COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, April 4, 2022 6:30 PM Meeting Minutes Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez Board Members in Attendance: Krystal Gomez, Chair Nicole Merritt, Vice-Chair Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Board Members not in Attendance: Sara Becker Glenn Rosales Karen Reyes Staff in Attendance: Sinying Chan, Staff Liaison & Health Equity Unit Program Coordinator/Austin Public Health CALL TO ORDER 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 7, 2022; March 7, 2022 • February Minutes Approved, Kate moved to approve, motion seconded, all in favor • March Minutes Approved, Kate moved to approve, Karen seconded 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Updates from Rocio Villalobos on her work with the Equity Office i. Equity Office has been working with Austin Public Library and several other partners on creating an enhanced library card that can also serve as a photo ID. Other cities and counties have already created an enhanced library card program, including San Antonio, San Marcos, and a county in Dallas. The office of Councilman Fuentes hosted a townhall to gather feedback from the community. The feedback was that people were more interested in something more like a municipal ID than an enhanced library card. There is also a potential that the United way of Greater Austin could host the database, and could store and manage the data. They are currently looking to see which route, enhanced library card or municipal ID, would be a better option. Concerns are that a municipal ID could be used to target immigrants unlike a library card which is more common, and whether switching to a municipal ID would delay this project. ii. Naturalization ceremonies resumed March 11th. The City of Austin joined the campaign National Partnership for New Americans which is working to help two million immigrants become U.S. citizens. The Equity Office participated in a large press conference of about 300 people. The ceremony was hybrid due to weather restrictions. More ceremonies are planned. iii. The City of San Antonio and other major hubs have been experiencing a large influx of immigrant and are considering the option of having Austin receive and facilitate their travel to relieve some of the burden. Rocio will be going to San Antonio to learn more. Rocio will also be attending the Welcoming Interactive Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. B. Emi Johnson, Austin Public Library, updates …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION GRANTS COMMITTEE Friday, April 1, 2022 – 10:00 A.M. Street-Jones Building, Room 400A 1000 E. 11th Street Austin, Texas COMMISSION MEMBERS: Witt Featherston Kelly Little Blake Tollett CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers who register no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Briefing regarding legal consideration related to equity in Economic Development Department Hotel Occupancy Tax-funded programs Neal Falgoust, City of Austin Law Department STAFF BRIEFING A. 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 the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Grants Committee, please contact Elizabeth Brummett, Historic Preservation Officer, at 512-974-1264. 1
Equity Considerations in Contracts and Program Funding Historic Landmark Commission Grants Committee April 1, 2022 Neal Falgoust, Assistant City Attorney Purpose • Discuss legal risks associated with using race, gender and protected-class criteria in determining awards of contracts and program funding. 2 Why Now? • Recent federal court decisions that put race-focused programs at risk. • Law Department deliberative process. • Briefing to City Council. 3 Acknowledgement • History of intentional racial segregation – 1928 Master Plan and “Negro District.” • Oppression of BIPOC – 1954 Federal Housing Act, “urban renewal,” and seizing of Black-owned land. • City Council has committed the City to correcting its racist practices. (Resolution 20210304-067) 4 City’s Programs • As part of Project Connect, community members developed displacement mitigation strategies and an equity tool to guide decision making. (“Nothing About Us Without Us”) • EDD also wants an equity focus for the Cultural Arts and Heritage Tourism grant programs. 5 Legal Foundation • 14th Amendment – Equal Protection Clause • No government may “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” 6 “Tiered Scrutiny” • Strict Scrutiny (Race, National Origin, Religion, Alienage) – Government must demonstrate the policy is narrowly tailored to meet a compelling purpose. • Intermediate Scrutiny (Gender, Sex, Sexual Orientation?) – Government must demonstrate the policy is substantially related to an important purpose. • Rational Basis (Age, Disability, Wealth, Felony Status) – The policy must have a rational connection to a legitimate interest. 7 Strict Scrutiny Any government program that takes race into consideration faces strict scrutiny by the courts. Strict scrutiny is the most rigorous judicial review. Courts start with presumption that policy is invalid and government must prove its interests. 8 Compelling Government Interest The government must demonstrate: • actual discrimination in the relevant market, and • that the government either actively or passively perpetuated the discrimination. 9 Narrowly Tailored The government must demonstrate: • it considered other race-neutral policies; • race-neutral policies failed to achieve the compelling interest. 10 City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. • “Generalized assertions” of past racial discrimination would not justify “rigid” quotas; • 30 percent quota could not be connected to “any injury suffered by anyone;” • Race-neutral measures must be seriously considered. 11 Evidence Acceptable to a Court Disparity studies are conducted to determine if there is discrimination in the studied market and if the government is …
