1. 2. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 5, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 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, Jennifer Bristol, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells and Richard Brimer Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bobby Levinski, SOS, Mopac South Project concerns APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 4, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 4, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second 7-0 vote. Commissioner Nickels abstained. Commissioner Krueger was off the dais. Commissioner Coffer was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and discussion on Austin Light Rail Update – Austin Transit Partnership staff. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Westcreek Mixed Use, SP-2023-0276C Applicant: Quiddity, Justin Cadieux, PE Location: 5725 W US 290 Highway EB, Austin, TX, 78749 1 4. Council District: District 8 Staff: Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, Development Services Department; 512-974-6380, mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Redevelopment Exception in the Barton Springs Zone [LDC 25-8- 26] Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Redevelopment Exception for this project. Speakers: Mike McDougal David Hartman Leigh Ziegler Rita Berry Bobby Levinski Roy Wayley Craig Nazor Justin Cadieux Liz Johnston A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Cofer was absent. A motion to recommend the Westcreek Mixed Use Redevelopment Exception with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Cofer was absent. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 9:02. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 9:10. Name: Taylor Slough Dredge Maintenance, SP-2024-0019D Applicant: Janis J. Smith, P.E., Janis Smith Consulting Location: 3704 ½ Meadowbank Dr, Austin, TX, 78703 Council District: District 10 Staff: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions Speakers: Miranda Reinhard Janis J. Smith David Goodman 2 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s …
Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Concession Locations ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Concession Contracts ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 Contract Terms Solicitations and New Contracts Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Zilker Café ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Contract Extensions Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse ................................................................................................................ 6 EpicSUP/The Trail Conservancy .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Zilker Park Boat Rentals...................................................................................................................................................... 9 Zilker Eagle ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Parkland Operation and Management Agreement .......................................................................................................... 10 Concession Sales, Payments, and Expenditures ................................................................................................................. 12 Expiring Contracts Other Contract Changes Revenue Share Payments Capital Improvements Public Benefit Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Austin Rowing Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 EpicSUP............................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Expedition School ............................................................................................................................................................. 17 Lone Star Riverboat .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Zilker Park Boat Rentals.................................................................................................................................................... 18 Zilker Eagle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19 i 4 4 6 8 9 13 15 16 Concessions Outside of Town Lake Park ............................................................................................................................ 20 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 21 Environmental Commission Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 21 Short-Term Permits Concessions at Golf Courses Toxic Algae and Extreme Heat Transportation Shuttles Public Benefit Watercraft Census New Concessions Carrying Capacity Zilker Eagle Update Appendix 1. Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Report FY24 ............................................................................ 26 Temporary Concession Permits and Commercial Use Revenue for Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Summary of Revenue for Temporary Concessions Temporary Concession Permits – Six Month and Single Day Targeted Concessions Commercial Use – Fitness Instructors and Instructor-Led Classes Performing Artists – Balloon Artist and Face Painting Appendix 2. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste Information ............................................................... 29 20 20 22 22 22 22 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 ii Executive Summary The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. In carrying out its mission, PARD has established nine permanent concessions in Town Lake Park that provide recreation services. These services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs); rowing instruction and memberships; food and beverage sales; short-course golf; excursion boats; and a mini train. The concessions were established pursuant to City of Austin Code Section 8-1-71, which authorizes the director of the Parks and Recreation Department to allow a person to operate a food or beverage, rental, or service concession in Town Lake Park. Additionally, Section 8-1-73 requires …
2024 ANNUAL CONCESSION REPORT Presented by Karen Charles and Denisha Cox Environmental Commission Meeting January 15, 2025 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. The annual report, prepared under this section, shall include: • The name of each concession operating in Town Lake • An income and expenditure statement for each • The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; concession; Metropolitan Park; and by a concession. • A statement describing any problems caused or created 2 Concessions Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms 4 FY24 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City s n o i l l i M $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Butler Pitch and Putt (Pecan Grove Golf Partners) Gross Sales Reported Expenditures Payments $3,167,723 $1,087,331 $255,218 *EpicSUP $346,788 $213,122 $42,302 Expedition School $28,877 $12,986 $2,712 Lone Star Riverboats $1,111,905 $1,098,532 $93,662 Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse *Zilker Eagle Zilker Park Boat Rentals $1,696,571 $1,226,323 $175,953 $2,453,441 $2,102,044 $359,170 $3,387,564 $3,064,653 $237,925 $315,563 $268,229 $- $976,444 $645,066 $90,285 5 Total Gross Sales $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 Annual Gross Sales Since 2020 $- FY20 Total Gross Sales $6,722,615 FY21 $12,380,735 FY22 $15,994,081 FY23 $13,554,936 FY24 $13,484,877 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $93,894 • New well water pump • Seasonal tree maintenance • Sod/Turfgrass installation • Updates to the putting green drainage system • Metal roof installation over outdoor trellis structures Rowing Dock – $6,676 • Ground Improvements • Redo granite pathways • Repairs and restaining picnic tables and beams around the parking • Tree trimming • Sanding, staining and replacing boards on the boxes around the lot trash containers 7 Concessions Outside of Lady Bird Lake Permit Type Term Permits Issued Cost / Permit Revenue Commercial Use – Food or Other Specific Park Use Commercial Use – Fitness Trainers Commercial Use – Performing Artists Golf Concessions (4 golf courses) TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED Six month Single day Six …
2024 ANNUAL CONCESSION REPORT Presented by Karen Charles and Denisha Cox Environmental Commission Meeting January 15, 2025 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. The annual report, prepared under this section, shall include: • The name of each concession operating in Town Lake • An income and expenditure statement for each • The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; concession; Metropolitan Park; and by a concession. • A statement describing any problems caused or created 2 Concessions Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms 4 FY24 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City s n o i l l i M $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Butler Pitch and Putt (Pecan Grove Golf Partners) Gross Sales Reported Expenditures Payments $3,167,723 $1,087,331 $255,218 *EpicSUP $346,788 $213,122 $42,302 Expedition School $28,877 $12,986 $2,712 Lone Star Riverboats $1,111,905 $1,098,532 $93,662 Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse *Zilker Eagle Zilker Park Boat Rentals $1,696,571 $1,226,323 $175,953 $2,453,441 $2,102,044 $359,170 $3,387,564 $3,064,653 $237,925 $315,563 $268,229 $- $976,444 $645,066 $90,285 5 Total Gross Sales $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 Annual Gross Sales Since 2020 $- FY20 Total Gross Sales $6,722,615 FY21 $12,380,735 FY22 $15,994,081 FY23 $13,554,936 FY24 $13,484,877 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $93,894 • New well water pump • Seasonal tree maintenance • Sod/Turfgrass installation • Updates to the putting green drainage system • Metal roof installation over outdoor trellis structures Rowing Dock – $6,676 • Ground Improvements • Redo granite pathways • Repairs and restaining picnic tables and beams around the parking • Tree trimming • Sanding, staining and replacing boards on the boxes around the lot trash containers 7 Concessions Outside of Lady Bird Lake Permit Type Term Permits Issued Cost / Permit Revenue Commercial Use – Food or Other Specific Park Use Commercial Use – Fitness Trainers Commercial Use – Performing Artists Golf Concessions (4 golf courses) TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED Six month Single day Six …
