ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2 Description: Amend the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program and City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to improve the functionality of the program. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution 20230720-129. On July 20, 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230720-129 that directed staff to make amendments to S.M.A.R.T. Housing. Staff with the Development Services Department initiated amendments related to Phase 1, which amended Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance. On February 1, 2024, City Council approved Ordinance No. 20240201-053 to adopt these amendments. Phase 2 directs staff to amend the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program to improve the functionality of the program. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: Amendments to § 25-1-703 (C)(2) will lower the eligible median family income (MFI) level for rental properties from 80 percent to 60 percent MFI. Amendments to this section will also allow for income averaging to achieve the required MFI for both rental and ownership. This will improve consistency and clarity across programs, and is responsive to recommendations recently made from a comprehensive density bonus study conducted by the Planning Department. Amendments to § 25-1-705 (D) will improve program administration and consistency across programs by requiring affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification. § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) will be removed in its entirety to eliminate a provision related to exceptions for certain units dedicated to a community land trust, which has been underutilized and is administratively infeasible. Additional provisions will be removed to eliminate outdated provisions or provisions which are inconsistent with the amendments listed above. Proposed Text Amendment(s): Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to read, or amend with comparable language: “ dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 80 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department. (a) If an applicant develops dwelling units for sale, reasonably-priced (b) If an applicant develops dwelling units for lease, reasonably-priced dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 60 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department.” Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to read, or amend with comparable language: “(D) Before the director may certify a proposed development, the applicant shall comply with § 4-18-25, Certification. The agreement required under § 4-18-25 (C)(1) may …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission April 16, 2025 — 4:00 pm Austin Water Headquarters Waller Creek Center 625 East 10th Street, Austin Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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, call or email the board liaison Heather Cooke at 512-972-0083 or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Amanda Marzullo (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Vacant (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Vice Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the February 19, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Improvements project Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. 3. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. 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 Heather Cooke at Austin Water, 512-972-0083 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on February 19, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:02 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Susan Turrieta, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Judy Musgrove (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Amanda Marzullo (remote), Alex Navarro, William Moriarty, Jesse Penn Commission Members Absent: Shwetha Pandurangi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no registered public speakers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 15, 2025, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent and Commissioner Marzullo off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the 2020 Bond Substandard Streets Ross Road North with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $29,650,594.00 plus a $2,965,059.40 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $32,615,653.40. Funding in the amount of $29,669,890.33 is available in the Capital Budget of the Transportation and Public Works Department and Funding in the amount of $2,945,763.07 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent and Commissioner Marzullo off the dais. 3. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Service Regulations) to authorize wastewater billing methodology for customers with onsite water reuse systems and customers with evaporative loss from cooling towers. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Recommended on Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ motion and Commissioner Moriarty’s second on a 9-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on proposed ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Service Regulations) to authorize an alternative wastewater billing methodology for customers with onsite water reuse systems and customers with evaporative loss from cooling towers. Supervising Engineer Katherine Jashinski provided a briefing and answered questions from Commissioners 5. Staff briefing on My ATX Water program implementation update. Assistant Director Randi Jenkins provided a briefing and answered questions from Commissioners COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force meeting regarding Water Forward Plan implementation – Commissioner William Moriarty provided an update 7. Update …