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 30, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Ana Aguirre (D-9) Colin Nickells (D-6) Richard Brimer (D-10) Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) _________________________________________________________________________________ Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Agenda CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 1. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Erin Wood, Planner, and Annie Van Zandt, Capital Program Consultant, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) b. Development Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Financial Forecast— Denise Lucas, Director; Angela Means, Assistant Director; Eric Ugalde, Financial Manager; David Hillers, Financial Manager; and Amy Hunter, Financial Manager, Development Services Department (1 hour) 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 before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, …
Fiscal Year 2023 – 2027 Financial Forecast Environmental Commission March 30, 2022 Presentation Overview • Development Services • Budget Process • Funding Sources • Revenue Outlook • Fee Methodology • Proposed Operating Budget • Forecasts and Measures Department and Budget Process Development Services Mission: To support a vibrant community through responsible development. Goal/ Indicator Conduct timely plan reviews and inspections Percent of DSD controlled activities on-time Protect and renew Austin’s tree canopy Percentage of Austin’s total land area covered by the tree canopy 425 Full-Time Employees 36 Temporary Employees Properly steward financial resources Percent of operating expenses held in reserve Fiscal Year 2021 Budget: $64.2M Provide excellent customer service Percentage of customers reporting satisfied or very satisfied on Customer Satisfaction Poll Development Services Office of the Director • Equity & Inclusion • Executive functions Customer & Employee Experience • Customer Experience • Finance • Human Resources • • Stakeholder & Community Engagement Information Technology Building Plan Review • Austin Center for Events • Building Plan Review Land Development Review Construction & Environmental Inspections • Community Tree Preservation • Land Use Review • Public Projects Review • Regulatory Policy & Administration • Transportation & General Permit Review • Building Inspections • Environmental Inspections • Gen. Permit, Telecom & Excvtn Inspections • Site & Subdivision Inspections Budget Process • Required by City Charter • Ensures proper spending and monitoring of taxes and fees paid by public Budget Kick-off January 2022 Budget Engagement Mar – Apr 2022 Budget Public Hearings August 2022 Budget Development Jan – Mar 2022 Budget Submitted May 2022 Budget Adoption August 2022 Funding Sources, Revenue & Fee Methodology Funding Sources FY 2022 Forecast $69.62M FY 2023 Forecast $69.59M $9.81 General Fund $7.35 Other $23.55 Development Fees $28.91 Building Safety $9.27 General Fund $6.27 Other $24.81 Development Fees $29.23 Building Safety Revenue Outlook Five-Year Revenue Forecast 3.5% 3.2% $72.03 3.3% $74.32 3.4% $76.76 $79.35 $84.00 $78.00 $72.00 $66.00 $60.00 $54.00 $69.35 $69.62 $69.59 0.4% FY21 0.0% FY22 Actuals FY20 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.5% 0.0% -0.5% FY23 FY24 FY25 Revenue Growth in % FY26 FY27 Forecast Five-Year Forecast Program FY19 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Building Safety $27.16M $27.22M $30.24M $28.91M $29.23M $30.11M $31.01M $31.95M $32.90M Development Fees $24.95M $20.92M $23.19M $23.55M $24.81M $25.91M $26.82M $27.83M $28.95M Other General Fund $5.36M $5.81M $6.88M $7.35M $6.27M $6.46M $6.65M $6.85M $7.06M $16.55M $7.54M $9.03M $9.81M $9.27M $9.55M …
SPECIAL CALLED JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT March 30th at 6pm City Hall, Council Chambers 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Audrey Barrett (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Diana Wheeler (Urban Transportation Commission) Fisayo Fadelu (Community Development Commission) Karen Magid (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Christy Williams (Water & Wastewater Commission) Alexis Taylor (Economic Prosperity Commission) Richard DePalma - (Parks & Recreation Board) David Carroll (Design Commission) Alberta Phillips (City Council) Karen Hadden (Electric Utility Commission) Solveij Praxis (Planning Commission) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please email Zach Baumer (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov). 