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) …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 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, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Craig Nazor, concerns on the Little Walnut Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Ganguly were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: 500 S Congress, C814-2024-0001 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Hendrix) Location: 500 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 Council District: District 9 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov; Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Planned Unit Development Zoning Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Sean Watson, WPD 1 Roy Wayley, Sierra Club Bobby Levenski, SOS Michael Iannacone, Related Companies Dawood Rouben, Related Companies Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, WPD Sherri Sirwatis, Planner, Planning Department Matt Yeager, TGB Partners Leslie Lilly, WPD Jonathon Ogren, Siglo Group Jonathan McKee, Garza engineers A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Cofer’s second, on a 9–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury were absent. Krueger and Ganguly were absent. A motion to recommend the 500 S Congress with conditions passed on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Ganguly were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 on Bird-Friendly Design – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Qureshi requested a presentation on the post-op of the recent storm. Liz Johnston stated that the Homeland Security office does an after-action report that we can share. Commissioner Sullivan requested commissioners share ideas for Bond projects. Commissioner Changsut requested a presentation on wildfire risk. Staff will send over the presentation recording from May. Chair Bristol asked for a presentation to learn more about recycling concrete. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the …
Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: June 25, 2025 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone In accordance with Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8, which is adopted by City Council annually as part of the annual budget adoption process, AW is providing a report of new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The financial policy, which requires certain Board and Commission review of applicable projects, reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) will be identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, and the Environmental Board. These Boards and Commissions will review growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, obtain Board and Commission and citizen input, review consistency with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, review effect on growth within the DWPZ, and make recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water's five-year capital spending plan. This summer, AW representatives will be distributing a brief report to the Commissions on the CIP projects located in the DWPZ related to the financial policy. Attachments: CIP Subprojects Summary CIP Subprojects Supplemental Information and Map 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. Austin Water Infrastructure Management Financial Policy No. 8 Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary FY26-30 CIP Plan Development Each year, as part of the City of Austin Budget approval process, Austin Water submits a plan for the capital improvements program (CIP) spending for the upcoming five-year period. Austin Water’s FY26-30 CIP Plan includes projects located across the Austin metropolitan area, including the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). In compliance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8, the capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth related projects that are located in the DWPZ are presented below for consideration by City of Austin Boards and Commissions. These projects represent improvements required to meet Austin Water standards for operability and customer service. While additional capacity may be added in accordance with current design standards, the intent of …
A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities N I T S U A F O Y T I C Project Update & Current Engagement Effort Sari Albornoz, City of Austin Watershed Protection Department 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 What is Rain to River? A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin's Creeks and Communities N I T S U A F O Y T I C Guiding Blueprint for department Evaluation framework Communication Tool 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 N I T S U A F O Y T I C What are our goals for the update? ❖ Reflect the vision and values of our community ❖ Incorporate equity, climate resilience, and population growth ❖ Be informative and accessible 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 N I T S U A F O Y T I C Priority Stakeholders ❖ Under-served groups ❖ Impacted groups ❖ Organizations with relevant expertise And reach the full Austin community! 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 What’s the Project Status? N I T S U A F O Y T I C ❖ Phase 1 (2022-2023) WHAT does the community want? ❖ Community Activation Group (Fall 2024) ❖ Phase 2 (Summer 2025) HOW should we prioritize solutions? ❖ Phase 3 (Winter 2025-6) Seek feedback on draft plan ❖ Goal: Adoption by City Council Spring 2026 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 Broad Engagement Focused Engagement • RaintoRiverATX.com • • Community Vision Survey (April 2022 – March 2023) • Yard signs at community gathering spaces W Focus groups: 5 with MEASURE, 11 with organizations A T like Austin Youth River Watch E R S H E D • Community Ambassadors conducted 1:1 interviews • $5K mini-grants to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250702-002 Date: July 2, 2025 Subject: 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. Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the City of Austin Water Utility presented and updated the Environmental Commission on new and existing growth-related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; WHEREAS, the Austin Water Utility provides adequate drinking water and reliable systems for current and future customers; and WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission requests that on the 2026 report it should reflect any water leak detection or abatement to leaks in the drinking water zone. 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 6-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Abstain: Richard Brimer Absent: Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Ashika Ganguly Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair 1
