Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 21, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Mike Lavigne Taylor Major Tania Ortega Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission special called meeting on June 26, The minutes from the meeting on 06/26/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was absent. 2024. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, August 21, 2024 2. Presentation by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library, on construction at the John Henry Faulk Building at the Austin History Center Campus and programming at the Central Library and Austin History Center. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. 3. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works, on Our Future 35 Project, a project that aims to co-create public spaces over IH 35. The presentation was made by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Downtown Austin Plan Update (Ishmael, Harris) Austin Core Transportation (Ishmael, Levinson) Great Streets Update (Carroll, Levinson) Seaholm TIRZ – Cesar Chavez Update (Ishmael, Shifferd) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:09 pm without any objection.
C20-2024-017 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-017 PDA Density Bonus District Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) combining district and a Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones combining district. The PDA2 combining district is proposed to allow for modification of use and site development standards in certain commercial and industrial base districts. Under the proposal, additional residential uses would not be allowed under the PDA2 combining district. The Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones combining district is proposed to allow additional residential uses and modification of certain site development standards for residential uses in certain commercial and industrial base districts through a voluntary density bonus program. Under the proposal, PDA2 could be added to the IP, MI, LI, and R&D base districts and the Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones could be added to the CH, IP, MI, LI, and R&D base zoning districts. Moving forward, sites would no longer be able to rezone into PDA, but would need to request either PDA2 or the Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240718-091. Planned Development Areas (PDA) were first added to the land development code in 1966 (19660616, City Council Meeting Minutes (austintexas.gov)) for the following purpose: “to provide suitable and conducive environment for the development of modern administrative facilities, research establishments, specialized manufacturing plants, and similar enterprises plus retail and other customer service facilities… and not intrude upon nearby existing or future residential and associated development.” (page 21) The use of a PDA allows for modifications to site development standards, including maximum height and floor-to-area ratio (FAR), as well as modifications to allowed and prohibited uses within a zoning district. On May 23rd, 2023, via Resolution No. 20230323-085, the City Council initiated an amendment to Land Development Code Section 25-2-582 (Commercial Highway (CH) District Regulations) to eliminate all the regulations found in 25-2-582(C) and clarify that a zoning ordinance establishing a CH-PDA controls over any conflicting CH regulations. This allowed for wider use of PDA zoning for Commercial Highway (CH) districts. Based on staff analysis of PDA zoning ordinances over the last ten years, there has been an increase in the number of cases where residential uses have been permitted: since 2014, 45 PDA zoning ordinances have permitted residential uses, with 31 of those cases …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION | SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, craftspeople, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian American Film …
COMPSTAT George Sector (DTAC) Region I Commander Craig Smith September 5, 2024 George Sector Yearly Overview Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Persons George Sector 137 124 120 111 112 112 103 104 97 109 93 111 108 104 88 89 91 78 78 79 72 17 14 3 2 1 1 1 NIBRS Desc – Excluding FMV: August 2024 Count 13B Simple Assault 13C Intimidation 13A Aggravated Assault 11D Fondling 11A Rape 11C Sexual Assault with an Object 2023 2024 100 Kidnapping / Abduction 09A Homicide: Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter Grand Total 111 TOP THREE PERSON OFFENSES: AUG 2024 Simple Assault: 72 74.86% of Crimes Against Persons Intimidation: 17 15.31% of Crimes Against Persons Aggravated Assault: 14 12.61% of Crimes Against Persons D I e s n e f f O f o t n u o C 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Property George Sector D I e s n e f f O f o t n u o C 330 300 270 240 210 180 150 120 90 60 30 0 319 291 279 264 265 245 251 243 230 239 227 241 224 207 204 224 204 200 191 151 2023 2024 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec NIBRS Desc – Excluding FMV: August 2024 23H Theft: All Other Larceny 290 