Item 2 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Davis Water Treatment Plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Improvements Project with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $2,882,682, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,382,682. Funding: $4,382,682 is available in the Austin Water Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. MBE / WBE: This contract was awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 7.95% MBE and 92.05% WBE. Prior Council Action: January 23, 2020 – Council approved a contract for engineering services with Harutunian Engineering, Inc., for the Davis WTP Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Improvements project. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The City utilizes surface water resources from impoundments of the Colorado River for its potable water supply. Austin Water operates three existing Water Treatment Plants, which are Ullrich, Davis, and Handcox. The Davis Plant has been in service since 1954 and has a rated treatment capacity of 118 million gallons per day (MGD). The Davis Water Treatment Plant’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition equipment and network infrastructure are essential to the operation of the facility. The existing equipment has exceeded its service life and is now obsolete, no longer supported by the manufacturers, and difficult to maintain. This equipment needs to be replaced and upgraded to maintain reliability. This amendment will provide construction phase engineering services including reviewing project submittals and construction documentation, developing control narratives, providing PLC and top-end programming, testing services and developing record drawings. AUTHORIZATION HISTORY Item 2 DATE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT $1,500,000.00 $2,882,682.00 $4,382,682.00 Total Contract Authorization 01/23/2020 03/27/2025 Proposed (Council) – Construction Phase Engineering Services (Council) – Preliminary and Design Engineering Services CONTRACT HISTORY AMOUNT DATE DESCRIPTION $115,708.88 $1,093,893.51 $80,525.08 $2,882,682.00 $4,172,809.47 Total Contract History 04/30/2020 Preliminary Engineering Services 09/29/2021 SA #1 – Design Engineering Services 03/18/2024 SA #2 – Additional Design Engineering Services Proposed SA #3 – Construction Phase Engineering Services City of Austin Council Meeting Backup Date: April 24, 2025 File ID: 25-0344 Page 1 of 1 Item 2 M/WBE Summary Participation goals stated in the original approved …
Item 3 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for VXSmart utility billing customer service portal for Austin Water with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc., for an initial term of two years and eight months with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000. Funding: $687,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. MBE/WBE: Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide software maintenance and support for VertexOne VXSmart utility billing customer service portal. The portal alerts customers when unusual water consumption occurs due to water leaks, high water usage, and also predicts future water bills based on current water usage. Austin Water (AW) relies on VXSmart to provide their utility customers with a portal that provides water usage alerts, notifications, historical water usage billing history, and emergency messaging. Since the installation of this system in 2020, AW has sent over 5.5 million messages which have been read by nearly 70 percent of its customers. These alerts have helped to reduce water waste by over 500 million gallons each calendar year in 2023 and 2024. Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc. d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software Inc. is the manufacturer and sole source contractor for VXSmart. AW is unable to procure this software as a service from any other supplier. This contract replaces an existing contract expiring on April 30, 2025. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these services. If this contract is not approved, AW will lose the ability to send water usage alerts and communications to utility customers.
Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Garden Villa Lane Water & Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $8,426,181 plus a $842,619 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $9,268,800. Funding: $5,440,931 is available in Austin Water’s Capital Budget and $3,827,870 is available in the Watershed Protection Department’s Capital Budget. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1025 for these services. The solicitation was issued December 9, 2024, and closed February 6, 2025. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm? sid=140140 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 7.17% MBE and 0.83% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Garden Villa Lane Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is a part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks, that are in poor condition, and impact service delivery. The program also coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. Additionally, through a partnership with the Watershed Protection Department (WPD), the project also includes the replacement of existing storm drainpipes to mitigate aging infrastructure and to reduce localized flooding risks. The Garden Villa Lane Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project consists of repairing and replacing existing water and wastewater mains located within Barton Skyway to Cardinal Lane, Garden Villa Court, and Cardinal Lane from 5th Street to Locke Lane. Water system renewal includes approximately 143 linear feet (LF) of 6-inch, 618 LF of 8-inch, and 2,446 LF of 12-inch main along with service lines to individual properties and associated appurtenances. Wastewater system renewal includes approximately 1,825 LF of 8- inch main …
Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for construction services for the Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project for Capital Delivery Services with Facilities Rehabilitation Inc., in the amount of $1,042,210 plus a $104,221 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,146,431. Funding: $1,146,431 is available in Austin Water Capital Budget. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1094 for these construction services. The solicitation was issued on November 14, 2024, and closed on January 23, 2025. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141943 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 99.33% MBE and 0.67% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks that impact service delivery, including wastewater lines in poor condition within the project area that need replacement. The Sinclair Avenue Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project consists of repairing and replacing existing water and wastewater mains located within Sinclair Ave between 42nd and 44th Streets. Water system renewal includes approximately 810 linear feet of 8-inch main along with service lines to individual properties within associated right of way. Wastewater system renewal includes approximately 895 linear feet of 8-inch main, manholes, and service lines to individual properties. Installation of approximately 150 linear feet of 18” storm drain and equipment is also included. Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Due to the potential for encountering unknown subsurface conditions, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. The project will …
