PERSIMMONS CONSTRUCTION PLAN 7051 MEADOW LAKE BOULEVARD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78744 C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Jonathan Garner Environmental Review Program Coordinator Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • 1.98 acres (gross site area) • Full-purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 2 • Desired Development Zone • Onion Creek Watershed (Suburban classification) • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Current code regulations apply 2 Persimmons Construction Plans C8-2018-0080.1B.SH Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 3 VICINITY EXHIBIT 4 5 VARIANCE REQUEST 2. To allow cut over four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway (LDC 25-8-341) 6 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PLAN 7 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PLAN 8 CUT EXHIBIT 9 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 0 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 1: The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. • Staff determination: No. Roadway construction crossing a classified waterway occurs all throughout the City of Austin utilizing methods that do not require a variance to City Code requirements. A Code compliant construction method would eliminate the need for the variance request and would not deprive the applicant of a privilege to construct a roadway crossing a classified waterway. 1 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2a: The variance is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance: • Staff determination: No. A construction method that modifies the channel margins, alters the natural flow velocity, and removes hydric soils and vegetation does not provide greater overall environmental protection than a construction method that is achievable without the variance. 2 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2b: The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property: • Staff determination: No. The amount of cut in excess of four feet required for the construction of the crossing occurs within the minimum setback of the waterway buffer and the erosion hazard zone adjacent to the classified waterway. Grading at a depth beyond that allowed by Code within these sensitive environmental areas does not constitute the minimum deviation from the code requirement. 3 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2c: The variance does not create a …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Persimmons Construction Plans C8-2019-0080.1B.SH NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Dario Octaviano, City of Austin Public Works (applicant) June Routh, Dunaway Associates (Engineer of Record) LOCATION: 7051 Meadow Lake Boulevard, Austin, TX 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department, (512) 974-1665, Jonathan.Garner@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone To cut more than four feet in depth within 100 feet of a classified waterway Staff does not recommend Staff Findings of Fact Variance to LDC 25-8-341 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Persimmons Construction Plans Request to vary 25-8-341 to allow cut of more than four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. Roadway construction crossing a classified waterway occurs all The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. No throughout the City of Austin utilizing methods that do not require a variance to City Code requirements. Denying the variance will result in the applicant selecting a different construction method; albeit potentially more expensive, yet a Code compliant construction method would not deprive the applicant of a privilege to construct a roadway crossing a classified waterway. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; No. The applicant seeks to use a construction method using three 9 ft x 4 ft box culverts with headwalls and wingwalls along the banks of the creek channel that divert and concentrate flows through the box culverts. This type of construction method narrows the channel width at the roadway crossing, adversely impacts aquatic life habitat, increases the velocity of flows coming out of the box culverts, scours the bottom of the creek channel creating a pool, and modifies downstream flow patterns. Moreover, when placing the culverts, a significant amount of the natural stream bank soils and vegetation are cut away and disposed of offsite. Although the alignment …