Destruction / Damage / Vandalism of Property 23F Theft: from Motor Vehicle (BOV) 23A Theft: Pocket Picking 240 Motor Vehicle Theft 26A Fraud: False Pretenses / Swindle / Confidence Game 26B Fraud: Credit Card / ATM Fraud 220 Burglary / Breaking & Entering 26C Fraud: Impersonation 120 Robbery 23C Theft: Shoplifting 210 Extortion / Blackmail 23G Theft: Motor Vehicle Parts or Accessories 250 Counterfeiting / Forgery Grand Total Count 46 41 27 26 16 15 10 7 4 4 3 2 2 1 204 TOP FOUR PROPERTY OFFENSES: AUG 2024 Theft: All Other Larceny: 46 22.55% of Crimes Against Property Destruction / Damage / Vandalism of Property: 41 20.09% of Crimes Against Property Theft: from Motor Vehicle (BOV): 27 13.23% of Crimes Against Property Theft: Pocket Picking: 26 12.74% of Crimes Against Property Yearly Overview (2023 – August 2024) Crimes Against Society George Sector 170 117 …
Entertainment Services Program Downtown Commission Briefing September 18, 2024 Program Overview • Oversee Entertainment-Related Sound Management • Serve as a liaison to bars, clubs and music venues and residents • Support programs and efforts to create a welcoming and safe environment across all of Austin’s entertainment districts and establishments Program Updates SIP Safely • Drink Spiking Awareness Program Nightlife Establishment Training Program • Providing Training and Support to Bars, Clubs, and Venues SIP Safely Drink Spiking Awareness Program Goals • Raise awareness among patrons, staff and the community about what drink spiking is • Educate about how to reduce the threat, identify suspicious activity, support victims and report incidents Program Components • Bar, Club, and Venue Partnership • Public Outreach SIP Safely Drink Spiking Awareness Program Bar, Club and Venue Partnership • Provide drink testing kits, patron-facing awareness flyer, and educational materials for staff for bars to post Public Outreach • Partner with the Sobering Center to conduct public outreach in the entertainment districts • Distribute drink testing kits, educational materials, and drink covers to the public & patrons SIP Safely Results Bar, Club & Venue Partnerships • 70 bars, clubs, and venues • 3,500 test strips distributed • Patron and Staff Education Posters provided Public Outreach • Four Saturday night tabling activations • ~ 1,200 people engaged • 1,375 test strips distributed • 275 drink covers distributed Nightlife Establishment Training Program Purpose • Provide training and support to bars, clubs, and venues • Enhance safety in Austin’s entertainment establishments and districts districts Goals • Elevate operating standards • Focus on education and prevention • Increase coordination and communication • Enhance safety in Austin’s entertainment establishments and Nightlife Establishment Training Program Types of Training Provided • Active Shooter Response & Stop the Bleed • Overdose Awareness and Prevention • Door Staff Training (de-escalation, conflict resolution, reducing liability) Nightlife Establishment Training Program Active Shooter Response and Stop the Bleed Training Nightlife Establishment Training Program Overdose Awareness & Prevention Training Nightlife Establishment Training Program Door Staff Training Thank you!
City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Our mission is to strengthen the competitiveness and resiliency of the Austin region. How do we do it? By fostering job-creating investments while also advocating for policies and programs that nurture our workforce, quality of life and pro-business climate WHERE WE STARTED ABOUT OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Early 2000s Recession eliminated 15,000 jobs in Tech 2004 OA was founded to increase economic resiliency of the Austin region. Launched OA1.0 2009 Launched OA2.0 2014 Launched OA3.0 2019 Launched OA3.0 2024 Launched OA5.0 Opportunity Austin has helped bring more than 600,000 jobs to the Austin region. WHERE WE ARE NOW Austin ranked as the Best-Performing City by the Milken Institute. This study measures each metro area’s economic performance using outcomes-based metrics of labor market performance, high tech impact, and access to economic opportunities. Source: Milken Institute, Best-Performing Cities 2024, February 6, 2024. ABOUT AUSTIN Metro Population 2.5M 11th Largest City As per U.S. 2020 Census Low Cost of Living Below National Average OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN PILLARS OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN 5.0 Economic Development Global Innovation & Expansion Workforce Development Policy & Advocacy ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Recruitment, Expansion, Retention Target Industries Real Estate, Maps, & Research RELOCATIONS & EXPANSIONS 600,000+ Total Jobs Created 2,500 Companies 230,000 Direct Jobs Relocations & Expansions 2004 - July 2024 2,454 companies | 229,813 jobs Relocations Expansions Total Jobs OA 4.0 2019-2023 842 companies 96,676 jobs 26,877 138 22,124 19,856 OA 5.0 2024-2028 66 companies 6,156 jobs 28,000 250 200 150 100 50 0 OA 2004-2008 459 companies 27,752 jobs OA 2.0 2009-2013 411 companies 34,097 jobs 72 71 62 7,741 48 61 6,568 