made bird safe - as new construction or a retrofit - will save dozens to hundreds of birds13 per building, per year. Best practices in bird safe building standards align with Austin’s values14 of being a biodiverse, ecologically resilient community. The US …
Sound Assessment & Disclosure Requirements Proposal Presentation to City of Austin Design Commission April 22, 2024 Background • Council approved Resolution No. 20181018- 038 directing the City Manager to propose programs, rules, and ordinances necessary to improve compatibility between residents, lodging establishments, and music-related businesses. • The resolution was part of Council efforts to support music, arts and culture. Purpose • Policy related to residential development responsibility is still outstanding. • In addition to the sound ordinance and enforcement, the sound management system should also anticipate and address quality of life issues for residences in proximity to nightlife and entertainment establishments and districts. Ensure Accurate Expectations Policy Goals • Improve compatibility between entertainment uses with amplified sound and residential and hotel uses. • Anticipate, plan for, and minimize common conflicts between residential and hotel uses and entertainment-related amplified sound. • Ensure residential and hotel development projects understand the sound levels in the area so they can design and construct the building considering the sound impact from nearby code-compliant entertainment uses. • Provide residential development projects and new residents with accurate expectations about the level of sound that will be present in the environment, and the information they need to make informed decisions. Approach A commonsense solution that is not prescriptive and focuses on education and awareness Sound Assessment & Disclosure Requires residential and hotel developments near Outdoor Music Venues and Performance Venues to: • conduct a sound assessment • disclose to future residents when they sell or lease units about the presence of nearby venues, and that a sound assessment was conducted Description and Intent • Does NOT mandate building standards. • Requires residential developers to: Promotes Education and Informed Decisions 1. document that they have studied the sound levels in the area they are building. • This includes assessing the impact of legally compliant sound from nearby music and nightlife establishments. 2. disclose to future residents the presence of nearby music and nightlife establishments, and that a sound assessment has been conducted. Description and Intent • Residents are encouraged to ask questions about sound mitigation efforts, make informed decisions Promotes Education and Informed Decisions • Does NOT require anything further from Outdoor Music Venue Permit Holders or Performance Venues. • Their sound level is already regulated with a fixed sound level standard that is appropriate for the context, is predictable and doesn’t change when new residential is built nearby. …
