Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 3, 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 Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Melinda Schiera Audrey Barrett Bixler Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair Ana Aguirre Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 6, 2022 (5 minutes) 1 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Update on Environmental Commission Annual Report—Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair (10 minutes) Name: Bull Creek PUD Amendment #3, Case No. C814-2009-0139.03 Applicant: David Armbrust, Armbrust & Brown Location: 5305, 5400, 5404, 5408, 5505, Paradox Cove; 4909, 4915-1/2, 4929 FM 2222 Road Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone Requests: To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (30 minutes) Name: 5709 Sam Houston Circle Boat Dock, SP-2021-0300D Applicant: Holly Gunn Location: 5709 Sam Houston Circle, Austin, Texas, 78731 Council District: District # 10 Staff: Eric Brown, Senior Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Lake Austin and Bull Creek Watersheds, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone Requests: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150- …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2022 to 6/30/2023 _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 7/1/2022 to 6/30/2023 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 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: COUNCIL DISTRICT: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: August 6, 2022 Case No. C814-2009-0139.03; Bull Creek PUD Amendment #3 Armbrust & Brown (David Armbrust) 5305, 5400, 5404, 5408, 5505, Paradox Cove; 4909, 4915-1/2, 4929 FM 2222 Road 10 Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Bull Creek/ Watersupply Suburban Watershed To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff recommended with conditions 1. This applicant completes the restoration plan prior to the conversion of the property to civic use as established by the PUD (and referenced in site plan SP-2021-0249D) such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. 2. This project shall comply with 25-8, except for the relevant code modifications included in the PUD amendment. 3. This project shall comply with the environmental superiority elements included in the PUD amendment. Bull Creek PUD 5305, 5400, 5404, 5408, 5505, Paradox Cove; 4909, 4915-1/2, 4929 FM 2222 Road C814-2009-0139.03 (PUD Amendment) Leslie Lilly Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Planned Unit Development Amendment • A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a type of site development and regulatory process established by city ordinance for a tract of land. • The Bull Creek PUD was approved by council in 2009, designating the type of development allowed for this single-family residential property. • The applicant is requesting a PUD Amendment, which includes revising the Land Use Plan (exhibit C) and Restoration plan (exhibit F) for the property. Site Conditions • Located in Full Purpose Jurisdiction • The site is located at the confluence of Bull Creek and Lake Austin • In both the Bull Creek and Lake Austin Watersheds Environmental Features • The property has both rimrock CEFs and wetland CEFs • The SW portion of the property is in the 100-year floodplain • The SW bank was impounded before 1958 • The shoreline has a fringe of large cypress trees • The southern section of the property is dominated by bermuda grass lawn with heritage pecan trees Historic Aerial 1940 Requested Code Modifications 1. 2. Section 25-8-341 modified to allow cut to exceed 4 feet (up to 8 feet) to allow for the construction of habitat pond as shown in Exhibit J of applicant back up Section 25-8-342 modified to allow fill …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET Amendment #3 DISTRICT: 10 CASE: C814-2009-0139.03 – Bull Creek PUD ZONING FROM: PUD ADDRESS: 5305, 5400, 5404, 5408, 5505 Paradox Cove; 4909, 4915-1/2, 4929 FM 2222 Road SITE AREA: 54.70 acres PROPERTY OWNER: David G. Booth, Trustee for the David Booth Revocable Trust AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (David Armbrust) TO: PUD, to change conditions of zoning CASE MANAGER: Wendy Rhoades (512-974-7719, wendy.rhoades@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant an amendment to planned unit development (PUD) district zoning as outlined in the redlined draft PUD amendment ordinance, and as shown in Exhibit C – the revised Land Use Plan, and supporting Exhibits F, J, K, N, and O. For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, please see pages 2 - 6. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: August 3, 2022: July 6, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO AUGUST 3, 2022 May 4, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE STAFF [P. BEDFORD; R. SCOTT – 2ND] (10-0) P. THOMPSON – ABSENT ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION: August 16, 2022: July 19, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO AUGUST 16, 2022 [J. BRISTOL; P. BEDFORD – 2ND] (9-0) K. RAMBERG; M. SHIERA – ABSENT [H. SMITH; D. KING – 2ND] (7-0) C. ACOSTA, N. BARRERA-RAMIREZ, A. DENKLER, R. WOODY – ABSENT June 21, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO JULY 19, 2022, BY CONSENT [H. SMITH; J. KIOLBASSA – 2ND] (11-0) C814-2009-0139.03 Page 2 May 17, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO JUNE 21, 2022, BY CONSENT [B. GREENBERG; C. THOMPSON – 2ND] (7-0) C. ACOSTA – OFF THE DAIS; J. KIOLOBASSA, H. SMITH, R. WOODY – ABSENT April 19, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO MAY 17, 2022, BY CONSENT March 1, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO APRIL 19, 2022 [J. KIOLBASSA; A. DENKLER – 2ND] (11-0) [H. SMITH; A. DENKLER – 2ND] (9-0) S. BOONE; R. WOODY – ABSENT January 18, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO MARCH 1, 2022 [H. SMITH; C. ACOSTA – 2ND] (10-0) R. WOODY – OFF THE DAIS [H. SMITH; D. KING – 2ND] (10-0) ONE VACANCY ON THE DAIS August 4, 2020: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF CITY COUNCIL ACTION: To be scheduled ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The Applicant has discussed the proposed PUD amendment with Courtyard Homeowners Association, Cat …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220803-003 Date: August 3, 2022 Subject: Case No. C814-2009-0139.03; Bull Creek Planned Unit Development Amendment #3 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting an amendment to a Planned Unit Development (PUD); WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Lake Austin and Bull Creek/ Water supply Suburban Watershed; and Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance, with conditions having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. This applicant completes the restoration plan prior to the conversion of the property to civic use as established by the PUD (and referenced in site plan SP-2021-0249D) such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. 2. This project shall comply with 25-8-261, except for the relevant code modifications included in the 3. This project shall comply with the environmental superiority elements included in the PUD PUD amendment. amendment. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Include language addressing the CEF buffer, stormwater, that was agreed upon by staff, neighborhood groups, and the applicant on August 3, 2022 so it is reflected in the PUD and site plan. 2. Include language approved by staff on August 3, 2022 prior to the Environmental Commission meeting to be included in the forthcoming site plan to address the CEF including engaging geotechnical and structural experts to design the proposed building to the highest standard of care for the preservation and protection of the CEF. 3. Include the commitment to meet with TXDOT to finalize concerns regarding the entrance and 4. Include language that was agreed upon by the neighborhood group, applicant, and staff regarding 5. Include language to agree to keep the shoreline clean of trash and provide recycling options 6. Encourage the applicant to meet with necessary parties to establish a no-wake zone. exit to the property. sound. throughout the property. VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Ramberg, Schiera, Scott, and Qureshi Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Thompson and Barrett Bixler Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220803-004 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: August 3, 2022 Subject: 5709 Sam Houston Circle Boat Dock, SP-2021-0300D Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a rimrock and seep Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Lake Austin and Bull Creek Watersheds, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, with conditions having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. All construction to occur via barge. Remove existing boat dock as specified on plans; restore disturbed areas per City Standard Specification 609S; provide wetland mitigation plantings specified on plans. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Remove invasive plant species in the disturbed area. VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Ramberg, Schiera, Scott, and Qureshi Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Thompson and Barrett Bixler Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220803-005 Date: August 3, 2022 Subject: Borders Boat Dock 1, SP-2021-0084D Motion by: Jennifer L. Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance request as follows: vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Lake Austin watershed, and Taylor Slough South Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Mitigation plantings upslope of rimrock to assist in soil stabilization. 2. Signed PG Letter for long-term stability of rimrock from new walkway. