DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco in Austin, Texas. Chair Weaver called the Design Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jen Weaver, Chair David Carroll Conners Ladner Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Jessica Rollason Jon Salinas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Howard PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 1 Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on June 26, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of 6/26/2023 were approved on Commissioner McKinney’s motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second on an 8-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Wittstruck were absent. Presentation by Melissa Barry, Downtown Austin Alliance, regarding the Downtown Austin Alliance Strategic Plan 2023-2028. 3. 5. 6. 8. 9. The presentation was made by Melissa Barry, Downtown Austin Alliance. Discussion of the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Presented by Sophia Benner, Planning Department. Chair Weaver introduced the item. The presentation was made by Sophia Benner, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project Block 32, located at 304, 306, 308, and 310 East 3rd Street and 301 San Jacinto Boulevard, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Brett Rhode, Rhode Partners, and Dustin Dorph, Manifold Real Estate. The motion that the project Block 32, located at 304, 306, 308, and 310 East 3rd Street and 301 San Jacinto Boulevard, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii) was approved on Commissioner Rollason’s motion, Commissioner Salinas’ second on a 6-2 vote. Those members voting aye were Chair Weaver, Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Ladner, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Rollason, and Commissioner Salinas. Those members voting nay were Commissioner Howard and Commissioner Luckens. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Wittstruck were absent. Conduct a nomination for the representative for the Downtown Commission. The motion to nominate Commissioner McKinney to the Downtown Commission was approved on Commissioner Ladner’s motion, Commissioner Salinas’ second on an 8-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Wittstruck were absent. Discussion and possible action on the membership of Working Groups. The motion to …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20230828-004 August 30, 2023 Commissioner Rollason Block 32 (SP-2022-032BC) Seconded By: Commissioner Salinas Date: Subject: Motioned By: Whereas Brett Rhode, Rhode Partners presented the project Block 32 located at 304, 306, 308 & 310 East 3rd Street and 301 San Jacinto Blvd in Austin, Texas, 78701, on August 28, 2023, Whereas, Design Commission utilizes the Urban Design Guidelines, created in 2000 and revised in 2008 to review projects seeking benefits from the Density Bonus Program, Now, therefore, Design Commission finds the project Block 32 does comply with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Vote For: Chair Weaver, Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Ladner, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Rollason, Commissioner Salinas 6-2 Against: Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Luckens Abstain: Absent: Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Wittstruck Attest: Jen Weaver, Chair City of Austin Design Commision 1 of 1
Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Lady Bird LakeCENTRALLIBRARYE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVDW 15TH ST.W 12TH ST.W 6TH ST.CONGRESS AVE.GUADALUPE ST.LAVACA ST.E 15TH ST.E 12TH ST.E 6TH ST.RED RIVER ST.TEXAS STATE CAPITOLCONGRESS BRIDGECITYHALLSHOAL CREEKWALLER CREEKTHE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PIDIn 1993, the Austin City Council created a downtown Public Improvement District (PID) to augment funding to implement downtown initiatives and contracted with the Downtown Austin Alliance to manage the PID. The PID is renewed by downtown property owners every 10 years through a petitioning process. Over the past year, the Downtown Alliance successfully petitioned for renewal of the PID and City Council reauthorized the PID for 2023-2032. The new term starts in May 2023.MAP LEGENDPID BOUNDARY 2023-2032 ASSESSMENTWHO WE ARE—Vision, Mission & ValuesStrategic PrioritiesPLANWHERE DO WE WANT TO GO?—Goals & ObjectivesIMPLEMENTATIONHOW WILL WE GET THERE?—Actions & MeasuresDraft Plan3 BOARD OPEN HOUSES 75 INTERVIEWS 7 LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETINGS 8 WORK GROUP MEETINGSSEP ‘22OCT ‘22NOV ‘22DEC ‘22JAN ‘23FEB ‘23MAR ‘23PROCESS MISSION, VISION, VALUESMission To create, preserve and enhance the vibe, vitality and value of downtown Austin for everyone.Values· Lead with relentless vision· Earn trust· Inspire passion· Foster collaboration· Mindfully impact· Cultivate inclusivityVision In the fall of 2017, more than 3,000 Austinites helped shape The Downtown Austin Vision (Vision), identifying four priorities that work together to create and sustain the downtown you will always love. Guided by the Downtown Vision put forth by the Austin community, we created our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.THE DOWNTOWN YOU WILL ALWAYS LOVE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2023-2028PUBLIC SPACE