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) February 23, 2022 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Chair Election – (Discussion and/or possible action) b) Airport fuel tank expansion presentation (Discussion and/or possible action) c) Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Update, Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability – (Discussion and/or possible action) d) JSC FY22-23 Budget Recommendations– (Discussion and/or possible action) e) Departmental presentation schedule and committee questions– (Discussion and/or possible action) f) Working Group Updates – (Discussion and/or possible action) g) Commission members report back on any relevant discussions from their respective boards and commissions – (Discussion and/or possible action) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Ongoing updates on Austin Climate Equity Plan implementation • Ongoing updates on community and climate resilience 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 additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220330 001a Date: March 30, 2022 Plan Subject: Watershed Protection Department FY 2023 Forecast and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Seconded by: Pam Thompson Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual Financial Forecast and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan; WHEREAS, the proposed FY23 Financial Forecast is estimated to be $108.3M, which reflects a 2% budget reduction from FY 2022; and WHEREAS, the FY22-FY27 Capital Improvement Program outlines WPD’s projected major improvements during the next five years based on existing funds and anticipated revenues; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection Department has provided a PowerPoint presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the FY23 operating budget and FY23-27 CIP which is included in the backup for this agenda item; and WHEREAS, the WPD has made significant strides to address its primary objectives and has critical goals and initiatives for future improvements. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Watershed Protection Department’s FY 2023 Financial Forecast and Five-Year CIP program with the following: VOTE 9-0 For: Bedford, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi 1 Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220330 001b Date: March 30, 2022 Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Subject: Development Services Department FY 2023-2027 Financial Forecast Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Development Services Department (DSD) forecast and annual operating budget; and WHEREAS, the Development Services Department operating budget for FY 2022 is proposed at $69.62M and 69.59M for FY 2023; and WHEREAS, the Development Services Department has provided a presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the funding forecast for FY 2023 through FY 2027 which is included in the backup for this agenda item. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Development Services Department’s FY 2023 through 2027 Operating Budget and Five-Year Revenue Financial Forecast. VOTE 8-1 For: Bedford, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer Against: Thompson Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 1
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20220330-2D – FY 2022-2023 Budget Recommendations The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council prioritize improving sustainability and reducing GHG emissions when allocating federal infrastructure funds. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council allocate funds for: • Outreach to the Austin business community to share information and provide tools to improve sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals and strategies in the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and • Antiracism and equity training for those involved in implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and Implementing recommendations for an alternate location for ABIA fuel tank farm; and • • Robust community engagement to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and • Each department to track and report metrics on implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and • A Community Solar subsidy, funded by the Energy Efficiency Services fee; and • Research and development of a system as part of Austin Energy Green Building program to reduce the use of toxic building materials. Date of Approval: _____March 30, 2022____________ Motion to approve (Commissioner Wheeler), second (Commissioner Praxis). Record of the vote: 7 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. Attest: Zach Baumer, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20220330-2B – Airport Jet Fuel Tank Farm THE AUSTIN JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE recommends that The City Manager be directed by Austin City Council to instruct the Department of Aviation to execute and oversee the following: • Strike authorization from the 2020 ABIA Fuel Farm EA to relocate the fuel facility to the west side of the Airport and until further authorization, limit all expansion of fuel storage to the current footprint only; Identify at least three possible alternative locations to where the fuel facility could be relocated in phase two of the implementation, not including the west side location identified as the Proposed Action in the 2020 ABIA Fuel Farm EA; • • Prepare a preliminary draft Environmental Assessment considering these possible alternative • fuel facility locations for purposes of receiving public input; Include in the EA a robust environmental justice analysis with the contribution from the City of Austin’s Equity Office and local Environmental Justice experts; • Provide for robust City of Austin-led public participation, including meaningful engagement with the affected communities, on the preliminary draft EA, and • Bring back to City Council for approval, the Proposed Action alternative, prior to publishing the EA for notice and comment pursuant to NEPA. Date of Approval: _____March 30, 2022____________ Motion to approve (Commissioner Hadden), second (Commissioner Phillips). Record of the vote: 7 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. Attest: Zach Baumer, Staff Liaison