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Remove invasive plant species in the disturbed area and use native plants in restoration and planter areas. VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Ramberg, Schiera, Scott, and Qureshi Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Thompson and Barrett Bixler Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 6, 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 Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Melinda Schiera Audrey Barrett Bixler CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair Ana Aguirre Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice-Chair AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 15, 2022. (5 minutes) 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS Name: Bull Creek PUD Amendment #3, Case No. C814-2009-0139.03 Applicant: David Armbrust, Armbrust & Brown Location: 5305, 5400, 5404, 5408, 5505, Paradox Cove; 4909, 4915-1/2, 4929 FM 2222 Road Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone Requests: To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (1 hour) Name: Mercedes Benz South Austin, SP-2021-0127C Applicant: Gemsong Ryan Location: 10900 S IH 35, Austin, Texas 78748 Council District: District 5 Staff: Tunde Daramola, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Onion Creek, Suburban Watershed, Desired Development Zone Requests: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow a private driveway access point to the site through a Critical Water Quality Zone Buffer Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions (30 minutes) Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET Amendment #3 DISTRICT: 10 CASE: C814-2009-0139.03 – Bull Creek PUD ZONING FROM: PUD ADDRESS: 5305, 5400, 5404, 5408, 5505 Paradox Cove; 4909, 4915-1/2, 4929 FM 2222 Road SITE AREA: 54.70 acres PROPERTY OWNER: David G. Booth, Trustee for the David Booth Revocable Trust AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (David Armbrust) TO: PUD, to change conditions of zoning CASE MANAGER: Wendy Rhoades (512-974-7719, wendy.rhoades@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant an amendment to planned unit development (PUD) district zoning as outlined in the redlined draft PUD amendment ordinance, and as shown in Exhibit C – the revised Land Use Plan, and supporting Exhibits F, J, K, N, and O. For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, please see pages 2 - 6. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: July 6, 2022: May 4, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE STAFF [P. BEDFORD; R. SCOTT – 2ND] (10-0) P. THOMPSON – ABSENT ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION: July 19, 2022: June 21, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO JULY 19, 2022, BY CONSENT May 17, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO JUNE 21, 2022, BY CONSENT [B. GREENBERG; C. THOMPSON – 2ND] (7-0) C. ACOSTA – OFF THE DAIS; J. KIOLOBASSA, H. SMITH, R. WOODY – ABSENT [H. SMITH; J. KIOLBASSA – 2ND] (11-0) April 19, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO MAY 17, 2022, BY CONSENT [J. KIOLBASSA; A. DENKLER – 2ND] (11-0) C814-2009-0139.03 Page 2 March 1, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO APRIL 19, 2022 [H. SMITH; A. DENKLER – 2ND] (9-0) S. BOONE; R. WOODY – ABSENT January 18, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO MARCH 1, 2022 [H. SMITH; C. ACOSTA – 2ND] (10-0) R. WOODY – OFF THE DAIS [H. SMITH; D. KING – 2ND] (10-0) ONE VACANCY ON THE DAIS August 4, 2020: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF CITY COUNCIL ACTION: To be scheduled ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The Applicant has discussed the proposed PUD amendment with Courtyard Homeowners Association, Cat Mountain Homeowners Association, North West Austin Civic Association, and 2222 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (CONA). Correspondence from neighborhood groups is attached at the back of this report. The Applicant is in agreement with the Staff recommendation. EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS TO THE STAFF REPORT: Exhibits A and A-1: Zoning Map and Aerial Exhibit B: Applicant’s Summary Letter; Redlined, …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220706-003 Date: July 6, 2022 Subject: Mercedes Benz South Austin (SP-2021-0127C) Motion by: Jennifer L. Bristol RATIONALE: Seconded by: Pam Thompson WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-261 to allow a private driveway access point to the site through a Critical Water Quality Zone buffer. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Onion Creek, Suburban Watershed, and the Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met that Staff recommends this variance with the following conditions. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Increase Critical Water Quality Zone buffer averaged area to enhance overall preservation. 2. Revegetate throughout the entire Critical Water Quality Zone within the property thus maintaining the existing channel. 3. Add tree plantings in the vehicle storage lot islands. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. VOTE 9-0 Include water quality measures, including a raingarden and water quality pond. For: Bedford, Qureshi, Schott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Aguirre, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Schiera and Ramberg Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Vice Chair 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 15, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1406 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 Jackie Ramos, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 964-9366, Jacqueline.Ramos@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) Melinda Schiera (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Chair 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) 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. 2. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 1, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts—Brent Bellinger, Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) b. Update on resolution relating to environmental protections and water quality; and initiating amendments to the City Code—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee Chair), Pam Thompson, b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Haris Qureshi (member) and Richard Rachel Scott, and Colin Nickells Brimer (alternate member) Committee – Jennifer Bristol c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board –Pam Thompson, Rachel Scott, Perry Bedford, and Haris Qureshi e. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Ana Aguirre FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. ADJOURNMENT The …
The Reservoir Update - 2021 Brent Bellinger, Ph.D. Environmental Scientist Senior Watershed Protection Department June 15, 2022 2021/2022 Projects • On-going Projects • Reservoir monitoring – Austin Lakes Index (ALI) of Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Lake Walter Long • Lake Austin native plant restoration • Collaboration with TPWD fishery monitoring • Zebra Mussel monitoring • Harmful Algal Proliferation (HAP) monitoring • With added sites • New Projects mitigation • Lady Bird nutrient management toward HAP • Collaboration with UT toward sediment bedform mapping and microplastic observations Austin Lakes Index (ALI) Current reservoir condition • Water quality, sediments, aquatic vegetation generally above average • Benthic invertebrates, habitat, eutrophication generally below average ReservoirLake AustinLady Bird LakeWalter E. Long LakeScore020406080100Water qualityBenthic invertebratesAquatic vegetationSediment chemistryHabitat structureEutrophicationOverall scoreExcellentVery goodGoodMarginalPoorBadFair Temporal Trends • Although overall scores appear steady, sub-index components can have large variability Year2010201220142016201820202022Overall lakes Index020406080100Lake AustinLady Bird LakeWalter E. Long LakeExcellentVery goodVery badBadPoorMarginalFairGood2010201220142016201820202022Water quality index405060708090Year2010201220142016201820202022Invertebrate index304050607080 Re-vegetation Efforts • Macrophytes doing well in cages in both reservoirs, thriving outside of cages in LBL • Maintained existing pens in both reservoirs, added new pens to Lake Austin Zebra Mussel Populations • “Ecosystem engineers” that have altered water quality, alter food webs • For example, water clarity correlated with densities L. Austin Flow LBL Year2018201920202021#/m210100100010000Lake AustinLady BirdBig Horn Dr.Kollmeyer Dr.Oppo. CommmonsOppo. Emma LongOpp. MananaRivercrestNalleHoldsworthWalsh#/m21101001000100002018 2019 2020 2021 Red Bud WestMoPac CageRailroad BridgeBoardwalk u. I-35Snake IslandHolly Peninsula#/m2110100100010000 Harmful Algal Proliferations (HAPs) Jessica Hollis Park – 3 positives Emma Long – 0 positives Jessica Hollis Park = 0.06 ± 0.03 mg ATX/kg Walsh Ramp = 1.56 ± 3.03 mg ATX/kg Red Bud – 9 positives Walsh Ramp – 3 positives Red Bud = 0.11 ± 0.13 mg ATX/kg Aud. shores = 0.007 ± 0.013 mg ATX/kg Festival Ramp = 0.002 ± 0.004 mg ATX/kg 19.68 ± 34.53 mg CYN/kg Auditorium Shores – 3 positives Festival Beach – 3 positives Nutrient Mitigation Pilot Project • Background: We are limited in the environmental drivers of HAPs that can be effectively managed • One of the most important drivers is Phosphorus (P) • Hypothesis being tested: Reducing available sediment P will negatively impact HAP growth and toxicity • Sediments of Lady Bird Lake are very P-rich Phoslock • Toward that end, we secured a multi-year contract with SePRO to apply lanthanum- modified bentonite toward sediment P management • Phoslock utilized globally to mitigate excess P that may be released from …
Motion Sheet CM Kelly June 9th, 2022 Item 61 I motion to add the following to line 120: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is directed to come back with recommendations and considerations in the form of a memorandum of required city staff hours to initiate the completion of this resolution by September 1st, 2022.