EXPERIENCEGoalDowntown is clean, safe and welcoming for everyoneBUILT ENVIRONMENTGoalDowntown grows with a delightful and eclectic mix of modern investment and beautiful public spaces, while preserving historic character and funky weirdnessLEADERSHIP & INFLUENCEGoalThe Downtown Austin Alliance is entrusted with the responsibility to effectively lead, (cid:732)(cid:737)(cid:1028)(cid:744)(cid:728)(cid:737)(cid:726)(cid:728)(cid:3)(cid:724)(cid:737)(cid:727)(cid:3)visibly steward a downtown for allACTIVE URBANISMGoalDowntown ignites, attracts and cultivates authentic arts, culture, music, nature and sense of placeMOBILITYGoalDowntown is easier and more enjoyable to access and move within, has enhanced pedestrian and transportation facilities, and improved connections to neighboring communities PUBLIC SPACE EXPERIENCE GoalDowntown is clean, safe and welcoming for everyone Objectives• Homelessness: The number of people living unsheltered downtown is decreased by 75% and everyone experiencing homelessness has increased access to facilities and services.• Safety:(cid:3)(cid:694)(cid:741)(cid:732)(cid:736)(cid:728)(cid:3)(cid:732)(cid:742)(cid:3)(cid:741)(cid:728)(cid:727)(cid:744)(cid:726)(cid:728)(cid:727)(cid:671)(cid:3)(cid:742)(cid:739)(cid:728)(cid:726)(cid:732)(cid:1027)(cid:726)(cid:724)(cid:735)(cid:735)(cid:748)(cid:3)(cid:745)(cid:732)(cid:738)(cid:735)(cid:728)(cid:737)(cid:743)(cid:3)(cid:726)(cid:741)(cid:732)(cid:736)(cid:728)(cid:3)(cid:732)(cid:742)(cid:3)the lowest this century.• Vibrancy & Diversity: More people and more diverse populations use downtown.• Welcoming: A majority of the community perceives downtown as clean, safe and welcoming.• Cleanliness: Downtown sidewalks and public areas are free …
PS4 REINFORCE PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY Project includes retail space at the 4th and Trinity corner facing the Convention Center. Project includes space and provisions for mobile food and beverage kiosks and live music performances at the 3rd and San Jacinto corner. DOWNTOWN DE NSITY BONUS SUBMIT TA L | 30 OF 46 BLOCK 32AUSTIN, TXURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES COMPLIANCE
Date: To: From: Subject: June 22, 2023, revised July 6 2023 City of Austin Design Commission Planning & Urban Design Working Group Density Bonus Working Group review of Block 32 for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines June 14, 2023; 12:00 pm; Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting Amanda Morrow – Armburst & Brown, PLLC Meeting date: Applicant: The project is located at the north side of 3rd street between San Jacinto and Trinity The project includes 2 phases. Phase 1 consists of mixed use of Residential Units (363 Units) w/ amenities and F&B/retail space (3,888 sq. ft.). Phase 2 consists of mixed use of Residential Units (363 Units) w/ amenities, Hotel (216 Rooms) and (per application) F&B/Retail Space (2,196 sq. ft.) Each phase includes 7 levels of above grade parking The applicant is seeking a Density Bonus to raise the FAR from 8:1 to 25:1 to be divided between Phase 1 & Phase 2. Phase 1 is requesting 11.1:1 FAR resulting in a total project gross area of 392,552 gsf. Phase 2 is requesting 13.9:1 FAR resulting in a total gross area of 491,573 gsf. The total resulting gross are of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 results in 884,125 gsf. The site is 35,365 sf with a current allowable building size of approx.. 282,920 sf based on the current allowable 8:1 FAR. The total proposed building height is 459’-4” (41 Floors) for Phase 1 and 595’-8” (55 Floors) for Phase 2. The maximum height achievable under the Density Bonus program is unlimited. This site is not affected by Capitol View Corridor height restrictions. Per the Density Bonus Program ordinance, the applicant is required to meet the three gatekeeper requirements: • Substantially comply with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines • Provide streetscape improvements along all public street frontages consistent with the Great Streets Program Standards • Applicant must commit to a minimum of 2-star green building rating. WORKING GROUP REVIEW OF PROJECT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES AREA WIDE GUIDELINES AW.1 Create dense development: Compliant Recommendations: • • Density should be expressed in terms of a floor to area ratio for commercial developments and units per acre for residential developments. Standards should be consistent with LEED Neighborhood Design Standards. It is recommended that all current limits on FAR be maintained, and that developments which adopt and abide by the Urban Design Guidelines along with Density Bonus and other …
1. DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco, Room 1405, in Austin, Texas. Chair Weaver called the Design Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jen Weaver, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Ben Luckens Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Howard Conners Ladner PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on May 22, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of 05/22/2023 were approved on Commissioner Carroll’s motion, Commissioner Salinas’ second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners was off the dais. Commissioner Anstead, Commissioner McKinney, and Commissioner Rollason were absent. 1 2. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence. Presented by Joel Lewis, Capital Delivery Services Department, Kristin Pipkin, Watershed Protection Department, and John Rigdon, Waterloo Greenway. The presentation was made by Joel Lewis, Capital Delivery Services Department, Kristin Pipkin, Watershed Protection Department, and John Rigdon, Waterloo Greenway. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project Barbara Jordan Terminal Optimization, located at 3600 Presidential Boulevard, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Robert Mercado, Aviation Department. Chair Weaver made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wittstruck, that the project Barbara Jordan Terminal Optimization, located at 3600 Presidential Boulevard, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, and to encourage the use of plants to enliven urban spaces, in reference to Urban Design Guideline PZ.12. The motion was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Anstead, Commissioner McKinney, and Commissioner Rollason were absent. Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project 5th and Trinity Hotel, located at 307 and 311 East 5th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Richard Suttle, Armbrust and Brown, PLLC, and Gene Montezinos, PFVS Architects and Interiors, LLC. The following motion was approved as amended on Chair Weaver's motion, Vice Chair Meniers’ second on an 8-0 vote: The project 5th and Trinity Hotel, located at 307 and 311 East 5th Street, does not comply with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT August 23rd, 2023 at 6pm Austin Energy HQ, Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee 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 Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Diana Wheeler, Vice Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Bertha Delgado (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kelsey Hitchingham (Economic Prosperity Commission) Lane Becker (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. DISCUSSION 1. Office of Sustainability 2023-2024 Budget – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies. 3. JSC Annual Report. 4. N/A (Item removed) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. 7. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Priority policy and program recommendations from JSC working groups on Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation. 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 Zach Baumer at the Office of Sustainability at 415-694-3111, for …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES August 23, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at AE Headquarters. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Rodrigo Leal, Yure Suarez, Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Jon Salinas, Diana Wheeler, Melissa, Rothrock, Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Alice Woods, Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell- Gaines, Bertha Delgado Observing: None City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Motion by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (12-0) 1. Office of Sustainability Budget - Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability Qureshi: Will you continue to fund Climate Ambassadors? Baumer: Yes with additional staff will find a way to continue to support ambassadors. White: Met with Rodney Gonzales and made the recommendations clear / simple / easily fundable. Question looming about Temp to Perm Admin or Engagement staff? Baumer: Will follow up. Scott: Do we know exactly why this additional funding was received? White: Great news that we got more funding for this department that needs even more funding for the large job it does. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies – Item Skipped 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. – Kaiba White - Kaiba White summary of presentation - Discussed Recommendation to Council - Davis: What about enforcement? - White: Code enforcement officers. - Rothrock: Will be a slow rollout, no enforcement for a year. - Davis: Education, are there additional requirements above and beyond signage / information to educate folks how to use it? - White: Signage and also materials given to residents - Suarez: Who ends up paying for this, and trash valet, will they compost? - Discussion: unsure, recommendation doesn’t address. - Going to council next month. Houser motion – Scott – 2nd. Vote = 12-0 adopted. 7. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Priority policy and program recommendations from JSC working groups on Austin …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20230823-6 Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Multifamily Composting Ordinance Recommendation Recommendation Multifamily Composting Ordinance Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability recommends that the Austin City Council approve the proposed update to the Universal Recycling Ordinance to require composting collection at multifamily properties, as proposed by staff in the Attachment A. Rationale: Providing composting services to all residents aligns with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity plan. Keeping organic materials out of the landfill reduces methane production, which is an