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 4, 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 May 21, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: 500 S Congress, C814-2024-0001 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Hendrix) Location: 500 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 Council District: District 9 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov; Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Planned Unit Development Zoning Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 on Bird-Friendly Design – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol 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 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 4th, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: 500 S Congress, C814-2024-0001 Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Hendrix) LOCATION: 500 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963- 2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov; Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov East Bouldin Creek and Lady Bird Lake Watersheds, Urban Watershed REQUEST: Planned Unit Development Zoning STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended with conditions. STAFF CONDITION: Development associated with C814-2024-0001, located at 500 S. Congress Ave, shall comply with the following requirements a. Section 25-8-63(C)(12) (Impervious Cover Calculations) as modified by the PUD b. Section 25-8-261 (Critical Water Quality Zone Development) as modified by the PUD c. Section 25-8-213(C) (Water Quality Control Standards) as modified by the PUD d. Comply with the City of Austin’s Green Building Program for a 2-star rating. e. Comply with the most current AEGB Light Pollution Reduction criteria available at the time of site plan f. Comply with the most current AEGB Bird Collision Deterrence criteria available at the time of site plan g. Provide water quality treatment with rainwater harvesting cisterns and rain gardens. h. Reduce site impervious cover by 5% i. Remove 8000 sqft of concrete from the CWQZ, reducing the existing impervious cover in the CWQZ from 48.2% to 20.7% j. Use natural channel design techniques as described in the DCM to enhance East Bouldin Creek k. Restore 23,000 sqft of riparian area in East Bouldin Creek by improving the site’s Functional Assessment of Floodplain Health score from “poor” or “fair” to “good” or better using both Zone 2 and Zone 3 assessments l. All riparian restoration plantings will exceed density and diversity code requirements by at least 20%, based on COA ECM 609s criteria. m. Include a minimum of 20 native plant species that attract pollinators and/or provide bird habitat n. Preserve all heritage trees; preserves 75% of the caliper inches associated with native protected size trees; and preserves 75% of all of the native caliper inches. o. Tree plantings use Central Texas seed stock native and with adequate soil volume p. Utilized rainwater harvesting to irrigate no less than 50% of the landscape areas. q. Provide an Integrated Pest Management plan and Natural Areas Management Plan at time of site plan r. Extend purple pipe (reclaimed water) to the property …
500 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) C814-2024-0001 Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection 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 500 South Congress PUD C 8 1 4 - 2 0 2 4 - 0 0 0 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 Site Information • To t a l s i t e a r e a = 6 . 4 8 a c r e s • A u s t i n F u l l P u r p o s e J u r i s d i c t i o n • • • • • • C o u n c i l D i s t r i c t 9 E a s t B o u l d i n C r e e k a n d L a d y B i r d L a k e W a t e r s h e d s, U r b a n W a t e r s h e d S o u t h S h o r e C e n t r a l D i s t r i c t W a t e r f r o n t O v e r l a y P r o p o s e d r e z o n i n g t o a l l o w f o r m i xe d u s e d e v e l o p m e n t / P U D T wo R i m r o c k C E F s s o u t h o f s i t e C r i t i c a l W a t e r Q u a l i t y Z o n e ( C W Q Z ) a n d 1 0 0 - Ye a …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury were absent. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.01 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) Location: 6505 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730 Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Amend a Planned Unit Development Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions 1 Speakers: Sean Watson, WPD Johnathon Coons, Applicant Leslie Lilly, WPD Allison __ , Kimley-Horn Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury was absent. A motion to recommend the Camelback PUD Amendment #3 with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 8–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Austin Resource Recovery’s Road to Zero Waste – Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Krueger adjourned the meeting at 7:51 pm without objection. 2
500 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) C814-2024-0001 Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection 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 500 South Congress PUD C 8 1 4- 2 0 2 4 - 0 0 0 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 Site Inf ormation • • A u s t i n F u l l P u r p o s e T o t a l s i t e a r e a = 6 . 4 8 a c r e s J u r i s d i c t i o n • • • • • • C o u n c i l D i s t r i c t 9 E a s t B o u l d i n C r e e k a n d L a d y B i r d L a k e W a t e r s h e d s , U r b a n W a t e r s h e d S o u t h S h o r e C e n t r a l D i s t r i c t W a t e r f r o n t O v e r l a y P r o p o s e d r e z o n i n g t o a l l o w f o r m i x e d u s e d e v e l o p m e n t / P U D T w o R i m r o c k C E F s s o u t h o f s i t e C r i t i c a l W a t e r Q u a l i t y Z o n e ( C W Q Z ) a n d 1 0 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250604-002 Date: June 4, 2025 Subject: 500 S Congress, C814-2024-0001 Location: 500 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 Motion by: Hanna Cofer Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning for a 6.48-acre; and WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission recognizes that the project is located within the Urban Watersheds of Lady Bird Lake and East Bouldin Creek, includes portions of the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ); and WHEREAS, The Commission acknowledges that the applicant has proposed numerous environmental enhancements and elements of superiority; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City staff recommends the PUD with numerous conditions as provided in back-up material; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Mixed-Use PUD with the following conditions: 1. Implement on-site recycling and reuse of existing concrete and other demolition materials to the extent feasible. 