Pamela Abee‐Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0 5 10 Miles[ Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone May 20, 2020 2 Site Location [ May 20, 2020 3 • Country Club West Watershed • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 3 • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) in SE corner May 20, 2020 4 County Club West Creek Site Location • 4.5 acres • Wooded (Photo is leaf‐ off.) May 20, 2020 5 County Club West Creek Site Location CWQZ • 300‐foot Critical Water Quality Zone for County Club West Creek May 20, 2020 6 County Club West Creek Site Location 2‐foot contours • Average slope is 10% May 20, 2020 7 Topography: The scattered distribution of the steeper slopes, makes it impossible to develop a project of a scope appropriate to this location without variances from code. May 20, 2020 8 County Club West Creek Site Location 2‐foot contours Slopes 15%‐25% Urban Site Location Urban Suburban Location: • • • Just outside of Urban Watershed classification area. Inside Austin Transportation Department’s Urban Roadway boundary. Fronting E. Oltorf St., a Level 3 street in Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, comparable to Riverside & Lamar. May 20, 2020 9 Suburban Water Quality and Detention ponds have been moved under the driveway. Parking has been reduced from the proposed 213 spaces to 195 spaces. All parking spaces have been changed to compact spaces. Each building has been terraced. Driveways have been made steeper. By making these adjustments and buffer averaging, the applicant has been able to maximize the density of the development while Avoiding building on one of the areas of steep slopes, Preserving a wooded area, and Not developing in the CWQZ. May 20, 2020 10 1. Vary from 25‐8‐302(B)(1) to …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Vi Collina Multifamily SP-2019-0529C.SH NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Ryan Taylor Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 2401 E Oltorf St, 78741 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov. WATERSHED: Country Club West Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone REQUEST: Variance request is as follows: 1. Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes over 15 percent. 2. Vary from 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope over 15 percent. 3. Vary from 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 4. Vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. 15 percent. Page 1 of 33 Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommends the following conditions. 1. Both the water quality pond and the detention pond will be moved to underneath the driveway. 2. 22 parking spaces will be removed. 3. Impervious cover will be slightly below the allowable 60 percent. 4. Sidewalks will be reduced to 4 feet in width. 5. 17 additional trees (greater than 8 inches diameter) will be saved in the southeast corner of the site. Two additional trees will be saved in the middle of the site near E Oltorf St. 6. Applicant will commit to removing invasive trees. 7. Applicant will commit to a tree care plan for the remaining trees. 8. Landscape plan will include COA Grow Green materials. 9. Property will be built to AEGB standards, which include but are not limited to, low flow toiled fixtures; irrigation/rain sensors; native plant material; high efficiently lighting including LED for all site lighting; E-Star appliances; low VOC paints and coatings; and filtration for indoor air quality. Page 2 of 33 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Vi Collina Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes …
Vi Collina Multi Family Variance Exhibits SP-2019-0529C.SH 2401 E Oltorf St LIST OF EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 01 – IMAGERY EXHIBIT EXHIBIT 02 – EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY EXHIBIT 03 – SITE PLAN AND CONTEXT MAP EXHIBIT 04 – ENVIRONMENTAL EXHIBIT 05 – IMPERVIOUS COVER AND SLOPE MAP EXHIBIT 06 – CUT AND FILL MAP kimley-horn.com 2600 Via Fortuna, Terrace I, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78746 512 646 2237 Page 1 of 11 1234Vi Collina Multifamily2401 E Oltorf StImagery ExhibitOLTORF STDOUGLAS STWILLOW CREEK DRNN.T.S.Page 2 of 11 PHOTO 1Page 3 of 11 PHOTO 2TREES SAVED IN THE CWQZPage 4 of 11 PHOTO 3TREES SAVED IN THE CWQZPage 5 of 11 PHOTO 4Page 6 of 11 . R D K E E R W C O W R O L L I 0 7 ' . . W LOT 1 NEWINN PROPERTIES INC. (0308060202) ZONING: CS1CO; GR USE: COMMERCIAL EAST OLTORF STREET 90' R.O.W. AS SHOWN ON V.87/P(S).110B-110C C 0 1 1 - B 0 1 1 . ) S ( P / 7 8 . V N O N W O H S S A . . W O R . ' 0 6 T E E R T S S A L G U O D LOT 1 WILLOW CREEK COMMERCIAL, SECTION II (0307050902) VOL. 87, PGS. 110B-C, P.R.T.C.T. ZONING: MF-6-CO USE: COMMERCIAL DOUGLAS STREET LANDINGS, LTD VOL. 13062, PG. 219, O.P.R.T.C.T. AREA: 10.99 ACRES (0309060701) ZONING: MF-1 USE: MULTI-FAMILY LOT 1 WILLOW BEND II ADDITION (0308060106) VOL. 83, PG. 184B P.R.T.C.T. ZONING: MF-3-CO USE: MULTI-FAMILY 00 40' 80' GRAPHIC SCALE 40' I G N T S X E I Y H P A R G O P O T I I T B H X E A N I L L O C I V Y L I M A F T L U M I T S F R O T L O E 1 0 4 2 S A X E T , Y T N U O C S V A R T I , N I I T S U A SHEET NUMBER EXH-02 SP-2019-0529C.SH Page 7 of 11 C 0 1 1 - B 0 1 1 . ) S ( P / 7 8 . V N O N W O H S S A . . W O R . ' 0 6 T E E R T S S A L G U O …
Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting May 20, 2020 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to be held May 20, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (May 19, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 20, 2020 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at Joshua Robinson at 512-974-9006 no later than noon, (May 19, 2020). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to joshua.robinson@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Regular Meeting – May 20, 2020 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING BOARD MEMBERS: Vince Cobalis, Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, Kirk Yoshida, Molly Wang, Peter Chao, Sarah Chen, Catherina Conte, Debasree DasGupta, Nguyen Stanton, Kavita Radhakrishnan, Ketan Patel, Shubhada Saxena, Kuo Yang, and Hanna Huang MEETING CALL TO ORDER: 3:00 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Consider approval of minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQOLAC) meeting on February 18, 2020 and April 10, 2020. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Workgroup Reports 1. AARC Workgroup 2. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup 3. Arts & Culture Workgroup 4. Human Resources Workgroup 5. Business Planning Workgroup b. Joint Inclusion Committee (Commissioner Stanton) Budget timeline/process c. Follow-up Items: 1. Update on AARC Masterplan 2. Update on the AARC Bridge 3. Results from prior Mini-Grant awards 4. Current status of City Budget process and …
Austin Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision May 20, 2020 Goals of this Revision Process Overview & Schedule Agenda 01 02 03 04 Equity Tool Next Steps We are Changing the Earth’s Climate Warming over 2℃ could be catastrophic to life on earth The City’s Commitment to Equity Racial equity is the condition when race no longer predicts a person’s quality of life outcomes in our community Our Commitment to Climate Equity Climate Change Racial Equity Eliminate the use of fossil fuels for energy & transportation Energy efficiency Renewable energy Less dependence on cars Electric vehicles • • • • • More trees & natural spaces • Healthier consumer choices Health Affordability Accessibility Cultural Preservation Community Capacity Just Transition Accountability Eliminate disparities that can be predicted by race Safety for all at all times • • No disproportionate economic outcomes Fair access to services for all Inclusive participation in our city Positive health outcomes for all Embrace culture & difference • • • • Why Equity and Climate? ● Climate change affects everyone, but doesn’t impact all communities equally ● The systems that exploit the environment also exploit people ● Communities of color have wisdom and lived experience ● Designing solutions for those that need them the most will benefit everyone If we’re not proactively addressing equity, we’re perpetuating injustice Goals of this Revision 2015 Community Climate Plan Electricity & Natural Gas Transportation & Land Use Materials & Waste Management 130+ actions 2017 Travis County Carbon Footprint 12.5 million metric tons carbon dioxide-equivalent Industrial Processes Goals of this Revision 2019 Climate Policy Directives January May August Process Overview and Schedule A Plan Among Plans 5 Plan Sections: • Sustainable Buildings • Transportation Electrification • Transportation & Land Use • Natural Systems • Consumption Water Forward Plan Austin Energy Generation Plan CapMetro - Project Connect Land Use Code Revision Zero Waste Master Plan Austin Community Climate Plan Austin Strategic Mobility Plan & Smart Mobility Roadmap Process Overview and Schedule Large Institutions Working Group Steering Committee Transportation Electrification AG Transportation & Land Use AG Sustainable Buildings AG Consumption AG Natural Systems AG Community Climate Ambassadors Process Overview and Schedule Equity-focused Engagement Equity Tool Evaluating Equity Our strategies must prioritize low income communities and communities of color in these ways: Health — Improving mental and physical health. Affordability — Lowering and stabilizing living costs. Accessibility — Increasing access to opportunities, transportation and a healthy …