Item 6 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: April 24, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding Undine, LLC’s proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for its customers located in the City’s corporate limits in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: November 8, 2012 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20121108-004 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by PK-RE Development Company, Inc. on a 7-0 vote. May 2, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240502-007 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC on an 11-0 vote. May 30, 2024 – Council set a public hearing to be held on July 18, 2024, to receive comment on the City’s recommendations regarding Undine LLC’s proposed water and wastewater rates. July 18, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240718-115, approved water requested rates and denied wastewater requested rate changes. January 30, 2025 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20250130-005 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Austin Water Chief Administrative Officer Heather Cooke, 512-972-0083 or Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Undine, LLC (Undine), an investor-owned utility with customers in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates to increase water and wastewater rates for its Greenshores customers. Of Undine’s affected 230 water customers and 177 wastewater customers, only a few are within Austin’s corporate limits. The remaining customers’ rates fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Under Texas Water Code Chapter 13, Council is the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits served by non-City utilities. The Council has authority to determine whether the rates, as they affect City residents, are just and reasonable and, that in all other respects, meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings and requires the determination to be made in a public hearing. As also required by …
Item 7 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 ..Title Posting Language Recommend approval to authorize a contract for 2025 Facilities - Emergency and Lift Station – IDIQ for Austin Water with Rangeline Utility Services, LLC, in the amount of $7,000,000 for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $21,000,000. Funding: $7,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1080 for these services. The solicitation was issued on January 6, 2025, and closed on February 13, 2025. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm? sid=141594 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 5.37% MBE and 2.52% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: A previous contract was developed to support facility needs such as emergency response services as well as non-emergency improvements for components of the Austin Water system. That contract was approved by Council in 2014 and has been completed and fully expended. This project is the fourth sequence of contracts to deliver Emergency and Lift Station Services and this contract will be used by Austin Water Facility Engineering to address facility emergencies and maintain lift stations. Item 7 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 The work includes but is not limited to emergency on-call response, operations support, and the rehabilitation of existing facilities. The contractor will provide on-call or emergency response services to repair/replace components of the system due to maintenance, failure, etc. This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract which provides for an indefinite quantity of services for a fixed time, usually an initial term with extension options. They are commonly used when precise quantities of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, cannot be determined. IDIQ contracts help streamline the contract process and service delivery and …
Item 8 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $45,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for Austin Water’s Polybutylene Pipe Replacement project (also known as the “Municipal Conservation Project”). Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $45,000,000 for Austin Water’s polybutylene pipe replacement project. Austin Water's waterline services replacement program was established to systematically replace water service lines—the small-diameter lines that connect water mains to customer meters—aimed at reducing water loss throughout Austin's distribution system. Polybutylene pipes tend to fail at a disproportionately high rate compared to other materials, such as copper and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This initiative is part of Austin Water’s conservation strategy, which seeks to minimize water loss through the replacement of outdated service lines. Since 2001, Austin Water has been proactively replacing polybutylene and polyethylene services in areas of high static pressure using both internal forces and contractor resources. Under a current amended contract that Council approved on March 27, 2025, Austin Water is replacing approximately 2,200 polybutylene and polyethylene water services with pressures exceeding 105 pounds per square inch in 62 subdivisions across Austin. Construction on this current phase of replacements is currently ongoing and is projected to be completed in Fall 2025. This proposed loan from the Texas Water Development Board will be used to fund an additional phase, to replace another 10,000 polybutylene service lines. The design contract for this next phase will be brought to Council for consideration in Winter 2025.