CULTIVATING CLARITY: DECODING WILDFIRE NARRATIVES AND DEBUNKING MYTHS Austin’s Wildfire Risk How do we compare? Reconstruction Value: $40.6B Source: CoreLogic Wildfire Risk Report 2024 Why is Austin at Risk? • Austin is home to a unique combination of Wildland Intermix and Ember production probability • Intermixed layout and Structure-Structure spread makes Containment logistically challenging • Ongoing increase of Drought and Temp conditions • The “Big One” not likely to be large flame front, but many simultaneous community fires How will it happen? Embers Travel Up to 1.5 Miles How will it happen? Drought – Makes Soil and Live Fuel Moisture go down Wind – Is what primarily drives wildfire spread High temps – Increase ignition potential Overwhelmed resources before resources Overwhelm the Fire • 54 Pumping apparatus (Fire trucks in Austin) • Takes 4 to quickly overwhelm 1 house fire • Now imagine several small wildfires • Transition to triage Myth Austin Wildfires are not common Travis County Wildfire Occurrence In the fire-adapted ecosystems of the South, the issue is not whether an area will burn, but when it will burn and at what intensity. (Andreu and Hermansen-Baez 2006) Pinnacle Fire Burn Scar Steiner Ranch Fire 125 Acres 35 Homes Lost Pinnacle Fire 100 acres 10 homes lost 12 homes damaged Parmer Lane Fire, 2023 37 acres The Parmer Lane Fire impacted two different housing developments, an apartment complex and a neighborhood built with Wildland Urban Interface building codes that specifically address structural ignitability. Myth Trees are out to get me! Ashe Juniper Wildfire Myths Junipers are hazardous Junipers are invasive Junipers are water hogs western forests Junipers are more fire prone than other native species Forests dominated by Juniper should be thinned like “Cedar is a gasoline soaked rag on a stick that will burn all our homes” “Fuel management means logging style clear cutting and burning that will dry out the soil and kill our forests and habitat” “Junipers forests are fire resistive so why are we worried?” Steiner Ranch Myth The wolf can’t blow my house down, it’s made of brick What to do? National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy What are we doing? Community Awareness and Preparedness • Firewise Communities • Warn Central Texas & Ready Set Go • Urban Planning/Zoning • Coalition between COA & Travis Co. Community Wildfire Protection Plan CWPP Structure Hardening • SIZE - Structure Ignition Zone …
Economic Prosperity Commission REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:30 pm The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701. Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah called the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah, Micahel Nahas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Preston Tom, Amy Noel, Ryan Kurtz, Shayna Brown Absent: Chair Kelsey Hitchingham, Christiana Ponder, Nathan Ryan, Will Townsend Vacancy: District 3 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chase Wright speaking from Springdale Park Neighbors APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on September 21, 2022. Minutes from the 9/21/2022 meeting approved on Michael Nahas’s motion, Preston Tom’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2.Staff briefing regarding new commission members. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3.Discussion and possible action for 2023 Meeting Schedule Motion to establish 2023 calendar for third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Michael Nahas’s motion, Ryan Kurtz’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4.Update from Intercommission working group 5.Update from Joint Sustainability Commission member report 6.Update from Reproductive Health working group Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah adjourned the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting at 7:50pm. These minutes were approved at the (date) (member)’ s motion, (member) second on a (X-Y) vote.
Wastewater Billing Ordinance for Onsite Water Reuse Systems Katherine Jashinski, P.E. Supervising Engineer February 19th, 2025 Water & Wastewater Commission Agenda Intro to GoPurple and Onsite Water Reuse Options for Billing for Wastewater Wastewater Flow Factor Billing Proposed Ordinance Q&A 2 Intro to GoPurple and Onsite Water Reuse GoPurple Austin City Council Adoption on March 7th 2024 Code Changes for Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connections Affordability Strategies for Reuse Projects New community Benefit Charge increase ($0.15 per thousand gallons) to fund Reclaimed Water System expansion and Onsite Reuse programs Go Purple | AustinTexas.gov 4 Requirements for Onsite Water Reuse Systems Project Size Other Project Characteristics Required Sources 250,000 sf or greater of GFA Project has one or more commercial, multifamily or mixed use buildings Combined AC