6 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS JUNE 5, 2024 HR-2024-040291 BERNER-CLARK-MERCADO HOUSE 1807 EAST CESAR CHAVEZ STREET PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS DESIGN STANDARDS Stabilize porch structure by repairing deck, balcony rails, and porch posts. Paint over graffiti. The proposed porch repairs were completed without a permit. Balcony railings, porch supports, and decking have been replaced. Graffiti remediation and new paint are proposed. The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects at historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General standards Historic materials have been removed from the building; the extent of deterioration prior to removal is not clear. The replacement materials do not look the same as the removed historic materials. 6. Porches Deteriorated porch elements have been removed and replaced with inappropriate new materials. The repaired porch decking appears appropriately constructed. Summary The project mostly does not meet the applicable standards. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Postpone the public hearing to July 5, 2024 and invite the applicant to the next meeting of the Architectural Review Committee to discuss remediation options. LOCATION MAP 6 – 2
Project: 1807 Cesar Chavez Phase/Topic: Schematic Design Date: 08/10/2023 Color Test - Palettes in this Slide Deck s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Color Test #1 s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Color Test #2.1 s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Body: SW 0013 Majolica Green Accent 1 (Door): SW 0041 Dark Hunter Green Trim: SW 2829 Classical White Color Test #2.2 s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Body: SW 0013 Majolica Green Accent 1 (Door): SW 0041 Dark Hunter Green Trim: SW 2829 Classical White Columns / Fascia: SW 2848 Roycroft Pewter Color Test #3 s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Body: SW 0054 Twilight Gray Accent 1: SW 2863 Powder Blue Accent 2: SW 0032 Needlepoint Navy Trim: SW 7012 Creamy Color Test #4.1 s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Body: SW 0054 Twilight Gray Accent: SW 2802 Rookwood Red Trim: SW 7012 Creamy Color Test #4.2 s n o i t p O e t t e l a P r o l o C Body: SW 0054 Twilight Gray Accent: SW 2802 Rookwood Red Trim: SW 7012 Creamy Columns / Fascia: SW 2848 Roycroft Pewter
City of Austin Planning Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 www.austintexas.gov/planning January 24, 2024 EMERGENCE TR 4006AVEC LLC 1708 Willow St Austin TX 78702-4408 Re: Annual historic landmark inspection and partial ad valorem tax exemption Berner-Clark-Mercado House, 1807 E. Cesar Chavez Street, C14H-2000-0009 The Berner-Clark-Mercado House failed the annual historic landmark inspection due to the following conditions: Damaged porch deck, columns, trim; damaged foundation skirting; damaged fenestration; graffiti; work performed without historic review Please know that our goal is to work with you to preserve this significant historic property and bring it into compliance with program requirements. For the Historic Preservation Office to recommend a property as eligible for partial exemption from ad valorem taxes in 2024, we request that you address these deficiencies by February 24, 2024. If it is not possible to complete the necessary repairs within this timeframe, please provide a plan and timeline for the work to be performed, and we will work with you on a strategy for bringing the property into compliance. The Historic Landmark Commission will consider the inspection results at their March 6, 2024 meeting, in order to provide a recommendation to the Office of the Chief Appraiser by April 1 regarding which properties are eligible for the partial tax exemption. You may provide comments regarding the exemption for your property by attending the Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at City Hall Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street beginning at 6:00 PM, or by providing written comments in advance of the meeting. The requirements for the partial ad valorem tax exemption for historic landmarks are established in the City of Austin’s Code of Ordinances, Title 11, Chapter 11-1, Article 2. §11-1-24 calls for the City to inspect each landmark property and certify that it “is being preserved and maintained as required by historic landmark regulation.” The City of Austin’s partial ad valorem tax exemption is based on Texas Tax Code §11.24. In its 86th legislative session, the Texas Legislature added requirements for owner consent or five years’ notice of a repeal or reduction of a historic tax exemption if the property “otherwise qualifies for the exemption.” Because this property has not received adequate maintenance, it presently does not meet the requirements of the City of Austin program and thus does not qualify for the exemption. Historic Preservation Office staff inspect each landmark to ensure that the property is …
7 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS JUNE 5, 2024 HR-2024-051579 ROBERTSON/STUART & MAIR HISTORIC DISTRICT 1003 EAST 9TH STREET PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Demolish an existing carport. Partially demolish and construct an addition, replace roof and windows, and construct a rear accessory dwelling unit. 1) Demolish carport at rear of property. 2) Restore exterior walls and replace windows and roofing. 3) Partially demolish the existing building at the rear southeast corner. 4) Construct a new two-story addition. The proposed addition, located immediately above the existing ridgeline, is two stories in height, with an irregular roofline and undivided fenestration. 5) Construct a two-story flat-roofed breezeway with roof deck from the addition to the rear ADU. 6) Construct a new ADU at the rear of the property. The proposed building has a side-gabled roof and is clad in stucco. It has fixed corner windows and a spiral staircase. ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STANDARDS One-story Folk Victorian house with partial-width inset porch, jigsawn porch trim, and wing-and-gable plan. The Robertson/Stuart & Mair Design Standards are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: 1.2.1. Alterations to Contributing Buildings. This section of the design standards applies to historic features on exterior front walls, side walls within 15 feet of the front of the building, and roofs within 15 feet of the front of the building. It also applies to side walls and roofs if proposed alterations affect the property’s historic character. 1.2.1.1. Do not alter or remove historic features unless they are deteriorated beyond repair. The proposed project removes and replaces existing windows and doors. While the existing windows do not appear to be of historic age, the existing screen door and front door appear to be from the historic period. No documentation of deterioration was provided. 1.2.1.2. If replacing deteriorated historic features, match the original as close as possible. Proposed 2:2 window replacements appear appropriate, but the proposed new door does not appear to reflect the historic house’s style or era. 1.2.2. Specific Standards 1.2.2.1. Front exterior walls: Retain and repair the historic exterior materials on front walls, as well as side walls and roofs within 15 feet of the front of the building. If replacement of historic exterior wall materials is necessary, choose a material identical in dimensions, profile, reveal, and texture to the historic material, and install the new materials …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS JUNE 5, 2024 HR-2024-047998 ROBERTSON/STUART & MAIR HISTORIC DISTRICT 1107 EAST 10TH STREET X – 1 PROPOSAL Construct an accessory dwelling unit. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS The proposed ADU is three stories in height. It has compound gabled and shed roofs, and is oriented with the entrance and garage toward the rear alleyway. It is clad in horizontal fiber cement siding and has a metal roof, fixed undivided windows, and divided casement/sash windows arranged in an irregular pattern. DESIGN STANDARDS The Robertson/Stuart & Mair Design Standards are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: 1.4. New Construction New construction shall have the same street-front orientation and distance from adjacent buildings as the contributing buildings in the same block. The proposed ADU is oriented toward the alley and does not affect the primary street. Design new buildings so that they are compatible with and differentiated from historic buildings in the district. The proposed ADU appears appropriately differentiated. Design adjustments have been made to enhance compatibility. New construction should have floor-to-floor heights and roof heights that are the same or similar to those on contributing buildings throughout the district. The proposed ADU’s floor-to-floor heights appear consistent with the main house. The roof height is taller; however, the site topography appears to reduce its visibility from the street. Select materials for new construction that are the same as or similar to those found on contributing buildings existing in the district. The applicant has amended the design to enhance material compatibility. Summary The project meets most of the applicable standards. The applicant has amended the design in response to Committee feedback. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Robertson/Stuart & Mair Historic District. COMMITTEE FEEDBACK Simplify rooflines at secondary elevation if possible. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Concur with Committee feedback. Approve the application. LOCATION MAP X – 2
9 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS JUNE 5, 2024 HR-2024-053560 SMOOT-TERRACE PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT 703 OAKLAND AVENUE PROPOSAL Construct a rear addition. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Demolish an existing lean-to addition at the rear of the house. 2) Construct a glass breezeway between the rear of the historic building and the new addition. 3) Construct a two-story rear addition. The proposed addition is three stories in height, with two habitable floors above the ground-floor garage. It is clad in horizontal siding to match the existing house and has 2:2 and undivided casement windows. A spiral staircase at the south elevation provides access to the upper floor. 4) Construct a roof deck and sleeping porch at the top floor of the new addition. ARCHITECTURE The existing house is a two-and-a-half-story duplex with a side-gabled roof and 1:1 screened windows. It is clad in horizontal teardrop siding. DESIGN STANDARDS The Smoot-Terrace Park Design Standards are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Additions to Contributing Buildings 1. New additions should be compatible with the historic building by reflecting the scale, massing, and/or materials of the historic building, but differentiated enough so that they are not confused as historic or original to the building. Though the proposed addition is large in scale, its size, massing, and materials reflect the historic building, and its perpendicular orientation differentiates it from the original house. 2. If designing an addition in a contemporary style, reflect the scale, massing, and/or materials of the historic building; if designing an addition in a style that reflects the style of the historic building, differentiate the scale, massing, and/or materials, at least slightly. See 1. 3. Design new additions that are subordinate to and do not overpower the historic building. The proposed addition is subordinate to the historic building, except for the spiral staircase. However, though it dominates the secondary elevation, the staircase is not visible from the main streetscape. 4. Construct additions that avoid the removal or obstruction of any historic exterior features on the front of the building or the sides within 15 feet of the front. The proposed addition is compatible. 8. Modern materials such as fiber-cement siding are appropriate for additions, provided that the overall design is compatible with the historic building. The proposed materials are compatible. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. …