important step for mitigating climate change. Motioned By: Heather Houser Seconded By: Anna Scott Vote: 12-0 Against: none Abstain: none For: Stephanie Bazan, Jon Salinas, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Anna Scott, Charlotte Davis, Rodrigo Leal, Yure Suarez, Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi Absent: Larry Franklin, Alice Woods, Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Bertha Delgado Attest: Zach Baumer, Interim Chief Sustainability Officer 1 of 2 Attachment A: Multi-Family Compost – Universal Recycling Ordinance Code and Rules Amendment 2 of 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 PART 1. City Code Section 15-6-91 (Affected Premises) is amended to read: § 15-6-91 AFFECTED PREMISES. (A) The responsible party for a premises of which all or part is used for multi- family residential use shall: (1) (2) ensure that tenants and employees have access to on-site recycling services described under this article, for that portion of the premises that is multi-family residential; and after October 1, 2024, and for premises with five or more dwelling units, ensure that tenants and employees have access to composting services described under this article, for that portion of the premises that is multi-family residential. [, effective: (1) immediately for premises with 75 or more dwelling units; (2) October 1, 2013 for premises with 50 or more but less than 75 (3) October 1, 2014 for premises with 25 or more but less than 50 (4) October 1, 2015 for premises with 10 or more but less than 25 (5) October 1, 2016 for premises with 5 or more but less than 10 dwelling units; dwelling units; dwelling units; and dwelling units.] (B) The responsible party for a premises of which all or part is used for office, medical office, medical facilities, religious assembly, or private educational …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT August 23rd, 2023 at 6pm Austin Energy HQ, Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee 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 Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Diana Wheeler, Vice Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Bertha Delgado (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kelsey Hitchingham (Economic Prosperity Commission) Lane Becker (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. DISCUSSION 1. Office of Sustainability 2023-2024 Budget – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies. 3. JSC Annual Report. 4. N/A (Item removed) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. 7. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Priority policy and program recommendations from JSC working groups on Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation. 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 Zach Baumer at the Office of Sustainability at 415-694-3111, for …
Office of Sustainability Budget Summary August 2023 1 Budget ● FY23 Budget - $2,116,101 ○ $80% = 14 Staff - $1.7 million ○ $125k in office costs (rent) ○ $50k for memberships / conferences / sponsorships ○ $230k for Projects (materials, consultants, advertising, etc.) 2 Staffing 14 Total - - - - 12 FTEs 1 on Loan 1 vacant 2 Temps 3 New Resources for FY2023-24 ● $350k (from FY23) to fund UT Climate Co-lab with Dr. Dev Nyogi ● $200k – Ongoing Consultant support for Grant Pursuits ● $100k – Sustainable Purchasing Plan ● $50k – Refrigerant Study ● 1 - Temp to Permanent Conversion for our team ● 1 - Replacement FTE for Marc Coudert to transition to Resilience 4 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant ● $1 million from EPA over 4 years (FY 24-27) to conduct regional ● Work is largely front-loaded and will take place mostly in FY 24 climate planning and FY 25 ● 4 Temps being hired ○ Project Coordinator (FY 24-27) ○ Engagement Coordinator (FY 24-25) ○ Junior Analyst (FY 24-25) ○ Project Administrator (FY 24-25) ● Expected kickoff Oct 1, 2024 – more to come 5 Thank you! zach.baumer@austintexas.gov 6
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING July 26, 2023 MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at PDC. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:13 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Jon Salinas, Larry Franklin, Rodrigo Leal Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Rothrock, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Diana Wheeler, Christopher Campbell Board Members Absent: Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Yure Suarez Observing: Amy Noel (not yet completed oath) City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Rohan Lilauwala, Matt McCaw, Amanda Ross, Jodi, Juan Espinoza, Kerstin Johannson, Cameron Freberg, Christa McCarthy CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. 