condensate and Rainwater Exception: project has four or more multifamily buildings with a FAR <1 Combined AC condensate and Rainwater Required End Uses Irrigation Toilet/urinal Cooling Tower Irrigation AC condensate Cooling Tower Less than 250,000 sf of GFA Project has a cooling tower of 100 tons or greater capacity GFA = Gross Floor Area FAR = Floor to Area Ration 5 Accounting for Wastewater Contributions from Onsite Water Reuse Systems 6 Austin Central Library: Lessons Learned 7 Considerations for Private Meters for Wastewater Billing 8 Cost to add additional metering reduces the affordability of the systems Location of private meters within buildings requires self-reporting Maintenance and calibration of meters increases workload for facility managers Manual Billing to get meter reads into Austin's billing system adds substantial workload and increases staffing needs at AW Options for Billing for Wastewater 1. Wastewater averaging 2. Gallon for gallon 3. Wastewater billing adjustments for evaporative cooling towers 4. Metered wastewater billing City Code Chapter 15-9 (Utility Regulations) City Code Specifies Current Options for Wastewater Billing 10 Metering and Billing for Existing Customers Residential Commercial ~ 95% of AW customers ~5% of AW customers Wastewater Averaging Water = Domestic meter consumption WW = Average meter consumption Nov-March Gallon for Gallon Water = Domestic + Irrigation meter consumption WW = Domestic meter consumption 11 Evaporative Loss Adjustment Program for Cooling Towers Private meter IN Approximately 120 AW customers participate These customers: • reapply every 5 years • are responsible for the ownership and maintenance of their private meters which support the cooling tower system • self …
MY ATX WATER Austin’s Smart Metering System Randi Jenkins, Assistant Director Water & Wastewater Commission February 19, 2025 AGENDA Overview Citywide Implementation Substantial Completion & System Performance Communications, Customer Interactions & Benefits Testimonials Next Steps 2 My ATX Water OVERVIEW Network Configuration My ATX Water Customer Portal Data Collection Unit Secure Wireless Network Billing and Data Analytics 3 Citywide Implementation • Pre-planning & Pilots • Exchanging 250,000+ analog meters • Customer portal for real-time water metrics, alerts, tips, and customization • What made this project different? • Reaching Customers • Interactive Map • Quality Assurance & Meter to Bill Processes 4 Reaching Customers Customer mailer (4 weeks prior to install) Email (~1 week prior to install) Neighborhood yard signs Virtual community information meetings HOA/Neighborhood Association notifications Social Media center 5 Post install welcome & available call Quality Assurance & Meter to Bill Process Quality control has been integral to success • Each My ATX Water meter is tested by manufacturer for accuracy • AW conducts additional tests on a representative sample of meters to validate accurate Each My ATX Water meter undergoes 10-step certification process after registered readings installation After installation, manual and electronic reads are conducted simultaneously through two billing cycles before switching to fully electronic reads 6 SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION & SYSTEM PERFORMANCE 7 Substantial Completion & System Performance 100% Data Collection Units operating Averaging 99.96% billable reads each month 98.86% of 258,957 meters exchanged What is left? • 623 large meters to be converted by contractor • 429 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch Turbine meters are on back order from Badger • 585 small meters require a maintenance task to complete AMI compatibility • 94 fire demand meters - hiring engineering firm to survey sites and bid a contract 8 COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS AND BENEFITS 9 Communications AW has sent 5M portal communications • drought and water conservation education, water quality report, emergency and planned events, customer surveys, and more. Weekly install and portal recruitment email open rate at ~70% (above industry average). Continued communications on the horizon are the Water Quality Report, water conservation including encouragement to customize their home water profile, budget, and rates. 10 As of 9/27, 98 open issues currently being worked As of 9/27, 4,242 issues resolved Customer Interactions 499,005 Leak & Bill Forecast Notifications since 2021 Leak Notifications in 2024 • 148,134 detected • 65% …