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970, and requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions; WHEREAS, NEPA guarantees that the relevant information concerning environmental impacts will be made available to the larger audience, including the general public, that may also play a role in both the decision-making process and the implementation of that decision; WHEREAS, under NEPA, all federal agencies are to prepare detailed statements assessing the environmental impact of and alternatives to major federal actions significantly affecting the environment, and these statements are commonly referred to as Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Environmental Assessments (EA), with the possibility of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI); WHEREAS, an EA for the “Fuel Farm Improvements” at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) was published in March 2020, and a FONSI was signed on April 6, 2020; WHEREAS, the ABIA Fuel Farm EA was not posted for public notice and comment, nor did the preparers of the Fuel Farm EA seek out or receive any public comments before preparing the Fuel Farm EA, nor did they make available to the public a draft of the EA before finalizing and publishing; WHEREAS, the ABIA Fuel Farm EA considered only the No Action alternative and the Proposed Action alternative; Page 1 of 6 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 WHEREAS, the ABIA Fuel Farm EA’s Proposed Action is in two phases: (1) an expansion within the footprint of the existing fuel farm involving an additional interim fuel delivery truck offload rack and a new ground service equipment fuel service station, consisting of two, separate 10,000-gallon above ground tanks, one for diesel and one for gasoline, and (2) development of the fuel farm in on the west side of the existing runway, consisting of two 1.5-million- gallon fuel storage tanks, new offload racks, and supporting infrastructure and equipment; WHEREAS, the ABIA Fuel Tank EA’s Proposed Action specifically states that “[t]he existing fuel tanks will remain in operation until airfield improvements require them to be removed”; WHEREAS, on October 30, 2018, during a regular Council work …
Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Update March 30, 2022 1 Topics ● JSC Working Group / Ongoing Community Input ● Departmental Schedule & Questions 2 JSC Oversight implementation ● JSC will continue to function as a public v enue for B&C rev iew of departmental actions / ● JSC will continue to hav e the Implementation Working Group ● Working to increase the usefulness, functionality, and accountability driv en by the JSC – see departmental schedule & pre-defined questions ● Still need to define the Purpose / Scope of a new community input group 3 Implementation "Community Group" ● Stand-alone from the B&C System ● Similar in ways to the steering committee; made up of JSC members, citizens, and City Staff ● Allows for more flexibility and to pay community members for their time ● Must have a clearly defined purpose, not overlapping with other groups ● Hiring a consultant to facilitate 2 meetings and get the group to define audience, scope, purpose, strategy, etc. 4 Pending Questions ● Determining the role of this group ● Joint definitions of success between Staff and Community ● Who is the community? Who is the audience? What is the mechanism for action? ● Dev eloping strategies to engage different sectors of the community based on a Stakeholder Power Mapping Analysis ● Centering and adv ancing equity. This will be done through the Climate Ambassadors. ● Lev eraging support from large businesses and organizations. What is the best ● Ensuring the City implements the plan to its fullest extent is important, but how do we influence community action by businesses, organizations and indiv iduals beyond the Other means? mechanism for this? city’s purview? 6 Stakeholder Power Mapping 5 Departments, Schedule, and Questions ● We only have time for 2 briefings max per meeting ● 30 questions is not feasible– We recommend 5 as guidance / direction ● The JSC can only really ask for a presentation, not answers in writing, there's a line between gathering information to inform recommendations and creating work 7 Draft Schedule for Briefings Month Department April 2022 Economic Development / Austin Airport May 2022 Austin Resource Recovery / Innovation Office June 2022 Purchasing Office / Capital Contracting Office July 2022 Housing and Planning / Austin Public Health August 2022 Austin Water / Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program Office September 2022 Equity Office / Small and Minority Business Resources October 2022 November …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20220322-008 Resolution on City of Austin 2022-2023 Budget Recommendations Whereas in a memo dated February 2nd, Kerri