Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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 via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department Flood Response – John Beachy, Division Manager, Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Watershed Protection Department FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department. 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2nd, 2025 and the Special Called Meeting on July 16th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2, 2025 and Special Called meeting on July 16, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Applicant: Katherine Lauer, 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340, Austin, TX, 78759 Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Council District: District 1 Staff: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 1 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: a. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a CWQZ; b. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition; c. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and d. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Eric Brown, WPD Mohamad Abdulkader, Amanda Swor, on behalf of the applicant Matt Price, Founder of RBI Liz Johnston, WPD John Clement, WPD Johnathon McGee, Garza A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. A motion to recommend the RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022- 0567C, with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted against. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 600 East Riverside Drive, located at 600 and 600 ½ East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0001 (District 9). …
Overview • Austin Flood History • Austin Flood Challenges • Flood Preparedness Strategy • Funding • Rain to River • Questions Austin Flood Challenges • Atlas 14 data shows Austin is experiencing more frequent and heavier rainfall • Austin has shallow soils and world record rainfall rates • 10% of land in Austin is in the floodplain and subject to flash flooding • More than 10,000 buildings and 400 roads are prone to flooding during a 100-year flood Flood Preparedness Strategy • Flood Mitigation • Flood Preparedness • Flood Response Flood Mitigation • Capital Improvement Projects • Floodplain & Drainage Regulations • Operations & Maintenance • Vegetation & Land Management • In-house Drainage System Upgrades Flood Preparedness • Preventative maintenance of drainage system • Pre-storm checks on critical locations • Monitor the weather for potential flooding • Coordinate with partner departments, Austin-Travis County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and Stakeholders • Communication & Engagement Flood Response • Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) • Watershed Protection Department Emergency Management Team • Department Operations Center • Flood Reconnaissance and Debris Management Flood Impacts & Response May 28, 2025 Department OPCON Level 2 • 8 low water crossing closures • 35 flooded structures • 2 WPD buildings impacted (back-up generation) • 298 Service Requests • 5 reconnaissance teams investigated areas with high intensity rainfall and met with impacted community members • Collaborated with Development Services Department to create resource documents and handouts for affected residents • 1,000 tons of debris removed from drainage system • Coordinated with Austin Resource Recovery and Transportation & Public Works for debris management • Participated in media requests to include in city-wide press conference Watershed Protection Department Operations Center (DOC) First time activated on May 29-30 for OPCON Level 2 Flood Impacts & Response July 5, 2025 Department OPCON Level 3 • 18 low water crossing closures; multiple closures for Spicewood Springs and Old Spicewood Springs • Residents trapped in between crossings on Spicewood Springs and needed rescue • 5 flooded structures • 170 Service Requests • Reconnaissance teams investigated areas with high intensity rainfall • Over 500 tons of debris removed from drainage system Investments to Date Historical Spending • Bond funds used towards 50 stormwater projects since 2001 • Total 114 flood projects have completed phases, costing approximately $567M • Funding sources include GO bonds, cash transfer from drainage charge revenue, and grants • Remaining …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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 via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2nd, 2025 and the Special Called Meeting on July 16th, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Applicant: Katherine Lauer, 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340, Austin, TX, 78759 Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Council District: District 1 Staff: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a CWQZ; 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition; 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 2, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Savannah Lee, Equity Action, Community Investment Plan Santiago, concerns on the I-35 project APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 4, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 4, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Haris’ motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut, Cofer, Fierro, and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of the Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8. Speakers: Frida Guo, Austin Water Tina Romero, Austin Water Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer Kevin Critendon, Austin Water 1 A motion to recommend the Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion Commissioner Bristol’s second on a 6–0 vote. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioners Changsut, Cofer, Fierro, and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on the Rain to River Strategic Plan – Sari Albornoz, Planner Senior, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Bristol requested an agenda item to create a working group to review on WPD’s Rain to River draft strategic plan in the fall. Commissioner Sullivan requested an agenda item on artificial turf, seconded by Chair Bristol. Interim Environmental Officer Liz Johnston said staff are working on researching the topic and offered to present in the future. Commissioner Krueger asked for an update from Austin Energy in the wake of the microburst storm, seconded by Commissioner Qureshi. Interim Environmental Officer Liz Johnston offered to share the after action report from HSEM. Chair Bristol asked for an agenda item to learn more about how projects recycled concrete and other materials during redevelopment. Chair Bristol reminded commissioners that the July 16th meeting is …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer Commissioners Absent: Haris Qureshi, Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Robert’s Rules and general commission procedures – Elizabeth Funk, Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2. Staff briefing on best practices for Environmental Commission recommendations – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2025-2026 year – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 ADJOURNMEN Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm without objection. 2