Seaholm Multimodal Connectivity Update February 19, 2025 1 Legend 1. Cesar Chavez Street sidewalk and trail improvements (Sandra Murida Way - San Antonio Street) 2. Trail crossings at West Avenue and Walter Seaholm Drive 3. Third Street and Power Plant Drive (West Avenue – Walter Seaholm Drive) Improved North- South Shoal Creek Trail Alignment at Third Street Improvements to the East-West Crossing of Shoal Creek at Third Street 4. 5. 2/19/2025 2 Power Plan Drive and Third Street Connectivity • Four alternative designs are being considered to improve multimodal connectivity in this area • Broad community engagement has opened to receive feedback. • Learn more at: www.publicinput.com/seaholmmobility 3 Alternative 1: Full Plaza Alternative 1 Concept - Close Power Plant Drive - Improve ramps and install concrete and sod to create a plaza for multimodal movement - Parking on 3rd St. retained 4 Alternative 2: Plaza with Back-In Angle Parking Alternative 2 Concept - Close Power Plant Drive - Improve ramps and install concrete and sod to create a plaza for multimodal movement - Back-In angle parking installed on S. curb of 3rd St. 5 Alternative 3: Trail Connection without Plaza Alternative 3 Concept - Expanded median with urban trail dividing Power Plant Dr. and 3rd St. - Parking retained on 3rd St. 6 Alternative 4: Full Plaza with Delivery Access Alternative 4 Concept - Close Power Plant Drive - Improve ramps and install concrete and sod to create a plaza for multimodal movement - Added delivery zone and ADA parking space 7 Cesar Chavez Street Shared-Use Path Construction began on the improvements in Fall 2024 and is expected to be complete in Spring 2025. 8 Improved Crossing Safety at Cesar Chavez and West/Walter Seaholm • Dynamic signs are being made and should be delivered for installation in the coming weeks. • Foundations are constructed at Walter Seaholm Drive and are currently being constructed at West Avenue 9 Next Steps • Cesar Chavez Blank Out Signs • Installation of signs • Cesar Chavez Trail Connection • Continued construction. Completion late Spring. • 3rd/West Improvements • Community engagement • Design finalization and construction • Cesar Chavez Blank Out Signs • Installation of signs • Cesar Chavez Trail Connection • Continued construction. Completion late Spring. • 3rd/West Improvements • Community engagement • Take the survey until 3/23/25 • Stop by our pop-up event 3/1/25 10am – 12pm at 3rd and West • Design …
Provide Feedback and Stay Involved Meeting Dates and Locations JAN 16 JAN 25 Lively Middle School Montopolis Rec Center 201 E Mary St. 1200 Montopolis Dr. JAN 22 Baker Center 3908 Avenue B JAN 28 UT Quadrangle Room 2308 Whitis Ave. Proposed Light Rail Timeline A public review and comment period for the DEIS will be conducted from January 10 through March 11, 2025. Comments received during this period will be addressed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. View the online public meeting information. Austin Light Rail PROGRESS UPDATE January 2025 Bridge Over Lady Bird Lake View from inside the train, crossing Lady Bird Lake. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Phase 1 is underway. This momentous transportation investment will offer an all-new transit experience, running reliably every 5 to 10 minutes to connect people to major job centers, education hubs, and iconic Austin destinations. Key progress highlights Continuing the design Recommendations to: • Add a new downtown station near Wooldridge Square. • Extend the bridge over Lady Bird Lake and elevate the Waterfront Station. • Refine station locations on East Riverside. • Advance a Greenway concept along East Riverside, featuring a continuous bike/pedestrian corridor and creating tree canopy and shade. Hitting major milestones in the federal funding process Including: Release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS is a critical step towards federal grant funding. Developing the contracting and delivery approach Including: Onboarding the Delivery Partner. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization East Riverside A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Benefits of Light Rail New Options to Get Places Easy, Reliable & Frequent Reduced Travel Times The line will integrate with cars, Light rail will have its own dedicated The line will allow riders to zip buses, trains and other modes — railway, intuitive directions, and run through the heart of Austin without giving people more choices when every 5-10 minutes — making it having to sit in traffic — significantly navigating between the core and the highly dependable and easy to use. reducing travel times to key larger metro area. Nature-forward Design An Engine for Jobs destinations. Keeps Austin Livable Shade trees, Texas plants, and new Light rail will create 10,000 jobs The line will help keep our city walk and bike paths will be integrated as a key part of city mobility accessible for …
Austin Light Rail Progress Update February 19, 2025 Austin Light Rail Benefits of Light RailBenefits of Light Rail Light Rail in Other Cities Paris, France Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Minneapolis, Minnesota Austin Light Rail Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. Facts 15 STATIONS connecting points north, south and east of downtown Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit ~28,000 DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday Access to: 136K current jobs 200K+ future jobs Artist conceptual visualization Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. EAST RIVERSIDE A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization LIGHT RAIL ON EAST RIVERSIDE Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. Artist conceptual visualization THE DRAG The station at UT on a typical game day with a redesigned and pedestrian-centric Guadalupe Street. Artist conceptual visualization OLTORF AT H-E-B The station at Congress and Oltorf near H-E-B, showing a new public plaza with shade trees and native plants. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Proposed Light Rail Timeline Environmental Analysis Topics What’s Next All comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that are received by March 11, 2025, will be responded to in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. How can you comment? Call Us | (512) 389-7590 Email Us | input@atptx.org Visit Our Virtual Open House Send Mail | 203 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701 austinlightrail.org/austinlightrailinput Ask for a presentation at input@atptx.org Thank You.
Topics Studied in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (or DEIS) provides a comprehensive analysis of Austin Light Rail in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable statutes. This handout contains summary information for key areas of interest that were identified during previous community input. Scan to access the full DEIS at atptx.org Wildlife and Water Resources What are the potential impacts on water and local wildlife? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES y Current drainage patterns will y Less than 2% overall change to y Manage lighting to avoid or minimize be maintained and will bridge impervious coverage because impacts on bats and birds during or culvert over water features the Project is largely within construction and operations. to limit disturbance. existing right-of-way. y Ensure compliance with Clean Water y No threatened or endangered y Lighting during construction Act by continuing coordination with the species or habitat will be and operations could affect the Army Corps of Engineers. impacted by the Project. bat colony and the new light rail bridge across Lady Bird Lake is in the bat flight path. y Continuing bridge design will seek to reduce impacts to water quality, plants and animals. Air Quality How would the construction and operation of light rail affect air quality? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ATP will require contractors to implement best management practices to minimize dust and emissions that might be caused by construction. During construction: y Increase in dust from construction activities. y Increase in emissions from machinery used during construction. y Temporary emissions from cars due to traffic conditions. Reduced Vehicle Miles Traveled Annually, over 20 million fewer vehicle miles will be traveled, as more people transition to the newly available transit options. No Air Emissions During Operation Light rail vehicles are electric. Austin Prioritizes Clean Air The Austin area complies with all federal air quality standards designed to protect public health. 1 Trees What will happen to trees along the light rail? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES y A tree task force y Three-tiered strategy conducted an will be applied to inventory of trees trees within the limits to determine of construction, which y Removed trees y Continuing objective is to avoid tree removals or impacts Three Tiered Strategy for Trees: the potential for includes: preservation in the Project area. 245 Protected Trees 211 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20250219-005: High Level Goals For DAP Update Recommendation WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the Downtown Commission (DTC) of the City of Austin is charged with stewarding the DAP; and WHEREAS the DTC Commissioners have received presentations concerning the central city plans of other cities similar to Austin; and WHEREAS the DTC has received a presentation from the Planning Department concerning the City’s preliminary plans for evaluating the needs of downtown both current and anticipated, drafting an updated DAP to meet those needs, and implementing the DAP once adopted; and WHEREAS the DTC DAP Working Group has communicated with other downtown stakeholders; and WHEREAS the DTC desires that the DAP update be successful, comprehensive and accomplished in a timely manner; and WHEREAS the Planning Department has presented a memo to the City Council outlining the estimated cost, scope, and preliminary timeline for the DAP Update; and WHEREAS Downtown Austin has changed significantly since the completion of the original DAP; and WHEREAS the DTC has identified certain high-level goals for the DAP Update. NOW THEREFORE we, the commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge that the early planning for and initial steps in creating the DAP Update adopt and keep in mind the following goals: For maximum efficacy, therefore, the new DAP should comprise a comprehensive 1. reconsideration of downtown rather than mere updates to the existing plan. The DAP should support the ongoing evolution of a safe, vibrant, and beautiful downtown 2. which includes increased residential population, a diversity of uses at a range of