Recommendations on Austin Energy Procurement of Utility-Enabled Distributed Solar and Program Design for Underserved Customers March 10, 2020 The Access to Solar Working Group supports the creation of a utility-enabled distributed solar program and urges Austin Energy to move forward with implementation without delay. The Resource Management Commission created an Access to Solar Working Group to develop recommendations for how best to expand access to solar for customers who are low-income, renters, live in multifamily housing or are otherwise underserved by existing solar programs. Austin Energy assembled a Utility Enabled Rooftop Solar for Underserved Markets team, which included two members of the Resource Management Commission, to participate in the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) e-Lab Forge workshop on September 16-18, 2019. Following the workshop, these two teams merged and met twice more to develop specific criteria for selecting host sites and program development. These recommendations are the result of consensus from that collective group. The working group recommends that Austin Energy issue an RFP that allows developers to select host sites for Power Purchase Agreements. The working group recommends the following criteria related to project selection: ● Minimum qualifications for proposed projects: ○ If proposing ground mount installation(s), provide evidence that solar is the Highest and Best use for the site ○ Utilize local workforce (at least 80% of workers reside in 5 county Central Texas ○ Developer covers costs from (including) the transformer to the point of generation ○ Meet federal requirement for end of life for solar panels ● Preferred criteria for proposed projects (When proposals are economically competitive Austin Energy will use these criteria to determine highest value.): ○ Low-income customers, renters and/or nonprofit organizations receive monetary ○ Faster development timeline ○ Prefer inclusion of MBE/WBE companies ○ Participating in local workforce development and/or diversity and inclusion ○ End of life plan for recycling solar panels ○ Demonstrable policy or approach to reduce systems’ life cycle environmental ○ Provide tangible benefits (in addition to monetary) to low-income/underserved communities region) benefit program impact The working group recommends the following criteria be used to develop the energy user side of the program: ● Subscription model ● Provide cost savings for lower-income customers (200% of federal poverty level and below) ● Extra outreach to renters ahead of program opening for subscriptions
AARC Workgroup meeting for the AAQoL Friday, May 15, 12:00pm -1:00 pm In attendance: Vince Cobalis, Sona Shah, Schiller Liao, Kirk Yoshida, Debasree DasGupta. Discussion on the AARC Phase 11 Master plan A request was made by CPRP director Kimberly Mcneely to delay the Commission support letter for a CMAR project to the city Council meeting scheduled for May 21st. Shared use of the adjacent Rutherford campus with the AARC campus would require a site review which has already been delayed. Also, there is a possibility for an EDA funding that could help supplement the AARC plan. Kimberly is trying to identify someone from PARD who could explore this opportunity. Schiller Liao spoke about the funding received from EDA towards construction of the AARC and will be looking for the application proposal from 2001 Sona to follow up on it as well. Use of the adjacent campus would reduce parking requirements at the AARC campus, however it would require changes made to the original design. An architect has not been selected yet. Sona to check on Christina Bies on how the timeline could be affected. Updates from the Center by Sona: Some of the programs need to be adjusted given the current situation. The senior program cannot be started until a vaccine for COVID becomes available. The Meals on Wheels contract is still ongoing. Any available resources are being shared with the seniors Events held when the Center reopens need to be adjusted according to spacing guidelines. Summer camps have not yet been cancelled but parents are being notified about the uncertainty. Refunds might have to be made. Developing virtual programs about racial issues and mental health. Exhibits are not being put up and the deadline for Call for Artists is being extended. Request to Commissioners for ideas for additional programs etc. Budget: There have been some budget cuts this year, however they have been able to allocate funds for a new projector the Center needed. Savings from the Senior meals program is being used towards translation and interpretation services.