March 28, 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Katherine Lauer, P.E., GarzaEMC 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340 Austin, TX 78759 512-298-3284 klauer@garzaemc.com Variance Case Information RBI Austin Child Development Complex SP-2022-0567C 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX John Clement Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Walnut Creek Watershed Classification ☐Urban X Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 March 28, 2025 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment X Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway Water and Waste Water service to be provided by ☐ Yes X No The onsite waterway is classified as an intermediate waterway Austin Water – Wastewater SER approval The variance request is as follows (Cite code references): TITLE 25. – LAND DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 25-8. – ENVIRONMENT SUBCHAPTER A. – WATER QUALITY Request ARTICLE 7. – REQUIREMENTS IN ALL WATERSHEDS Division 1 – Waterway and Floodplain Protection Section 25-8-261(G) CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT & Section 25-8-263 FLOODPLAIN MODIFICATION Proposal is to allow grading modification and the addition of a crossing through the CWQZ and the floodplain located within the CWQZ. Existing 0 0 0% Proposed 234,614 5.386 31.4% The site is currently undeveloped grassland and 17.14 acres. The site is along the Imagine Austin Corridor with the corridor located north of the site along Loyola Lane. Per surveyed topographic data, there is an elevation change of approximately 35’ from the highest point (524’) of the site to the lowest point (477’) of the draw City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, March 28, 2025 summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) that runs east to west through the center of the site. There are three creek channels that converge on-site then flow west through the center of the property. Portions of the dry creek bed have steeper slopes. The lot has both gentle and steep slopes in …
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTOF FLOODPLAIN HEALTH 23 September 2021 Joe Farias Garza EMC 9442 Capital of Texas Highway North Austin, Texas 78759 RE: City of Austin Functional Assessment, Zone 2 — RBI at Loyola Lane Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway, Austin, Travis County, Texas HJN 21265.001 FA Dear Mr. Farias: The following provides a functional assessment of floodplain health findings from Horizon Environmental Services, Inc.’s (Horizon) field investigation conducted on 14 September 2021 for the above-referenced subject site. Horizon evaluated the subject site in accordance with the Watershed Protection Ordinance: Functional Assessment (FA) developed by the City of Austin (COA) Watershed Protection Development. The proposed project consists of development that has the potential to modify the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) adjacent to unnamed tributaries of Walnut Creek. The subject site is located near the intersection of Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway, Austin, Travis County, Texas (Figure 1). Based on the location of the proposed construction activities within the CWQZ, Zone 2 of the FA was performed. Per the FA guidance, three 100-square-meter sample plots were to be evaluated along eight Zone 2 transects (Figure 2). Horizon took several photographs and measurements using the required tools listed in the FA. The tools included a 100-meter measuring tape, a densiometer, and a soil compaction meter. The hydric nature of vegetation species was determined from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) National Wetland Plant List. Photographs from the FA are provided in Appendix A and scoring sheets for the eight transects are provided in Appendix B. 21265-001FA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1507 S Interstate 35 Austin, TX 78741-2502 (512) 328-2430 www.horizon-esi.com An LJA Company Williamson Taylor, TX Lago Vista, TX §¨¦35 £¤183 Austin, TX Lee Manor, TX Elgin, TX Travis £¤290 Belterra, TX Hays §¨¦35 Subject Site £¤183 Elroy, TX Caldwell Bastrop Bastrop, TX " "" " " " " " " " " " """" Legend " " Transect Subject Site Date: Drawn: 09/15/2021 TED HJN NO: 21265.001FA Source: OSM, 2021 Figure 1 Vicinity Map RBI at Loyola Lane Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway Austin, Travis County, Texas I 0 1,000 2,000 Feet 21265 - RBI at Loyola Lane\Graphics\21265-001FA_01A_Vicinity.mxd " T-1 " T-7 " " " " T-6 " " " T-2 T-3 " " Parkway Hills Sendero Loyola Lane Cordoba Drive T-4 T-5 " " " " " T-8 Legend " " Transect Critical …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: August 6, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Katherine Lauer 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340 Austin, TX, 78759 LOCATION: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Walnut Creek Watershed Suburban Classification Desired Development Zone 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a Critical Water Quality Zone; 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a Critical Water Quality Zone that is in good floodplain health condition; 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: Staff recommends the following conditions as shown on the provided exhibit: 1. Provide 1.55 acres of floodplain restoration 2. Provide 4.13 acres of floodplain mitigation 3. Pay $312,625.84 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund 4. Place 4.74 acres of floodplain and 3.80 acres of environmentally sensitive land into conservation easement 5. Provide 0.63 acres of wildflower meadow in detention ponds 6. Provide an additional 0.62 acres of restoration within the conservation easement, outside of the floodplain Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current code) Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) and from 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development; Yes The site proposes a baseball field, softball field, small building, associated drives & parking, and required water quality controls. The site is located along an Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Corridor, which allows a necessary crossing within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) per section 25-8-262 of Title 25 …