Item 9 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $10,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for Austin Water’s Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main project (also known as the “Direct Reuse Strategy Project”). Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $10,000,000 for Austin Water’s Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main project. It was initially submitted to the Texas Water Development Board as a “Direct Reuse Strategy”. The Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main project aims to increase the use of reclaimed water and decrease the demand for potable water. It will accomplish this by installing 4,500 linear feet of 24-inch reclaimed water main to expand the reclaimed water distribution system in the Travis Heights neighborhood, specifically along Fairmount Avenue, Alameda Drive, East Side Drive, and Monroe Street. This project will enhance the centralized direct non-potable reuse service area and increase the number of reclaimed water users in Austin. The Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main Project is part of a series of initiatives designed to provide more reliable service to reclaimed water customers. Currently, Austin Water's Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main Project is in the design phase. Once completed, it will deliver reclaimed water to customers for various non-potable uses, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial applications. Austin Water anticipates bringing the related construction contract to Council for award in Winter 2025. This project will be located in Council District 9. Item: 9 ALAMEDADRSCONGRESSAVEROSEDALE TERHILLSIDEAVENICKERSONSTBROOKLYN STMUSIC LNMARIPOSADRCOLLEGE AVEMELISSA LNEVA DRACADEMYDRWOODLANDAVETRAVISHEIGHTSBLVDBRACKENRIDGESTEMONROESTLOCKHARTDRFAIRMOUNTAVEEANNIESTWJAMESSTALTAVISTAAVETHECIRCLECROCKETT STNEWTONSTMILAMPLLELANDSTDRAKEAVEEVASTWMARYSTEGIBSONSTWANNIESTEMILTONSTWMONROESTWGIBSONSTWJOHANNASTWMILTONSTRAVINEDRSUNSETLNPECANGROVERDNEWNINGAVEEASTSIDEDREMARYSTTERRACEDRPARKLNSUNNYLNBICKLERRDProject Location: 5267.075 - Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main02905808701,160145Feet¯ReclaimedWater:Approx.4,500LFProject Limits§¨¦35§¨¦35¬«1¬«1
Item 10 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 16, 2025 Council: May 8, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $65,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) program, for Austin Water’s Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Wall project. Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $65,000,000 for Austin Water’s Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Wall project. The proposed floodwall would be to prevent encroachment of flood waters at Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The flood wall would consist of approximately 5,650 linear feet of sheet pile and 1,600 linear feet of concrete wall, totaling 7,250 linear feet, ranging in height from three feet to ten feet in height. The floodwall also includes seven flood gates to allow pedestrian and vehicular ingress and egress into the plant site. The floodwall will encompass the Walnut Creek WWTP, approximately 63 acres, including the existing 75 million gallon per day (MGD) plant, existing administration and maintenance buildings, existing reclaimed facilities, the proposed 25 MGD plant and proposed wet weather facility. The Walnut Creek WWTP is one of the two major wastewater treatment plants in the City of Austin. The plant is in East Austin, was built in various stages dating back to 1977 and has undergone several expansions. The plant is currently permitted for 75 million gallons per day (MGD) (average daily flow) and a plant expansion is currently underway to increase the capacity to 100 MGD with plans to increase the capacity to 150 MGD as the ultimate plant capacity. The Walnut Creek WWTP service area includes three sewersheds defined as follows: Walnut and Little Walnut; Crosstown tunnel; and Johnny Morris. These three sewersheds effectively cover the COA from immediately north of the Colorado River to the northern limits of the COA and easterly to the plant location. The treatment of wastewater flow from these sewersheds is totally dependent upon the operation of the Walnut Creek WWTP. The plant is …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday April 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown 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 register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Vice Chair Peter Breton Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher 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 Downtown Commission regular called meeting on March 19, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Charles Loosen, Community Engagement Consultant, Austin Public Health and David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, Homeless Strategy Office, regarding an update on the work of the Homeless Strategy Office in the downtown Austin area. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on proposed amendments to the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO), which includes height allowances, uses, affordability requirements, district boundaries, parking standards, and design criteria. Presentation by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Cap and Stitch Initial Funding. 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, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Anne-Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Ishmael called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:31 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on February 19, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on February 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the recent work towards renovating the Austin Convention Center. Presentation by Trisha Tatro, Director, Austin Convention Center Department. The presentation was made by Katy Zamesnik, Assistant Director, Austin Convention Center, and Riley Triggs, Capital Delivery Consultant, Capital Delivery Services Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Historic Resource Survey by the Historic Preservation Office. Presentation by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 5 was taken up before Item 4 without objection. 5. Update from the liaison from the Urban Transportation Commission on Recommendation Number 20250304-003: Austin Core Transportation Plan and Recommendation Number 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Discussed. 4. Update from the liaison from the Parks and Recreation Board on the topics discussed at the January 2025, and February 2025, board meetings. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS University Neighborhood Overlay Officer Elections Shared Micromobility Program Homeless Office Update Downtown Austin Plan Update Red River Cultural District ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was absent.