price points, including active cultural and civic uses, and which is responsive to emerging trends. Keeping in mind that municipal plans frequently exist solely as aspirations and are not 3. implemented in any effective manner or at all, and in order to ensure effective use of city resources, the DAP should specifically identify a funding mechanism for implementation and include the creation of a single city entity with sufficient authority to ensure cohesive, effective implementation of the DAP and keep the DTC informed of its progress in developing the DAP Update. The City of Austin should contract with a high-quality consultant to carry out the planning 4. and give the consultant the freedom to approach the plan and …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250219-002 Date: February 19, 2025 Subject: 2024 Annual Report on City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Second by: Mariana Krueger WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2024 Annual Report on City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake; and WHEREAS, The Annual Concession Report is created as the result of an Austin City Code provision. That ordinance states: § 8-1-73 - DEPARTMENT REPORT AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS. (A) On or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. (B) A report prepared under this section shall include: (1) the name of each concession operating in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; (2) an income and expenditure statement for each concession; (3) the total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; and (4) a statement describing any problems that are caused or created by a concession. (C) The board and the Environmental Commission may make a recommendation related to: (1) continuing an existing concession; (2) terminating an existing continuation; and (3) issuing a request for proposal for an expiring or new concession under this division. WHEREAS, City staff presented the Environmental Commission with the report in February 2025 in two separate meetings; and WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission requests Council initiate a code update to reflect the following: A.) Concessions report to the Environmental Commission shall include concessions from parks other than Lady Bird Lake, B.) Only be presented an environmental impact assessment of those concessions; and WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission requests City Council initiate the establishment of a citizen advisory commission to assist with the oversite of the concession in all CoA parks and public lands. The new Commission or committee shall include a member of the Environmental Commission, Parks Board, and other related commissions and boards; and 1 of 2 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission approves the 2024 concessions report acknowledging that staff meet the current code. We will consider the 2025 report next year, so long as it reflects the requests above and reflects the mission of this commission. Additional Recommendations: 1. Address the erosion around Lady Bird Lake and report on the revenue used from the concessions to repair the erosion. 2. Delay the implementation …
C I T Y O F A U S T I N | F e b r u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 Bond Oversight Commission Bond Oversight Commission C I T Y O F A U S T I N | F e b r u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 Bond Oversight Commission Bond Oversight Commission Our Vision Ensure efficiency, equity, timeliness, and accountability in the implementation of existing and future City bond programs. Our Goals The mayor and council shall work with the commission to set priorities and goals for each new bond issue to be submitted to the voters. The commission shall advise the council on proposed bonds and the implementation of projects approved in bond elections. Our Mission The commission shall monitor the city manager's plans relating to the issuance of bonds and the implementation of projects approved in bond elections, including the review of future potential bonds, the annual appropriation of bond funds, and any changes in the amount of bond funds issues or cash commitments made. C I T Y O F A U S T I N | F e b r u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 Bond Oversight Commission Bond Oversight Commission 2018 BOND Proposition A – Affordable Housing P r e s e n t e r : N a m e J a m e y M a y T i t l e H o u s i n g a n d C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t O f f i c e r C I T Y O F A U S T I N | F e b r u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 B o n d O v e r s i g h t C o m m i s s i o n | p g . 4 2018 BOND, PROPOSITION A Affordable Housing The issuance of $250,000,000 in tax supported general obligation bonds and notes for planning, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping affordable housing Bond Oversight Commission facilities for low income and moderate income persons and families, and acquiring land and interests in land and property necessary to do so, funding loans and …