Organization Project Description allgo’s QPOC Health and Healing Symposium will create a vital opportunity for Queer People of Color (QPOC) to connect to and benefit from culturally specific health and wellness information, resources, services, and practitioners, addressing the structural barriers that create significant health disparities for QPOC. Free health screenings: blood pressure, sugar/diabetes, HIV/STI testing; workshops: mental health, nutrition, wellness, harm reduction; and healing services: acupuncture, massage, y allgo In 2020, Austin Bat Cave’s (ABC) East Side onsite after- school program (East Side) will provide free one-on-one and small-group creative writing, tutoring, and homework instruction to 60 students from low-income families on the east side of Austin. We will serve 30 students each semester: 15 students from nearby Blackshear Elementary and 15 from Kealing Middle School. We will employ a 1:5 tutor-student ratio and our instructors will help students complete homework and learn the writing process. Austin Bat Cave Impact on Equity Research and experience demonstrate that culturally specific approaches are necessary to interrupt the ways that systemic racism, heterosexism, and transphobia impede full participation in the benefits of health and wellness services and increase the allostatic load for those bearing the brunt of these oppressions. Through this project, QPOC will be able to create meaningful connections with local QPOC health and wellness practitioners while also receiving direct health services and current culturally specific research based health and wellness information that will have long lasting benefits and lead to life changing outcomes. With approximately 72 percent of students from our partner schools at-risk and 83 percent economically disadvantaged, ABC programs address an accessibility gap in Austin, which was named the most economically segregated major metro area in the U.S. (Badger, 2015). Our mission is to empower young voices and to create educational opportunities for those who have experienced marginalization due to economic status or identity-based discrimination and create an inclusive arts community. Youth arts education programs like ABC’s have been proven to be the most significant predictor of future arts creation and arts attendance (NEA, February 2011). In 2020, 60 under-served youth will participate in the East Side program. East Side creates a safe space and positive learning environment for youth during the high crime after- school hours, thus keeping our community safer, and sparks in our students a lifelong pursuit of arts experiences and creation. Outcome Areas Impacted Funding Amount Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Culture and Lifelong Learning; Health …
5/12/2020 email from PARD Director Kimberley McNeeley to AAQOL Chair Vince Cobalis Good Afternoon‐ Thank you for talking with me yesterday regarding the upcoming Council Agenda Item associated with the Construction Manager at Risk Project Management Request. As we discussed, bringing this item forward will likely also bring with it some questions about the progress associated with the recent Council Resolution related to looking at the adjacent property and the AARC property more holistically to determine shared use and even highest and best uses. In speaking to my colleagues, I know that the site review (as directed in the resolution) is delayed and will likely take a few more months. Additionally, I have been informed there may be EDA funding that can help supplement the AARC project. I contacted the Economic Development Department regarding the opportunity. More time is needed to determine if the project meets the appropriate criteria for consideration. This exploration and application process will likely not be complete by the May 21st Council Meeting. With all that being said, it is my hope you and the Commission will support PARD’s plan to delay going to Council. A delay will allow for the site review timeline to be confirmed/communicated and allow PARD to participate in the EDA funding exploration. This would mean PARD would postpone the item until later in June. Also, based upon our conversation about the master plan, if you have any additional feedback about the phases, Phase I‐the theater space in particular (other than a real desire to take advantage of share parking between the two sites) I welcome your feedback. I can be reached at 512‐974‐6722 if you’d like to discuss further. Best Regards, Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP, Director 512‐974‐6722
Brief Overview about Language Access Support from Austin Police Department and Communications & Public Information Office Richard Guajardo (Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department) Houmma Garba (Language Access Consultant, Communications & Public Information Office) Mei Fung (Asian Community Liaison, Austin Police Department) Austin Police Department When APD staff or police officers encounter someone who speaks a language other than English or Spanish, how do they identify the language need and provide translation and/or interpretation services? What kind of training do police officers receive for interacting with Asian communities? Communications & Public Information Office “iSpeak Austin” How do citizens learn about language access availability and how to use it? Austin Police Department and Communications & Public Information Office What can the Commission do to help support the Asian community about the language access availability from the city? Q & A
M E M O R A N D U M Austin Police Department Office of the Chief Spencer Cronk, City Manager Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager Brian Manley, Chief of Police April 29, 2020 Preliminary Response to the Tatum Investigation TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: ______________________________________________________________________________ The Austin Police Department remains committed to working within our department, as well as within the community, to address the issues brought forward in the Tatum Law Independent Investigation in a collaborative and solution-based approach. It is important that we maintain the trust we have within the community and department and build trust in those areas where it is lacking. We will make all necessary changes to ensure our employees have a work environment and culture that promotes equity, fairness, and frees them from concerns of retaliation. The Department has put forth significant effort as an agency in the area of unconscious bias and racial and cultural sensitivity training, and we see the report as an opportunity to implement additional measures to ensure we are solidly on the path to improving as a Department. Our immediate and long-term actions will address the findings raised in the report, including: Institutional racism and sexism ▪ ▪ Fear of retaliation ▪ Doubts that substantive change would transpire ▪ File management and record retention ▪ Personnel management and training ▪ ▪ Equipment policies ▪ Implicit bias and racial/cultural sensitivity Internal Affairs investigations Departmental Culture, Fear of Retaliation, and Substantive Change While the report highlighted clear cultural issues in need of attention, we have work to do to determine the breadth and scope of the issues, which is essential for developing actionable strategies to effectively address the problems. Accordingly, APD leadership has already taken the following steps: ▪ Held meetings with the respective presidents of the Austin Police Association, Austin Police Women’s Association, Amigos in Azul, Texas Peace Officers Association, and the Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association to better understand the concerns of their membership and discuss the path forward. All were willing to work together on these issues. ▪ Prior to the Tatum report being issued, APD was already working with the Equity Office on an equity assessment and had met with Joyce James, CEO and owner of Joyce James Consulting. Ms. James previously led the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and, in that role, she addressed issues …
Proclamation Be it known that Whereas, Austin residents who trace their ancestry to Asia and the Pacific Islands have contributed much to the City with their talents and hard work; these residents speak many languages, honor countless traditions and practice different faiths, but they are bound by a shared commitment to freedom and liberty, while the diversity among Asian/Pacific Americans adds to the cultural fabric of our society; and, Whereas, The Asian and Pacific Islander Community in Austin is the fastest growing demographic group, doubling roughly every twelve years comprising of approximately 8% of the City of Austin's population; and, Whereas, During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month we celebrate Austin’s AAPI communities by honoring the many contributions they’ve made over the years to our city’s culture and economy; and Whereas, In the wake of COVID‐19, AAPI communities are experiencing fear and anxiety as more and more hate crimes against their community are reported; and Whereas, The Asian American Quality of Life Commission was created in 2014 to represent the growing Asian and Pacific Islander Community in the City of Austin and brings this proclamation forward today; and Whereas, It is critical that we stand together as one Austin, now, more than ever; Now, Therefore, I, Steve Adler, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, do hereby proclaim May 2020 As Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in Austin. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Austin to be affixed this 1st Day of May in the Year Two Thousand Nineteen _____________________________________________ Steve Adler, Mayor, City of Austin
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-005a Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water (AW) Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in AW’s 5-year capital spending plan as required by AW Financial Policy #8. Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, Austin Water Utility presentation and update on new growth-related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Austin Water Utility provides adequate drinking water and reliable systems for current and future customers. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the request for inclusion of the CIP projects in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending budget. VOTE 11-0 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006a Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360, SP-2019-0417D Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet in depth and not more than 8 feet; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommend the variance with conditions having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variance from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet and not more than 8 feet with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Preserve the following trees next to the hammer head turnaround, the water quality pond, and the water tank: #524 Cedar; #525 Cedar; #526 Cedar; #527 Cedar and #534 Cedar; and 2. Re-vegetate all disturbed areas including the staging and storage area near the Buckman Mountain Road with City Standard Specification 604S.6 Native Grass and Forb Seeding. VOTE 11-0 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006b Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Persimmons Construction Plans, C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff does not recommend the variance having determined the findings of fact have not been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends denial of the requested variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. For: Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: Creel Abstain: None Recuse: None VOTE 9-1 Absent: Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006c Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Vi Collina Multifamily, SP-2019-0529C.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance to: 1. Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes over 15 percent. 2. Vary from 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope over 15 percent. 3. Vary from 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. 4. Vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends these variances with conditions, having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the four requested variances from LDC 25-8-302(B)(1), 25-8-302(A)(2), 25-8-341 and 25-8-342 as detailed above with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Both the water quality pond and the detention pond will be moved to underneath the driveway. 2. 3. 4. 22 parking spaces will be removed. Impervious cover will be slightly below the allowable 60 percent. 17 additional trees (greater than 8 inches diameter) will be saved in the southeast corner of the site. Two additional trees will be saved in the middle of the site near E Oltorf St. 5. Applicant will commit to removing invasive trees. 6. Applicant will commit to a tree care plan for the remaining trees. 7. 8. Landscape plan will include COA Grow Green materials. Property will be built to AEGB standards, which include but are not limited to, low flow toilet fixtures; irrigation/rain sensors; native plant material; high efficiency lighting including LED for all site lighting; E‐Star appliances; low VOC paints and coatings; and filtration for indoor air quality. 1 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None VOTE 10-0 Absent: Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