C20-2024-010 UNO Update Downtown Commission April 16, 2025 Alan Pani, Principal Planner Content Background Process Proposed Changes Next Steps Background Subdistrict Outer West Inner West Guadalupe Dobie Background UNO: A Brief History – Established in 2004 (Updated: 2014, 2019) – Overlay district for the West University area designed to promote high-density and pedestrian-oriented redevelopment that maintains the existing character of the area – Helped to facilitate population growth to over 28,000 residents in the West Campus area 4 City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240418-077 – Adopted on April 18, 2024 – Includes 29 distinct items for further investigation – Initiated updates to the Land Development Code & Building Criteria Manual – Requested programmatic updates – Land Development Code changes to be considered in Spring 2025 5 Resolution Goals Provide quality, safe, affordable living for all, especially for students attending colleges and universities by: Increasing housing capacity, quality, and affordability Ensuring the area provides daily needs and services Supporting the implementation of light rail and mobility enhancements 6 Land Development Code Council Direction Height limits achievable with participation in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) density bonus program in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendation to remove height limits for Inner West Campus and Dobie Height limits that are similar to what can be achieved with participation in the ETOD overlay, at minimum Expansion of UNO boundaries Subdistrict boundaries that expand Inner West Campus An appropriate step down of heights within expansion areas Modifying development requirements to discourage above-ground parking and encourage shared parking and underground parking Stakeholder and community engagement 7 Process How it Works 3-Step Process for Code Amendments: Initiation Development & Engagement Review & Adoption 9 Rezoning Process To update the regulations, staff proposes to create a new zoning district that incorporates the existing overlay with requested updates Rezoning requires notice to impacted properties and review by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearings 10 Plan Amendment Process UNO is part of the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Current Future Land Use Map 11 Plan Amendment Process Mixed use land use designation allows up to 3:1 floor-to-area ratio (FAR) High density mixed use is appropriate for areas with 3:1 FAR or greater Staff propose updating the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan to ensure …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: Cap and Stitch Initial Funding Recommendation: WHEREAS the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard; and WHEREAS the City of Austin has identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the landscape of Central Austin through the construction of "caps" and "stitches" over the highway (“Caps and Stiches); and WHEREAS the City of Austin has undertaken the Our Future 35 Austin project which is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor caps and stitches that will reconnect East and West Austin; and WHEREAS the Caps and Stitches, while being built and once completed, will directly impact the quality of life for those working and living in Downtown; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is in the process of developing plans for constructing the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City has identified phases of the Cap and Stitch Construction which are: • Ceasar Chavez to 4ht Street 4th Street to 7th Street • 11th Street to 12 street • 38th Street to Airport Blvd. (Northern Cap); and • WHEREAS I-35 from Lady Bird Lake to Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard marks the eastern boundary of the Downtown Commission’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission supports the timely and efficient planning and construction of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is considering several funding and design options for the roadway elements of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS City staff has presented funding scenarios to the City Council for consideration; and WHEREAS the Our Future 35 project has included years of stakeholder engagement and visioning for building out each full cap; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided options for shortened (800’) caps along the I-35 corridor; and WHEREAS the 800’ shortened caps scenario does not support the design and vision of the Our Future 35 project; and WHEREAS neither funding scenario includes design and construction of the full-size caps envisioned in the Our Future 35 Austin project even though the intention is to someday finish the full caps; and WHEREAS: it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that funding of the Our Future 35 roadway elements should include all full-size caps. NOW THEREFORE we, the Commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge the Austin …
Recruitment, Retention, &Training Update Israel Custodio, MLS Interim Assistant Director of ELD Water and Wastewater Commission Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Austin Water Organization Chart Current Org Chart 2 Recruitment & Retention 3 Vacancy Percentage by Fiscal Year 14.56% 14.03% 13.96% 12.78% 11.25% 10.55% 10.71% 10.32% 11.63% 12.02% 11.33% 11.40% 10.86% 11.76% 10.95% 11.09% 10.14% 9.55% 10.35% 9.99% 9.70% 10.64% 10.64% 10.21% 9.85% 9.85% 10.14% 9.56% 8.83% 8.40% 8.94% 8.58% 8.58% 8.58% Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb 2022 2023 2024 2025 16.00% 14.00% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% 4 Current Vacancies by Age 7% 21% 1% 40% 1) Less than 3 Months 2) 3-6 Months 3) 6-12 Months 4) 1-2 Years 5) Greater than 2 years 31% 5 Positions Filled Vs. Separations 336 298 190 179 218 120 269 135 Positions Filled Seperations 95 46 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 6 Separations by Source 2025 YTD 2025 6 18 5 18 47 2024 16 30 31 62 139 2023 18 31 2022 4 15 40 49 38 2021 7 13 31 2020 10 43 24 21 45 120 31 107 80 179 81 178 Deceased Terminated Retired Transferred Resigned 7 Training 8 Training In Action Operational Training Division On Boarding Training Technical Job Skills Training Licensure Training 9 The Future is Now 10 Questions?