4,664 4,069 31 26 36 31 4,710 21 35 2,662 17 52 5,435 29 34 31 OA 3.0 2014-2018 676 companies 65,132 jobs 20,063 110 110 118 13,562 101 14,257 9,615 7,734 53 55 55 8,651 82 87 13,262 63 11,502 70 10,068 10,237 64 50 53 50 51 46 58 45 90 64 81 37 23,000 18,000 13,000 6,156 8,000 36 30 3,000 (2,000) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 TARGET INDUSTRIES Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace & Defense Clean Technology Financial Services Life Sciences Semiconductors Space Technology GLOBAL INVESTMENT & INNOVATION Austin’s Innovation Ecosystem makes us globally competitive. International Recruitment, Expansion, and Retention Global Investment Innovation Ecosystem GLOBAL & INNOVATION 4,500 Startups 200+ Venture Capitalists 5,000+ Funding …
Capital Delivery Services – PMIS Implementation Project Management Information System • PMWeb • Systems Integration • • Features and Functions Implementation Plan and Timeline PMWeb Interface – Project Managers City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 1 PMIS Implementation – Systems and Timeline • Systems/platforms integrated: • eCAPRIS • GIS • Microstrategy • SharePoint • AdobeSign • Timeline: • February 2024 – PMIS Contract Awarded (MSA) - PMWeb • May 2024 – DO#1 Negotiated/Issued July – October 2024 DO#1 Execution • • Out-of-the-Box Module Training • System Administration: Accounts and Security Group Set Up • City of Austin Project Upload • FY25 – DO#2 – System Customization and Training City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 PMIS Implementation – Key Reporting Functionalities • Portfolio and Multi-Year Cap-Ex Planning with estimate-driven initiative collaboration and approval • One-click Project, Budget, Estimate, and Schedule information for Initiatives you choose to fund • Cost Management (Automated cash flow and earned value reporting, robust multi-currency and real-time BI Reporting, etc.) • Scheduling, built-in integration to MS Project/Primavera. Capability to re-import a schedule without losing existing links to other objects in the system. • Ready to use out-of-the-box for everything from cash flow projection orders all the way up to multi-year capital improvement projects. unlimited PDFs. • Customizable user home page with flexibility and easily changeable nomenclature, populated drop-down lists and • Centralized Project and Program tracking with rapid access to project details from summary portfolio views, Google Maps views and interactive dashboards. Situations that could lead to a crisis quickly bubble to the surface, so that corrective action may be taken early. City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 3 PMIS Implementation – Key Reporting Functionalities City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 4
Joint Fire & EMS Station Updates for New Construction Projects FS 1/EMS 6, FS 3, FS 22/EMS 12 – Rebuild and Renovations Projects Presented by Michelle Noriega, AIA, CEM, LEED AP Capital Delivery Services Project Manager SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 DEL VALLE FIRE/EMS STATION FS 50 / EMS 37 – STATUS: OPERATIONAL • TOTAL PROJECT COST: $12.5M • OPENED JULY 2020 • CONSTRUCTED JUNE 2019 – JUNE 2020 • DESIGN START – JANUARY 2019 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 TRAVIS COUNTRY FIRE/EMS STATION PICTURE FS 51 / EMS 39 – STATUS: OPERATIONAL • TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $15.6M • OPENED JULY 2021 • CONSTRUCTED JULY 2020 – JULY 2021 • DESIGN STARTED JUNE 2019 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 3 DAVENPORT RANCH FIRE/EMS STATION FS 52 / EMS 40 – STATUS: OPERATIONAL • TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $17.7M • OPENED MARCH 2023 • CONSTRUCTED DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2023 • DESIGN STARTED SEPTEMBER 2020 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 4 GOODNIGHT RANCH FIRE/EMS STATION FS 53 / EMS 41 – STATUS: OPERATIONAL, IN WARRANTY PHASE • TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $20.0M • OPENED FEBRUARY 2024 • CONSTRUCTED JANUARY 2023 – FEBRUARY 2024 • DESIGN STARTED OCTOBER 2021 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 5 CANYON CREEK FIRE/EMS STATION FS 54 / EMS 42 – STATUS: IN CONSTRUCTION • TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $19.8M • TO BE OPENED JANUARY 2025 • CONSTRUCTION START: NOVEMBER 2023 • CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION: DECEMBER 2024 (ANTICIPATED) • DESIGN STARTED JULY 2022 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 6 CENTRAL FIRE STATION 1 / EMS 6 FS 1 / EMS 6 - STATUS: OPERATIONAL, IN WARRANTY PHASE • TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $12.1M • OPENED JULY 2024 • CONSTRUCTED APRIL 2023 – JULY 2024 • DESIGN STARTED JUNE 2020 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 7 FIRE STATION 3 FS 3 - STATUS: OPERATIONAL, IN WARRANTY PHASE • TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $4.5 M • OPENED OCTOBER 2023 • CONSTRUCTED FEBRUARY 2023 – OCTOBER 2023 • DESIGN STARTED JUNE 2020 City of Austin | …