9" HACKBERRY 506.0' 506' 507' 25" ELM 9" HACKBERRY TO BE REMOVED COVERED BALCONY 18" ELM LOW PT @ GRADE = 507.0' " 0 - ' 0 4 16" CHINABERRY GARAGE FLOOR ELEV = 505.7' 507.3' MINI REF W/D W/D U P ADDITION AVERAGE ELEVATION @ GRADE = 509.05 MAX ALLOWABLE BUILDING HT = 541.05' 508' " 0 509' - ' 0 4 I 1 N O T R O P ' . 0 1 1 5 = V E L E 510' 511.0' 511' 512' 513' " 7 - ' 5 2 514' TWO STORY HOUSE FF ELEV = 515.2' 509' 509.4' P U 25" BUR OAK 510' COVERED PORCH HIGH PT @ GRADE = 511.1' 17" HACKBERRY EXISTING CONCRETE DRIVEWAY EXISTING CONCRETE WALKWAY EXISTING SIDEWALK AREA CALCULATIONS (4/15/24) SITE = 6878 GARAGE ADDITION = 637 EXISTING HOUSE - FIRST = 708 ADDITION - FIRST = 637 EXISTING HOUSE - SECOND = 708 ADDITION - SECOND = 637 ROOF DECK = 320 BALCONIES = 340 PORCH = 74 DRIVEWAY = 683 WALKWAY = 0 TOTAL CONDITIONED SF = 2690 I.C. = 25% 507.8' 508' 19" ELM 507' 507.1' 507' 508' 511' 512' 1 Site Plan SCALE: 1" = 10' l x e p u D e l t r E . e v A d n a k a O 3 0 7 l 3 0 7 8 7 s a x e T , n i t s u A 4/26/24 4/16/24 2/28/24 CD DD SD MARK DATE PHASE PROJECT NO: MODEL FILE: DRAWN BY: CHK'D BY: COPYRIGHT SHEET TITLE Site Plan & Gen Notes A1.0 SHEET 4 OF __ n p l . l l \ e d o M g d B E L T R E E L T R E E D O B A N A N \ \ l a n o s r e P l h e M \ s t n e m u c o D \ k c n i \ s r e s U \ : C 1 A5.0 1 A5.0 PORTION OF WALL AND WINDOW TO BE REMOVED (EXISTING OVERSIZE HEADER IN WALL REMAINS) 5'-10" 5'-2" F P U N D 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 2 Demo Plan - First Floor SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0" PORTION OF WALL AND WINDOW TO BE REMOVED (EXISTING …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION FOR WOMEN June 5, 2024 AT 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Angela Harris CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 1, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update on the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception. Approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group, define the scope and approve membership. Election of primary and backup representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Approve Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable childcare in the greater Austin area. Discussion on screening the documentary film An Army of Women and approve the creation of a Working Group to plan and put on the screening event. Update from the Working Group on the Quality of Life Study regarding progress on the 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Quality of Life Study. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION FOR WOMEN June 5, 2024 AT 12:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Angela Harris Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas REVISED AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 Commission for Women regular meeting on May 1, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update on the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception. Approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group, define the scope and approve membership. Election of primary and backup representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Approve Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable childcare in the greater Austin area. Discussion on screening the documentary film An Army of Women and approve the creation of a Working Group to plan and put on the screening event. Update from the Working Group on the Quality of Life Study regarding progress on the 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Quality of Life Study. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela …
RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number [_____]: Affordable Child Care WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, for decades, families in Austin and Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and afterschool and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County, and one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Austin and Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic; and WHEREAS, a local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 1, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room-1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Chair Melendez called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:14 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diana Melendez, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard Julie Glasser Pam Rattan Maria Veloz Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on April 3, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 4/3/2024 were approved on Commissioner Bullard’s motion and seconded by Vice Chair Tau on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Glasser was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 1, 2024 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation on the Office of the Community Liaison by the Austin Police Department. Presentation was given by Karen Hemby, Administrative Specialist, Office of the Community Liaison at the Austin Police Department. 3. Presentation on the resources and needs designated for women by David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer at Austin Public Health. Presentation was given by David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, Homeless Strategy Office. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to approve Commissioner Tau as Chair was made by Commissioner Bullard, Commissioner Melendez seconded, approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Bullard as Vice Chair was made by Commissioner Tau, Commissioner Melendez seconded, approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Melendez adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. without objection. 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will 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 Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (737) 230-3786, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, 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). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8 – Frida Guo, Financial Manager II, Austin Water Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on bird-friendly design and building solutions from Travis Audubon – Heidi Trudell, requested by Commissioner Bristol PUBLIC HEARINGS Name: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2, SP-2023-0401C Applicant: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Location: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas Council District: District 1 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is to A) vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet and B) vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Name: Stassney Park, SPC-2023-0110C Applicant: Nick Brown / Kimley-Horn Location: …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera, and David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 5, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on May 5, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Update on the 2023 State of the Environment Report and 2023 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, and Anupa Gharpurey, Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Liz Johnston Anupa Gharpurey Jorge Morales Kaela Champlin Ramesh Swaminathan 1 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 6:27. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 6:37. Item conducted as posted. No action was taken. Name: 3 Men Movers, SP-2023-0294C Applicant: Hollis Scheffler – Westwood Professional Services Location: 9989 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB, Austin, TX 78744 Council District: District 1 Staff: Ryan Soutter, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-301 to allow driveway construction on slopes greater than 15%; b) LDC 25-8-302 to allow building and parking construction on slopes over 15%; c) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 12 feet; and d) LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Speakers: Ryan Soutter Justin Lange Liz Johnston Mike McDougal A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Einhorn’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. A motion to approve the requested variances with conditions passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Name: Sunfield PUD Amendment #1; Case No. C814-2014-0083.01 Applicant: Katherine P. Loayza, Jackson Walker L.L.P. Location: 1901 Turnersville Road Council District: District 5 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Applicant request: To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) …
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) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised Financial Policy No. 8 reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) will be identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, and the Environmental Board. These Boards and Commissions will review growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, obtain Board and Commission and citizen input, review consistency with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, review effect on growth within the DWPZ, and make recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water's five-year capital spending plan. This summer, AW representatives will be distributing a brief report to the Commissions on the CIP projects located in the DWPZ related to the financial policy. Attachments: CIP Subprojects Summary CIP Subprojects Supplemental Information and Map 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. Austin Water Infrastructure Management Financial Policy No. 8 Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary FY25-29 CIP Plan Development Each year, as part of the City of Austin Budget approval process, Austin Water submits a plan for the capital improvements program (CIP) spending for the upcoming five-year period. Austin Water’s FY25-29 CIP Plan includes projects located across the Austin metropolitan area, including the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). In compliance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8, the capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth related projects that are located in the DWPZ are presented below for consideration by City of Austin Boards and Commissions. …
June 5, 2024 Environmental 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, the Design Commission on April 22, 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 …
May 16, 2024 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 2, Suite 100 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Ryan Taylor Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Variance Case Information Austin, TX 78735 (512)-646-2237 ryan.taylor@kimley-horn.com 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Address or Location 10095 E US HWY-290 SVRD Environmental Reviewer Name David Michael Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name N/A Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Watershed Protection Ordinance Gilleland Creek ☐Urban ☐ Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 May 16, 2024 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment ☐ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone ☐ Yes ☐ No Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway 373’ Water and Wastewater service to be provided by City of Austin The variance request is as follows: Request 25-8-341 - to allow cut exceeding eight (8) feet on Lot 3 of this development. This lot proposes 62,889 square feet of cut over 8 feet with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Impervious cover Existing Existing Proposed Proposed Overall Lot 3 Overall Lot 3 square footage: ____0____ _0____ 1,525,471 682,585 acreage: percentage: ____0____ __0____ 35.02 15.67 ____0____ __0____ 54.7 72.3 Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) The overall 290 Parmer Industrial development is a 64.04 Acre industrial warehouse development located at 10095 E US 290 SVRD EB, Austin, Texas 78653. The 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 site is Lot 3 (21.67 acres) of this development. The existing site is currently undeveloped. Elevation on the site varies from 583 at the Southwest corner down to 511 at the Northeast corner. The existing site has small trees and vegetation, particularly in the Critical Water Quality Zone; but does not include any heritage trees. Approximately 7.80 Acres of the property is in a Critical Water Quality zone and 3.47 Acres of the property is in the 100-year floodplain. City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 May 16, 2024 Clearly indicate in what way the proposed project does not comply with current Code (include maps and exhibits) FINDINGS OF FACT The proposed site …