RBI Baseball Youth Development Complex SP-2022-0567C C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T RBI Baseball Proper ty Data • Walnut Creek Watershed • Water Supply Suburban • Wetland Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 RBI Baseball Background C u r r e n t l y u n d eve l o p e d s i t e p r o p o s i n g a b a s e b a l l / s o f t b a l l f i e l d , s m a l l b u i l d i n g, a s s o c i a t e d a c c e s s d r i ve s & p a rk i n g, a n d r e q u i r e d wa t e r q u a l i t y c o n t r o l s. • T h i s va r i a n c e w i l l a l l o w a c c e s s t o a n d d eve l o p m e n t o f t h e s o u t h e r n h a l f o f t h e s u b j e c t t r a c t s i m i l a r t o t h e o t h e r p r o p e r t i e s a l o n g t h e I m a g i n e Au s t i n C o r r i d o r. T h i s s i t e i s c o n s t r a i n e d t o t h e p r …
BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2025-0001 REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for 600 E. Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD), located at 600 and 600 ½ East Riverside Drive, within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed in District 9. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The applicant has submitted a development assessment for an approximately 1.75-acre mixed use project located on the north side of East Riverside Drive, with frontage onto Lady Bird Lake and Blunn Creek. (see Case Map – Exhibit A). The property in question is currently developed with an approximately 12,746 square foot restaurant with associated surface parking and related facilities that is zoned L-V-NP and CS-1-V-NP. It is located within the Waterfront Overlay combining district (WO), the WO Travis Heights subdistrict, and within the boundaries of the South Central Waterfront District. It is designated as “Mixed Use” on the Future Land Use Map in the South River City Neighborhood Plan. The property is located within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed, which is classified as an Urban Watershed. The proposed PUD consists of a mixed use development proposing 200 residential units and 8,000 square feet of retail/ commercial space (see Development Assessment Application Letter – Exhibit B). The proposed PUD is in an area that includes the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ). The site is defined on two sides by the primary setback areas along Lady Bird Lake and Blunn Creek; through the PUD, approximately 27,061 square feet of existing impervious cover to be removed from the CWQZ, specifically 13,890 square feet within the primary setback established along Lady Bird Lake (see PUD Land Use Plan – Exhibit C). The applicant is proposing L, Lake Commercial District, as the baseline zoning district for the PUD, with a maximum height of 200 feet. Except as requested through modifications in the PUD, the site will be subject to regulations of the Waterfront Overlay combining district. The envisioned PUD proposal will seek twenty-two modifications from Land Development Code (see Proposed Code Modifications – Exhibit D). The applicant has stated in the submittal materials that the project will meet all of the applicable Tier One PUD development standards, Tier One Additional Requirements and offer elements of superiority in six Tier 2 categories (Open Space/Parkland; Environmental/Drainage; Community Amenities; Great Streets; Accessibility; Affordability). Therefore, they have stated that the proposed PUD will result in a superior development to that which could be …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 ___Environmental Commission__ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: Annual Review and Work Plan 2024-2025 Page 2 (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste materials management; (12) …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250806-002 Date: August 6, 2025 Subject: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a Critical Water Quality Zone; • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a Critical Water Quality Zone that is in good floodplain health condition; • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Walnut Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: • Provide 1.55 acres of floodplain restoration • Provide 4.13 acres of floodplain mitigation • Pay $312,625.84 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund • Place 4.74 acres of floodplain and 3.80 acres of environmentally sensitive land into conservation easement • Provide 0.63 acres of wildflower meadow in detention ponds • Provide an additional 0.62 acres of restoration within the conservation easement, outside of the floodplain THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: • Dark Sky lighting for outdoor sport centers that also includes being on a timer that automatically goes off no later than 10:00 pm to reduce light pollution to adjacent neighborhoods. • Reduce leaching from the field as best as possible through retention structures and water quality • Utilized Blackland prairie mix in seeding along the roadway for restoration • Develop an emergency evacuation plan, with special attention given to participants who require ADA accommodation 1 VOTE 8-1 For: Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Jennifer Bristol, Martin Luecke, Annie Fierro, David Sullivan, Ashika Ganguly, and Rick Brimer Against: Mariana Krueger Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 16th, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 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. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. 2. Staff briefing on Robert’s Rules and general commission procedures – Elizabeth Funk, Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Staff briefing on best practices for Environmental Commission recommendations – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2025-2026 year – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Elizabeth 512-568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Protection Department, Funk, Watershed at For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at 512-568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov.