FIRE/EMS PROGRAM UPDATE September 18, 2024 Alison Von Stein Project Manager Capital Delivery Services EMS / FIRE RENOVATIONS PROGRAM HIGH LEVEL PROJECT STATUS 1. EMS 1 – UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION NOVEMBER 2024 2. EMS 5 – UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION NOVEMBER 2024 3. EMS 7 / FIRE 8 – UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION NOVEMBER 2024. 4. EMS 10 / FIRE 25 – UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION NOVEMBER 2024. 5. EMS 13 / FIRE 23 – UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION NOVEMBER 2024. City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 EMS 5 Renderings of Proposed Renovation and AIPP artwork CURRENT STATUS 85% CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION SCHEDULED SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - NOVEMBER 2024 RENOVATION SIZE ORIGINAL BUILDING AREA: 3,280 SF BUILDING AREA FOR CURRENT RENOVATION: 7,834 SF SCOPE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR RENOVATION The facility is being renovated and enlarged to meet the service needs of the community which has experienced increasing call volume. The project adds a vehicle bay for a 2nd ambulance and expands living quarters to house a supervisor and personnel for the 2nd ambulance. In addition, upgrades are being made to meet current ADA and fire code requirements and provide adequate bathrooms for gender equality. The project is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification. Pre-renovation Photo City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 3 EMS 1 Renderings of Proposed Renovation and AIPP artwork CURRENT STATUS 82% CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION SCHEDULED SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - NOV. 2024 RENOVATION SIZE ORIGINAL BUILDING AREA: 3,260 SF BUILDING AREA FOR CURRENT RENOVATION: 5,094 SF SCOPE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR RENOVATION The facility is being renovated and enlarged to meet the service needs of the community which has experienced increasing call volume. The project adds a vehicle bay for a 2nd ambulance and expands living quarters to house a supervisor and personnel for the 2nd ambulance. In addition, upgrades are being made to meet current ADA and fire code requirements and provide adequate bathrooms for gender equality. The project is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification. Pre-renovation Photo City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 4 EMS 7 / FIRE 8 Renderings of Proposed Renovation and AIPP Artwork CURRENT STATUS 83% CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION SCHEDULED SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - NOV. 2024 RENOVATION SIZE ORIGINAL BUILDING AREA: 9,290 SF BUILDING AREA FOR CURRENT RENOVATION: 9,824 SF SCOPE …
Fire Department RENOVATION DEFINITION IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO DEFINE TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RENOVATION : RENOVATION LEVEL I – SCOPE OF WORK IS LIMITED TO THE REMOVING OF ASBESTOS AND LEAD CONTAMINANTS, UPGRADING HVAC SYSTEMS, RENEWING MECHANICAL DUCTING SYSTEMS, UPGRADING LIGHTING/FIXTURES FOR MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, MODERNIZING ALERTING SYSTEMS WHICH AID IN SLEEP AND REST CYCLES, RE-CONDITIONING KITCHEN CABINETS, COSMETIC RENEWAL FOR BAYS AND COMMON AREAS, UPGRADING PLUMBING FIXTURES FOR EFFICIENCY AND WATER-SAVING, SEWER LINE RECONDITIONING, REPLACING WATER HEATERS, CONVERTING ELECTRICAL TO GAS APPLIANCES WHEN POSSIBLE, REPLACING WINDOWS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT GLAZING AND FRAMES, INSULATING AND SEALING DOORS. RENOVATION LEVEL II – THE SCOPE OF WORK IS LIMITED TO ALL ITEMS LISTED IN LEVEL I WITH THE ADDITION OF RE-STRUCTURING OF THE STATION LAYOUT INCLUDING THE ALTERATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS TO ACCOMMODATE MODERN TRAFFIC PATTERS AND LIVING SPACE INTERACTION. LEED INTEGRATION THE CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDS A SILVER LEED CERTIFICATE. CERTIFICATE STANDARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS: ENERGY: CORE PERFORMANCE, ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE, AIR BARRIER AND OPAQUE ENVELOPE PERFORMANCE, LIGHTING CONTROLS, MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS, DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM EFFICIENCY. HEALTH: INDOOR AIR QUALITY, SAFE INTERIOR PAINTS AND COATINGS, FURNITURE AS WELL AS INSULATION PRODUCTS, ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS, OCCUPANT ACCESS TO DAYLIGHT AND GLARE REDUCTION, ASBESTOS AND LEAD ABATEMENT, OCCUPANT COMFORT VERIFICATION AND ACTION PLAN, OCCUPANT THERMAL CONTROLS, NO CARPET, ACCESS TO OPERABLE WINDOWS, OCCUPANT LIGHTING CONTROL, ACOUSTICS. MATERIALS: BUILT-IN RECYCLING CENTER, BUILD FOR DURABILITY AND MINIMIZE MATERIAL USAGE, WASTE MANAGEMENT, MAINTAIN EXISTING STRUCTURE 70% (LEVEL I) 85% (LEVEL II). LAND: MINIMAL LANDSCAPE - UPKEEP RETAINING WELLS, SEWER SYSTEMS AND GENERAL APPEARANCE OF STATION. WATER: HIGH EFFICIENT FLUSHING VALVES, LOW FLOW FAUCETS AND SHOWER HEADS. RENOVATION IS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE SILVER LEED CERTIFICATION. Fire Department 2018 Bond Update 2018 Bond Proposition “F” TimeLine: ( as defined in contract with Voters) 8 years $13.0 Million Committed Renovations / Repairs as of 09/04/24 $11.2 Million 86% Future Planned Projects For FY 25- 26 $ 1.8 Million 14% Fire Station 15 Renovation Level I 829 Airport Blvd Scope Highlights Include: Replaced flooring Upgrade Incoming Electrical Power and Replace Main Electrical Panels Refresh paint and ceiling Add New Kitchen Hood and Ansul System Bringing Station Up to Fire Code. Kitchen refresh Replace HVAC Equipment and Windows with Energy Efficient Options. Fire Station 18 Renovation Level II Early Demo 6311 Berkman Drive Scope Highlights Include: …