6. Approval of minutes from the June 28th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Motion by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (11-0) 1. Parks and Recreation Department Land Management Plan Overview – Matt McCaw, Parks and Recreation Department Leal: does $200/acre cost represent new costs? Where did this come from? McCaw: study of comparable plans. Yes, new costs. Current 2 FTEs + 1 homelessness response coordinator, 75k operating budget. In the early phases of long-term project. Qureshi: is there an ideal budgetary mount that should go to this? McCaw: to fully fund this plan, $2 million Qureshi: are there particular areas of vulnerability to wildfire? McCaw: Generally well distributed, wildland-urban interface is everywhere. Fire behavior changes between woodland (in west) and grassland (in east). Woodland might be slower but more intense, grassland faster but less intense. Soil water availability – shallow soils in west contributes to vulnerability. White: how much restoration is being done now vs 1000 acres a year target McCaw: based on many treatments needed over time. Areas will need to be treated multiple times. 400 acres of restoration done in 2.5-3 years. White: Are volunteers being used? McCaw: Not as much as we can, beginning conversations with Parks foundation to collaborate on training and engagement with volunteers White: Do Creekside lands fall into this plan? McCaw: Riparian/aquatic areas are 5% of total. When streambank stabilization and engineering are involved, Watershed get involved. E.g. replaced a failing earthen dam in Onion Creek. Lots of collaboration with WPD. Wheeler: What …
CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION AMENDMENT TO AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 15-6 AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES COUNCIL DATE: XX/XX/2023 SUBJECT: Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-6 and administrative rules relating to composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. MBE/WBE: N/A LEAD DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FISCAL NOTE: PURCHASING/LEGAL: N/A PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: On October 17, 2019, Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to make recommendations to the City Council on possible amendments to the Universal Recycling Ordinance to include organic waste collection at all commercial and multifamily properties. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: August 9, 2023 – To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission BACKGROUND: Austin City Council adopted the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) in 2010 as part of Austin Resource Recovery’s Master Plan and the City’s Zero Waste goal to divert 90% of solid waste from landfills and incinerators by the year 2040. The URO requires that commercial and multifamily properties provide access to recycling service to employees and tenants and methods of organics diversion to commercial food-permitted business employees. A 2015 Community Diversion Study found that 85 % of discarded material generated in Austin comes from the commercial and multifamily sector and that 37% is compostable. PROCESS Austin Resource Recovery staff conducted a pilot to test composting at seven multifamily properties between March 2021 and February 2022. Staff published a report summarizing the findings of the pilot and initiated stakeholder meetings to discuss potential policy changes. Staff led five stakeholder meetings between October 2022 and May 2023 and opened three online surveys to collect feedback on priorities and draft policy language. The Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC)’s URO Committee met on October 20, 2022 and December 1, 2022 to discuss the proposed changes. Stakeholders included apartment managers, multifamily residents, private haulers, and non-profits. ZWAC URO committee members, stakeholders, and staff discussed concerns about composting at multifamily properties, which included site placement constraints for containers, compostable material contamination, costs of service impacts, and access to composting for multifamily residents. Based on stakeholder feedback, ARR staff developed recommended language for the amended Code and Administrative Rules and presented that to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. The Commission voted to xx on a x-x vote. REVISIONS Revisions to Austin City Chapter 15-6, Article 5 include: a) Adding language to require the “responsible party for a …
MULTIFAMILY COMPOSTING Proposed URO Amendments ZWAC 8/9/2023 Agenda • URO Overview • Policy Development Process • Existing Policy • Proposed Amendments - Code • Proposed Amendments – Admin Rules Universal Recycling Ordinance • In effect since 2012 • Requires recycling at multifamily & commercial • Requires organics diversion at food permitted properties businesses • Convenient access • Education and signs • Report annually • Enforcement: Class C Misdemeanor Why Compost? Community Engagement Process PILOT • Spring ‘21 – Winter ‘22 PHASE 1 • Fall 2022 • Tested composting at 8 • 5 Meetings properties • Findings published in report • Online Survey • URO Committee Recommendations • ZWAC Recommendations PHASE 2 • March – Draft 1 Speak Up Austin Survey • April – Draft 2 Speak Up Austin Survey • 2 Meetings Phase 1 Feedback • Convenient access • Education • Contamination a concern • Costs a concern, how they are passed on • Flexible requirements • Residents overall in favor, with some concerns • Contamination, education, cleanliness Phase 2 Feedback • Draft 1 Survey – Open 3/1 -3/31 • 191 Comments (62 participants) • Draft 2 Survey – Open 4/10 – 5/7 • 202 Comments (54 participants) • Speak Up Austin – draft documents and FAQ • https://publicinput.com/w0633 Composting service required at all multifamily properties Minimum 1 gallon per unit per week and no overflowing