Roberts Rules 101 Agenda • Quick overview of the Boards and Commissions structure • Environmental Commission purview/mission • TOMA • Roberts Rules 101 • Procedural Rules • Types of items on an agenda 2 Boards and Commissions Advisory boards Sovereign Boards • Make recommendations to Council • Exercise independent authority and • Tasked with issues and concerns of the public, exploring possible options, providing feedback and recommendations to Council EX: Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission make decisions • Established by federal law, state law or City Charter • Includes Land Use Commissions: • Planning Commission • Zoning and Platting Commission 3 Environmental Commission Act in an advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. See Section 2-1-144 of the City Code for additional duties. 4 The commission shall: 1. Review all variances to requirements for water quality protection; 2. Review the monitoring of storm water runoff in developed and undeveloped areas; 3. Review the efficiency of existing and proposed structural and nonstructural water quality controls; 4. Periodically review the effectiveness of Chapter 25-4 (Subdivision); 5. Review waste treatment permits within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction; 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Review programs and policies for flood control, erosion control, and water quality; Review capital improvement projects; Review municipal utility district proposals and amendments; Review roadway plan amendments; Recommend urban runoff standards; Review the environmental elements of planned unit developments. 5 6 Watershed Protection Dept Mission Watershed Protection protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion and water pollution. See organization chart here. 7 • Community Tree Preservation • Environmental Inspection • Environmental Review See org chart here. 8 TOMA Texas Open Meetings Act • State Law states that when a quorum of a governmental body is in attendance and that body discusses public business, the meeting must follow certain guidelines • Agenda must be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting • Only subjects listed on the posted agenda be considered for that meetin • A simple majority (6 members) must be present or visible and audible (if attending online) • Avoid walking quorum and a daisy-chain quorum 9 Roberts Rules Main Motion • A motion must be made and seconded to initiate discussion on an issue posted for action Amendments • Additions that doesn’t change the meaning of …
Recommended with Conditions Finding of Facts and Conditional Approvals Presented to Environmental Commission on 7/16/2025 Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer WPD EV Commission Recommendations Application types require distinct considerations • Land Use Commission Variances = Findings of Fact • Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) = Tier 1 & Tier 2 Superiority Items • MUDs = Extraordinary Community Benefits • Restrictive Covenant Amendments = Zoning laws apply • Save Our Springs site specific amendments = No code defined considerations. Water quality impacts are most important. Land Use Commission Variances • Land Use Commission (LUC) Variances occur when either Zoning and Platting or Planning Commission must approve the variance after receiving a recommendation from Environmental Commission • Variances are necessary when a proposed project cannot comply with the Land Development Code (LDC) • Environmental variances may be requested from any code requirement in 25-8 except 25-8 Article 13 Save Our Springs • Other code sections may require different variance processes. • Ex: Zoning variances are heard by the Board of Adjustment unless otherwise described • The LDC allows certain variances to be approved administratively (staff approved) Variance Approval Process • Both staff and applicant create separate versions of the Findings of Fact – submitted as backup with each variance • EVC may accept or reject staff’s recommendations • Recommended disapprovals should have a basis in not meeting one of the findings • PC & ZAP are the Land Use Commissions (LUCs) that hear environmental variances • Cases located in a neighborhood planning area are heard by Planning Commission. All others are heard by the Zoning and Platting Commission. • LUC issues final decision. • EVC variances have no appeals. Land Use Commission Variances FINDINGS OF FACT Land Development Code § 25-8-41 § 25-8-41 LAND USE COMMISSION VARIANCES (A) It is the applicant's burden to establish that the findings described in this Section have been met. Except as provided in Subsections (B) and (C), the Land Use Commission may grant a variance from a requirement of this subchapter after determining that: (1) the requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; (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; …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer Commissioners Absent: Haris Qureshi, Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Robert’s Rules and general commission procedures – Elizabeth Funk, Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2. Staff briefing on best practices for Environmental Commission recommendations – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2025-2026 year – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 ADJOURNMEN Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm without objection. The minutes from the July 16, 2025 Special Called meeting were approved at the August 7, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7- 0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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 via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 4, 2025 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of the Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on the Rain to River Strategic Plan – Sari Albornoz, Planner Senior, Watershed Protection Department FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) …