6/9 Item 61 Water Quality CM Vela Amendment 1 - V4 Proportionate Standards for Missing Middle Housing Add the following WHEREAS: WHEREAS, small scale missing middle housing projects (projects with approximately 3 to 12 units) are required to comply with the same procedures and requirements for review of water quality protections and site plans as large scale multifamily residential projects, while single family homes are not subject to those requirements, creating an incentive for developers to build single family homes over missing middle housing to avoid water quality regulations, contributing to suburban sprawl and the housing affordability crisis. Insert the following language after line 153: The City Council directs the City Manager to account for differences in the additional cost of compliance resulting from these code amendments between single family homes, small scale missing middle projects and larger multifamily projects, so that such costs are proportionate to the scale of the project, and do not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes. Add the following BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Council initiates City Code amendments and directs the City Manager to provide recommendations for changes to the City Code to ensure that the cost of compliance with water quality, drainage, and Site Plan requirements relating to single family homes and small scale missing middle projects is proportionate to the scale of the project, and does not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes, including applying some water quality and drainage requirements to single-family development as proposed during the LDC Revision.
6/9 Item 61 Water Quality CM Vela Amendment 1 - V4 to V5 Additions Bolded Proportionate Standards for Missing Middle Housing Add the following WHEREASes: WHEREAS, small scale missing middle housing projects (projects with approximately 3 to 12 units) are required to comply with the same procedures and requirements for review of water quality protections and site plans as large scale multifamily residential projects, while single family homes are not subject to those requirements, creating an incentive for developers to build single family homes over missing middle housing to avoid water quality regulations, contributing to suburban sprawl and the housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS, a large single family home can actually have more impervious cover than a multi-unit development, and the amount of impervious cover for a project is one of the key factors affecting drainage regardless of project type and should be taken into account when evaluating water quality and drainage requirements for site plans; Insert the following language after line 153: The City Council directs the City Manager to account for differences in the additional cost of compliance resulting from these code amendments between single family homes, small scale missing middle projects and larger multifamily projects, so that such costs are proportionate to the scale of the project and the amount of impervious cover, and do not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes. Add the following BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Council initiates City Code amendments and directs the City Manager to provide recommendations for changes to the City Code to ensure that the cost of compliance with water quality, drainage, and Site Plan requirements is proportionate to the amount of impervious cover for a project, and does not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes, including applying some water quality and drainage requirements to single-family development as proposed during the LDC Revision.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, protecting our environment is the foundation for sustaining our planet, community, and economy; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s “State of Our Environment: 2020 Annual Report,” showed that creeks in the Desired Development Zone scored on average 10 points lower than those in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Drinking Water Protection Zone designation located on the west side of Austin has restricted development through regulations creating positive environmental outcomes, while the Desired Development Zone, located in Central and East Austin, has more permissive regulations that have resulted in some negative outcomes; and WHEREAS, properties located in the Desired Development Zone have more permissive development regulations with regard to the size of creek buffers, impervious cover limits, cut and fill, and construction on slopes; and WHEREAS, extensive empirical literature links exposure to nature with better health, and creeks provide city-wide opportunities to experience nature; and WHEREAS, current code allows for structures such as in-channel detention basins and concrete wastewater manholes to be placed in creeks, which can cause erosion and other severe, often long-lasting consequences that can be expensive to reverse; and WHEREAS, the City is faced with the existing and growing threat of industrial discharges that can negatively impact creeks and communities located primarily on the east side of the City of Austin; and Page 1 of 8 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 WHEREAS, there has been a steady increase in the amount of land area in Austin covered by impervious surfaces and a corresponding steady decrease in the amount of pervious land area capable of absorbing rainfall; and WHEREAS, one result of the historically high rates of development is a rise in the amount of runoff that flows off-site from developed properties and into older, undersized stormwater drain systems, creeks, rivers, and lakes, contributing to increases in flooding severity, damage to private property, loss of life, and water pollution; and WHEREAS, currently City Code allows redeveloped sites to use existing impervious cover as a baseline for drainage calculations, resulting in increased runoff and contributing to flooding and erosive flows downstream; and WHEREAS, a U.S. Geological Survey study found that using green …