containers Annual education, signs and labels on containers* Convenient access required Annual reporting* Enforcement: Class C misdemeanor* • Effective Oct. 1, 2024 * Indicates existing code/rules language Proposed Policy Overview Existing Policy • Education • Annual Reporting • Convenience • Signs • Waivers • Enforcement Existing Policy References • § 15-6-93 - EDUCATION. • § 15-6-101 - ANNUAL DIVERSION PLAN. • Rules 8.8 – Exterior Collection Areas, Points, and Containers common areas • Rules 8.9 – Interior collection & containers in • Rules 8.10 – Promotion and Education • Rules 8.11 – Waiver Process • Rules 8.12 - Compliance and Enforcement Proposed Amendments § 15-6-91 AFFECTED PREMISES. (A)(2) After October 1, 2024, and for premises with five or more dwelling units, ensure that tenants and employees have access to composting services described under this article, for that portion of the premises that is multi-family residential § 15-6-92 DIVERSION REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFECTED PREMISES. On-site recycling and organic material diversion (A) services required under this article shall: … (3) … collect at least the following materials, …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20230726-XXX Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Priorities for implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Natural Systems and Food & Product Consumption Recommendations: 1. More data and information and more frequent updates to the dashboard is needed to better gauge Austin’s state progress on climate goals. Publish a schedule of official updates to the Climate Equity Plan implementation dashboard, including metrics and more formalized equity accounting, to enable the public to see progress toward Austin’s climate equity goals. Recommend biannual or quarterly updates. 2. Seek out and incorporate indigenous knowledge into the PARD Recommended Land Management Strategy recommendation, with appropriate compensation to contributors for their time and expertise. 3. Make permitting paperwork for community gardens available in Spanish and develop a plan to reach the Spanish-speaking community Commented [1]: Do we know they haven't incorporated indigenous knowledge? Commented [2R1]: Good point. I did not see it addressed in the PARD land management presentation, but have asked Staff to clarify. Commented [3]: Who is this recommended to? Does the city run these gardens? Commented [4R3]: The city approves permitting for community gardens on city-owned lands, with four unrelated volunteers and a sponsoring nonprofit. Details here: https://www.austintexas.gov/parks-and- recreation/community-garden-permit-guide 4. Explore the idea of piloting a sales-tax holiday for thrift store shopping and repair services, similar to the Back to School sales tax holiday weekends, to encourage residents to participate in the circular economy. 5. Set a disposal rate goal for ARR that declines over time 6. Accelerate goals in the ARR plan: near-term goals should be defined as 0-2 years. 3-5 years is medium-term. 7. Promote climate-friendly food choices within the retail and non-retail programs (Mobile Markets, Healthy Food Pantries and Pop-ups, etc.) by developing incentives for plant- based protein. 8. Circular economy- pilot re-usable/refillable develop incentives/programs for retail that provide refillable services using lower impact containers Rationale: Natural Systems and Food & Product Consumption Recommendations 1. Data gaps, in particular on the climate equity plan implementation dashboard, exist. Status of the actual implementation is sometimes out of date, and the individual carbon impact of any individual strategy is unknown, making recommendations sometimes difficult to assess. Additionally, equity accounting needs to be formalized. 2. Austin’s livable future depends on our ability to create and successfully implement sustainable environmental solutions. Sustainability is at the foundation of traditional ecological knowledge, …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 2023XXXX-XXX Date: XXXX XX, 2023 Subject: Priorities for continuing implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Buildings Recommendations: 1. Adopt the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with a local amendment to require space for a heat pump hot water heater, as quickly as possible. 2. Update the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) to require energy efficiency upgrades to multifamily and commercial buildings that perform poorly on energy audits. 3. Create a density bonus (that stacks on top of Affordability Unlocked bonus and other bonus programs) to incentivize the use of the Passive House standard and/or Living Building Challenge standard. 4. Explicitly promote or incentivize the Passive House and/or Living Building Challenge standards throughout the City of Austin RFP and building funding scoring metrics (stating preference for and/or adding points to scoring for meeting these standards). 5. Split the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) program into one track that applies to Smart Housing and a “standard” track for all other development. Allocate funding and staff to administer these programs. Allocate funding for incentives for Smart Housing to meet the requirements of the “standard” AEGB program. 