RESOLUTION NO. 20240829-138 WHEREAS, on July 18, 2024, City Council overwhelming approved Resolution No. 20240718-093 which directed the City Manager to bring to Council a comprehensive bond package in order to allow for a bond election no later than November 2026; and WHEREAS, the City has a variety of critical infrastructure needs that would be well addressed by a bond election, including housing, transportation, facilities for animal shelter, libraries, parks, land acquisition, drainage/flood mitigation, and other public asset improvements; and WHEREAS, the City is recognized as a global leader in climate mitigation through City Council adoption of the Climate Protection Plan (Resolution No. 20070205-23), and the Austin Community Climate Plan (Resolution No. 20140410-024), creation of the Joint Sustainability Committee and plan implementation (Resolution No. 20150604-048), adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan in 2021, multiple strategies related to solar use, water conservation, electric vehicle use, recycling in parks, use of low-carbon concrete, sustainable City procurement, and Resolution No. 20240215-025 to create an Environmental Investment Plan; and WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20240215-025, re-affirmed Austin's commitment to the target of net-zero community-wide emissions by 2040, as outlined in the Austin Climate Equity Plan, resulting in the Joint Sustainability Committee and City staff providing recommendations to the City Council to address shortfalls in the City's environmental investments which necessitate the creation of a comprehensive climate implementation program in which a bond election could, and likely must, play an important and critical part; and Page 1 of 7 WHEREAS, the City values the community input that is part of a public process, and the City has initiated and completed several plans and reports to identify and assess City service needs and potential components of a climate program as part of a public process to help determine what should be included on a ballot as part of a comprehensive bond program which will, in part, support a comprehensive climate implementation program; and WHEREAS, the plans and reports to identify and assess City service needs and potential components of a climate program include, but are not limited to the: • Environmental Investment Plan; • Joint Sustainability Committee Report; • Austin Climate Equity Plan; • Water Forward; • Watershed Protection Strategic Plan; • One Austin: The Climate Resilience Action Plan; • Austin Strategic Mobility Plan; • Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan; • Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint; • Austin Travis County Food Plan; • Parks and …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240918-002 Date: September 18, 2024 Subject: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) located at 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Motion by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: Seconded by: Mariana Krueger • A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor per LDC 25-8-261 • A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation per LDC 25-8-341 WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Williamson Creek, Suburban, Desired Development Zone. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. Payment into the Water Supply Mitigation Fund as per Appendix Q-7: Riparian Zone Mitigation of the ECM in the amount of $606,850 for 15.7 acres of required mitigation for a utility line installed parallel to a creek centerline. 2. All areas of the Limits of Construction (LOC) within the CWQZ will be restored with 609S Native Seeding and Planting per restoration plan sheets. 3. Previously identified portions of the exposed infrastructure for the existing and to be abandoned wastewater interceptor will be removed from the CWQZ and restored to natural conditions as per approved plans. 4. The abandoned wastewater interceptor diversion building will be demolished and the hill underneath it will be removed to provide additional floodwater storage and a consistent grade for the CWQZ and restoration of the riparian area at S. Pleasant Valley Road and Williamson Creek. 5. An odor control facility will be installed as part of the project to reduce impacts to adjacent properties. Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Continue to communicate with the communities, property owners, and renters that are nearby and potentially affected by the projects any concerns that may arise such as odors and emissions controls. 2. Consider reaching out and working with Friends of Grand Meadows and other organizations to encourage food sources that minimize food desert effects. 3. Environmental mats will be used instead of crushed gravel for temporary road access For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Melinda Schiera, Colin Nickells, David Sullivan, Richard Brimer Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol wherever VOTE: 8-0 Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240918-003 Seconded by: Mariana Krueger Date: September 18, 2024 Subject: Great Spring Project Motion by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation by Trails and Transportation Planner, Mikey Goralnik, of the Great Springs Project. The Great Springs Project (GSP) is an Austin-based non-profit organization with a demonstrated capacity to support local governments and other partners in the region with implementing priority trail and conservation projects; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Great Springs Project is creating a greenway of protected lands between Austin and San Antonio over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. Connected by a network of spring-to-spring trails which link the four iconic springs of Central Texas: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. Great Springs Project works to unify existing local efforts to address the most critical water, land, wildlife, and public health challenges facing the Central Texas region.; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies the Urban Trails System, highlighted by the Tier I and Tier II Urban Trails, as “an integral part of the transportation network” to “increase connectivity between neighborhoods, facilitate active trips, promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor experiences, and strengthen our community’s connection to nature and our ecosystem; and WHEREAS, numerous local and regional planning efforts, including the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, and Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan, state the importance of partnerships between the city and non-profit partners for rapidly and fully implementing the community’s vision of a connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous Austin, and WHEREAS, Great Springs Project has a mission, capacity and resources to support the City’s connectivity, mobility, resiliency, vitality, and equity objectives. The organization also furthers the goals of conservation and watershed protection of environmentally sensitive karst areas and springs; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Protection Department, Transportation and Public Works Departments, and others as necessary, be encouraged to partner and collaborate with the Great Springs Project. Collaboration could entail a variety of activities, such as partnering on applications to state and federal grants to support various trail implementation activities that the partnership determines to be necessary and effective. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Environmental Commission, recommends City Council consider, a memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding, resolution of support, or similar, to establish a partnership with Great Springs …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 18, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Philipson, Cell towers in Balcones Canyonlands Preserve APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) Applicant: Kane Wei, P.E., Austin Water Utility (AWU) Location: From 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Council District: District 6 Staff: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, 512-974-2128, Development Services Department, brad.jackson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor and b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation 1 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Speakers: Brad Jackson, DSD Kane Wei, applicant (AW) A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. A motion to approve the Williamson Creek Interceptor variances with conditions passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Great Springs Project – Mikey Goralnik, Trails and Transportation Planner, Great Springs Project; Requested by Environmental Commissioner David Sullivan Speakers: Mikey Goralnik, Great Springs Ana Aguirre, member of the public A motion to recommend the Great Springs Project passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 6–1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Cofer abstained. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 8:35 pm. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:41 pm. DISCUSSION ITEMS Briefing on the listing status of native mussels – Matt Johnson, Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Recovery Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Service Item conducted as posted. No action …