HOMELESS STRATEGY OFFICE CITY OF AUSTIN DOWNTOWN COMMISSION David Gray Homeless Strategy Officer City of Austin Est. Homeless Population: 6,300 People Exiting Homelessness: 3,000 (50% increase from 2022) Unique People Served: 24,300 (60% increase from 2022) First-Time Service Recipients: 8,400 (72% increase from 2022) Chronic Homeless Rate: 30% 2023 AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM (HRS) DATA/METRICS HOMELESS STRATEGY OFFICE ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 2023 The Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) collaborates with public agencies, community organizations, and individuals to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Homeless Strategy Office Core Objectives 1. Manage the City of Austin’s homeless response resources, including 80+ contracts with various providers. 2. Create and support opportunities to produce more shelter and housing options for people experiencing homelessness. 3. Prioritize and coordinate cleanups and closures of encampments on public land. 4. Collaborate with research partners to incorporate best practices into services. 5. Proactively communicate the City of Austin’s efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. 6. Broaden the base of financial support for local initiatives and organizations. HOMELESS STRATEGY OFFICE STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS Homeless Prevention: Activities that support households at-risk of homelessness. Street Outreach: Activities that meet the immediate needs of people living unsheltered. Public Space Management: Activities that ensure public spaces are safe, accessible, and welcoming for all community members. Diversion/Rapid Exit: Activities that immediately address the needs of someone who has recently lost their housing and become homeless. Emergency Shelters: Facilities that provide people experiencing homelessness with access to food, sleep, medical care, and safety. Rapid Rehousing (RRH): Activities that provide short- term rental assistance and case management services to help tenants stabilize in their new homes. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): A long-term housing model that combines affordable housing with case management and supportive services. PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: HOUSING-FOCUSED ENCAMPMENT ASSISTANCE LINK (HEAL) Austin City Council Resolution No. 20210204-049 • The HEAL initiative compassionately closes the most unsafe encampments in our city. • Everyone residing at an encampment is offered a direct path to shelter and opportunities for stable housing. • Two emergency shelters (called “BRIDGE” shelters) are designated for HEAL. • 71% of clients who enter shelters have been homeless for 12+ months. • Half of clients leaving shelter go to a housing destinations. 31 Encampment Decommissions 1075 People Moved to Bridge Shelter AUSTIN EMERGENCY SHELTER NETWORK CITY-OWNED SHELTER LOCATIONS Shelter Name and Location 1. Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) 130 semi-congregate beds Male …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: Cap and Stitch Initial Funding Recommendation: WHEREAS the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard; and WHEREAS the City of Austin has identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the landscape of Central Austin through the construction of "caps" and "stitches" over the highway (“Caps and Stiches); and WHEREAS the City of Austin has undertaken the Our Future 35 Austin project which is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor caps and stitches that will reconnect East and West Austin; and WHEREAS the Caps and Stitches, while being built and once completed, will directly impact the quality of life for those working and living in Downtown; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is in the process of developing plans for constructing the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City has identified phases of the Cap and Stitch Construction which are: • Ceasar Chavez to 4ht Street • 4th Street to 7th Street 11th Street to 12 street • 38th Street to Airport Blvd. (Northern Cap); and • WHEREAS I-35 from Lady Bird Lake to Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard marks the eastern boundary of the Downtown Commission’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission supports the timely and efficient planning and construction of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is considering several funding and design options for the roadway elements of the Caps and Stitches; and Draft WHEREAS City staff has presented funding scenarios to the City Council for consideration; and WHEREAS the Our Future 35 project has included years of stakeholder engagement and visioning for building out each full cap; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided options for shortened (800’) caps along the I-35 corridor; and WHEREAS the 800’ shortened caps scenario does not support the design and vision of the Our Future 35 project; and WHEREAS neither funding scenario includes design and construction of the full-size caps envisioned in the Our Future 35 Austin project; and WHEREAS: it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that funding of the Our Future 35 roadway elements should include all full-size caps. NOW THEREFORE we, the Commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge the Austin City Council to fully fund the roadway elements necessary to …