6. Update Austin Energy’s Green Choice program to address current energy needs, such as load-matching renewable energy and improving grid resilience through energy storage. 7. Create a pilot program, possibly utilizing Austin Energy’s Energy Efficiency Services fee and/or Development Service Department funds, to explore the efficacy and cost of certified Passive House and/or Living Building Challenge multifamily projects. Recommend funding $3,000 per unit for first 1000 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units to certify and create a report detailing construction cost increases vis a vis utility savings and other benefits. Rationale: Sustainable Building Recommendations 1. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will result in more efficient residential and commercial building and will establish initial standards for electric-ready and EV-ready construction. These are important improvements that are called for in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Constructing buildings that are efficient and allow for electrification is more cost effective than retrofitting them later. This is a low-cost option for the city because builders would make the investments. It will also ultimately reduce costs for building owners and occupants. 2. The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) was a good first step …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20230726-XXX Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Priorities for implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Transportation Electrification Recommendations: 1. Allocate funding for staff/consultant to define and conduct an EV Community Needs Assessment . communities. 2. Provide city-wide incentives for buying and leasing EVs targeted only to low-income 3. Create a coalition (including organizations that already have trust in the community) to provide education on clarifying the EV charging process, raise awareness about available incentives and increase community involvement by providing systematically excluded groups career/education opportunities focusing on EVs and EV charging infrastructure. Transportation and Land Use Recommendations: 1. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends allocating [$500,000] to pilot a Universal Basic Mobility Program (UBMP) that would advance strategy #2 above all and would forward these other strategies toward Goal 3 as well. These funds would go toward 1. Allocating or hiring [.5 FTE] in [OOS? Transpo? Capmetro?] to manage the one-year pilot, to educate UBMP participants on how to use public transit and shared mobility safely, and to assess UBMP pilot's efficacy; and 2. Providing [300] low-income residents of Austin with [$100] debit cards per month for one year to pay for public transit, shared bikes and e-bikes, and shared e-scooters. 2. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the City of Austin take a comprehensive approach to extreme heat mitigation, response, and resiliency, with a focus on the following priority actions a. Cool Corridor Program. Identify key mobility corridors that could serve as “cool corridors” with natural and engineered shade/cooling solutions to provide safe, climate-resilient connectivity on key pedestrian and transit routes. These corridors should (1) prioritize benefits in low-income neighborhoods facing high heat vulnerability, (2) address gaps based on the City’s existing heat vulnerability analyses, and (3) be developed in consultation with community-based organizations. Initial locations to prioritize for cool corridors should include the Rundberg community and the St. Johns, Montopolis, Franklin Park, and Dove Springs neighborhoods, due to high heat vulnerability as measured by various socioeconomic and heat exposure indicators. Key investments in cool corridors should include the following: Drought-tolerant tree plantings; i. ii. In partnership with CapMetro, Art in Public Places, and other key institutions and stakeholders, joint funding for research, design, and installation of resilient transit stops (including upgrades to existing transit stops) at sites facing high heat vulnerability (see existing example). These sites …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Logan Schugart Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshall (Ex Officio) Sade Ogunbode, Chair Edgar Farrera, Vice Chair Timothy Stostad Joseph Benigno Edward Selig Michael Francis Luis Osta Lugo Blaine Campbell CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on July 26, APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2023. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s): The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 Property address: 4807 Duval Street / Owner: Lyle Leroy Davis Staff presenter: Alicia Tovar Staff recommendation: Repair single family residential structure Property address: 5606 S Congress Avenue/ Johnny Ray McNabb Staff presenter: Johnny Serna Staff recommendation: Repair single family residential structure 2. Case Number: CL 2023-087183 3. Case Number: CL 2023-087171 4. Case Number: CL 2023-096591 Property address: 4707 Ganymede Drive / Owner: Chung Family Investments LLC Staff presenter: Lauren Taggart Staff recommendation: Repair primary structure and demolish mobile home 5. Case Number: CL 2023-088888 Property address: 2519 Rockridge Drive/ …