Lang, City of Austin Budget Officer, requested feedback on the City’s FY 2022-23 budget from Boards and Commissions by March 31st, 2022. Whereas the Resource Management Commission would like to provide feedback and recommendations regarding certain items on the FY 2022-23 budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission has the following comments and recommendations regarding the City of Austin FY 2022-23 Budget: 1. Customer Energy Solutions (Green Building Program): Austin Energy staff are requesting “$50,000 to hire a firm to look at an existing database of hazardous materials, add to it, and develop a calculator to direct decision making for building designers based upon healthy material typology. The tool will provide the information necessary to allow a project team to identify which materials should be prioritized to maximize the long-term health benefits to building occupants.” The RMC supports this budget request, as both the RMC and Austin Energy staff are interested in exploring ways to incentivize the use of healthy materials and reduce the use of hazardous materials in building construction. The RMC recommends that the consultant work with a community advisory group assembled by the RMC and Austin Energy staff and that this process not preclude a more near-term solution to address this issue. 2. Customer Energy Solutions (Community Solar): The Resource Management Commission recommends that a Community Solar subsidy sufficient to allow for deployment of additional Community Solar installations on the local distribution grid in line with the criteria previously adopted by the RMC, funded by the Energy Efficiency Services (EES) Fee be included in Austin Energy’s FY 2023 Customer Energy Solutions budget. This subsidy will improve transparency and will enable equitable deployment of local rooftop solar. All customers pay the EES fee, which supports both energy efficiency and solar programs at Austin Energy, including residential solar rebates for those who install solar on their homes. Using some of those funds to support the Community Solar program will give renters, multifamily dwellers, lower-income and middle- income residents, those with poor credit, and those with rooftops unsuitable for solar greater ability to participate in a program that can utilize available roof space for solar. In addition to equity benefits, this reduces overall environmental impact by reducing land use for energy production …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 30, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the Permitting and Development Center (PDC) Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Commissioners attending in person: Perry Bedford Rachel Scott Kevin Ramberg Jen Bristol Colin Nickells Commissioner attending remotely: Ana Aguirre Rick Brimer Audrey Barrett Bixler Pam Thompson Commissioners absent: Haris Qureshi Staff in Attendance: Morgan Byers Kaela Champlin Katie Coyne Anupa Gharpurey David Hillers Sara Hartley Amy Hunter Rick Holloway Liz Johnston Pam Kearfott Mike Kelly Keith Mars Angela Means Jorge Morales Naomi Rotramel Eric Ugalde Annie Van Zandt Jennifer Verhulst Erin Wood 1 CALL TO ORDER Chair Ramberg called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None 1. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Erin Wood, Planner, and Annie Van Zandt, Capital Program Consultant, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) A motion to recommend Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Qureshi was absent. Chair Ramberg called a 5-minute recess at 7:26 P.M. Chair Ramberg called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. b. Development Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Financial Forecast— Denise Lucas, Director; Angela Means, Assistant Director; Eric Ugalde, Financial Manager; David Hillers, Financial Manager; and Amy Hunter, Financial Manager, Development Services Department (1 hour) A motion to recommend Development Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2023- 2027 Financial Forecast was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Qureshi was absent. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ramberg adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. 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 before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
Item 1 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MEETING MINUTES March 30, 2022 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting on March 30, 2022 via videoconferencing and at City Hall, Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:14 pm. Board Members in Attendance: Kaiba White Chair, Diana Wheeler Vice Chair, Richard DePalma, Karen Hadden, David Carroll, Solveij Rosa Praxis, Alberta Phillips, Board Members Absent or Unconfirmed: Alexis Taylor, Karen Magid, Audrey Barrett, Melissa Rothrock, Fisayo Fadelu, Christy Williams City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Phoebe Romero 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. • Dale Bula energy and transportation. • Brandi Clark Burton o Discussed the opportunity with the new Infrastructure Bill to transition to clean o Discussed the need to allocate resources to reach out to small and medium businesses in Austin regarding climate action. of Commerce. o Discussed the Good Traveler Program and the opportunity to have a regional • Scott Johnson offset program. • Amanda Carillo • Alicia Trejo o Resident of McCall Lane; opposes the proposed jet fuel tank farm, which would be 430 feet from her home. Is concerned with health problems and lack of notice. o Resident living near the proposed jet fuel tank farm; opposes the proposal. Is very concerned about her family and children, and health effects of polluted air. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) February 23, 2022 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee • Motion to approve (Commissioner Hadden), second (Commissioner Praxis). Record of the vote: 7 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Chair Election – (Discussion and/or possible action) • Commissioner DePalma nominates Commissioner White, second by Commissioner Hadden. Record of the vote: 7 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. b) Airport fuel tank expansion presentation (Discussion and/or possible action) • Overview on issue from Daniel Llanes, organizer with PODER and River Bluff Association chair • Noted parallels between Tank Farm located in the Govalle neighborhood and is concerned about the lack of notice; believes it’s a moral issue. • Organizers worked with Council Member Fuentes to draft a resolution to relocate the jet fuel tank farm. Commissioner Hadden put together a draft resolution based off Council Member Fuentes’ resolution. • Commissioner Hadden read the …
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Special Called Me Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or via telephone. Remote speakers must register in advance (March 28 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely, residents must: Call or email the board liaison at Linda Hayes at Economic Development Department, at (512-974-6282), no later than noon March 28. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS Daryl Horton, Chair (Mayor Appointee) Mueni Rudd (District 2) Cherelle Vanbrakle (District 4) Vacant (District 6) Rashida Wright (District 8) Elaina Fowler, Vice Chair (District 10) Greg Smith (ARA Appointee) Vacant (District 1) Clifford Gillard (District 3) Dr. Chiquita Eugene (District 5) Serita Fontanesi (District 7) Ellen Sweets (District 9) Quincy Dunlap (AAUL Appointee) Nelson Linder (NAACP Appointee) Roger Davis (GABC Appointee) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION, DISCUCSSION AND POSSIBILE ACTION a. Approval of FY22-23 African American Resource Advisory Commission a. Budget Recommendations 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 Linda Hayes at Economic Development Department, at (512-974-6282), for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the African American Resource Advisory Commission, please contact Linda Hayes at 512-974-6282 – lindak.hayes@austintexas.gov
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2021-0155 (Lyndhurst Rezoning) DISTRICT: 6 ADDRESS: 13424 Lyndhurst Street, 13443 N FM 620 Road North Bound ZONING FROM: GR-CO, I-SF-2 TO: CS-MU* (Please see Issues Section) TO: SITE AREA: 1.73 acres* PROPERTY OWNER: Naiser Holdings, LLC AGENT: Thrower Design LLC (A. Ron Thrower) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends GR-MU-CO, Community Commercial-Mixed Use-Conditional Overlay Combining District, zoning. The conditional overlay will prohibit the following uses on the property: Automotive Sales, Bail Bond Services, Commercial Off-Street Parking, Drop-Off Recycling Collection Facility, Exterminating Services, Off-Site Accessory Parking, Pawn Shop Services and Personal Improvement Services. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: November 16, 2021: Postponed to January 4, 2022 at the applicant's request by consent (9-0, C. Acosta-absent); H. Smith-1st, N. Barrera-Ramirez-2nd. January 4, 2022: Postponed to January 18, 2022 at the applicant's request (10-0, T. Bray – Off the Dais); A. Denkler-1st; H. Smith – 2nd. January 18, 2022: Postponed to February 15, 2022 at the applicant's request by consent (10-0, R. Woody-off the dais); H. Smith-1st, C. Acosta-2nd. February 15, 2022: Postponed to March 29, 2022 at the applicant's request by consent (9-0, C. Acosta-absent); H. Smith-1st, J. Kiolbassa-2nd. March 29, 2022: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: 1 of 43B-1 C14-2021-0155 ISSUES: 2 *On March 11, 2022, the applicant submitted a second amendment to their zoning request to revert back to their original request to zone/rezone 1.73 acres (Tracts 1 and 2) from GR-CO and I-SF-2 to CS-MU (Please see Exhibit E). In their revised application, the agents have stated that the intended use is now a Construction Sales and Services use for a proposed lawn maintenance business. On January 14, 2022, the applicant amended their request reducing the proposed zoning/ rezoning area from 1.73 acres to 1.117 acres (removing Tract 1) and revising the zoning request from I-SF-2 to GR-MU to develop an Exterminating Services use/pest control business on the property (Please see Exhibit D). CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The 1.73 acre property under consideration consists of two undeveloped lots that front onto Lyndhurst Street and North FM 620 Road. Across the street at the northeast corner of Lyndhurst Street and N. FM 620 Road, there is a former service station that is now being utilized for a lawn care company (Grassworks) and an elementary school (Forest North Elementary School). To the south, there is a multifamily development (Lakeline Square Townhomes) …