2. Require the use of low-intensity, shielded, dark-sky compliant lighting along the creek corridor and riparian zones. 3. Commit to certifying the riparian restoration area and adjacent natural spaces as a Texas Wildscape with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or as a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. 4. Require an additional 5% of all parking spaces be constructed with the capability to support future installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. VOTE 8-1 For: Isabella Changsut, Haris Qureshi, Martin Luecke, Justin Fleury, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, David Sullivan Against: Richard Brimer Recuse: None Absent: Mariana Krueger, Ashika Ganguly 1 Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair CONDITIONS TO BE INCLUDED FROM CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: a. Section 25-8-63(C)(12) (Impervious Cover Calculations) as modified by the PUD b. Section 25-8-261 (Critical Water Quality Zone Development) as modified by the PUD c. Section 25-8-213(C) (Water Quality Control Standards) as modified by the PUD d. Comply with the City of Austin’s Green Building Program for a 2-star rating. e. Comply with the most current AEGB Light Pollution Reduction criteria available at the time of site plan f. Comply with the most current AEGB Bird Collision Deterrence criteria available at the time of site plan g. Provide water quality treatment with rainwater harvesting cisterns and rain gardens. h. Reduce site impervious cover by 5% i. Remove 8000 sqft of concrete from the CWQZ, reducing the existing impervious cover in the CWQZ from 48.2% to 20.7% j. Use natural channel design techniques as …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 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, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Craig Nazor, concerns on the Little Walnut Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Ganguly were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: 500 S Congress, C814-2024-0001 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Hendrix) Location: 500 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 Council District: District 9 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov; Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Planned Unit Development Zoning Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Sean Watson, WPD 1 Roy Wayley, Sierra Club Bobby Levenski, SOS Michael Iannacone, Related Companies Dawood Rouben, Related Companies Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, WPD Sherri Sirwatis, Planner, Planning Department Matt Yeager, TGB Partners Leslie Lilly, WPD Jonathon Ogren, Siglo Group Jonathan McKee, Garza engineers A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Cofer’s second, on a 9–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury were absent. Krueger and Ganguly were absent. A motion to recommend the 500 S Congress with conditions passed on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Ganguly were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 on Bird-Friendly Design – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Qureshi requested a presentation on the post-op of the recent storm. Liz Johnston stated that the Homeland Security office does an after-action report that we can share. Commissioner Sullivan requested commissioners share ideas for Bond projects. Commissioner Changsut requested a presentation on wildfire risk. Staff will send over the presentation recording from May. Chair Bristol asked for a presentation to learn more about recycling concrete. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the …
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting June 2nd, 2025 at 11:30 AM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Urban Forestry Committee 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: Richard Brimer (Committee Chair) Hanna Cofer Isabella Changsut Mariana Krueger Martin Luecke 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meetings on October 10, 2024 and December 13, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion and presentation on Austin’s Heritage Tree Ordinance – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department 3. Discussion and presentation on Austin’s tree canopy and related programs – Emily King, Urban Forester, Development Services Department 4. Discussion and presentation on Ashe Juniper’s role in the Central Texas ecosystem – Lisa O-Donnell, Environmental Science Senior, Wildland Conservation, Austin Water 5. Discussion on goals and future meeting times for the Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer, Chair 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 512-568-2244, call Elizabeth Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Protection Department, Funk, Watershed at
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, December 13, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 2:34 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of October 10, 2024 The minutes from the regular meeting on October 10th, 2024 will be approved at the next meeting. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Overview of Transportation and Public Works's Urban Forestry's mission and budget – Lisa Killander, Forestry Program Manager, TPW Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Overview of Parks and Recreation's Urban Forestry Division's mission and budget – Joshua Erickson, Urban Forestry Program Manager, PARD Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 4. Discussion on Urban Forestry meeting dates for 2025 - Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair This item will be discussed at a future meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 3:11 p.m. without objection.
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Thursday, October 10, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 11:06 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 27, 2024 The minutes from the regular meeting on June 27th, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 4–0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation on 2024 Tree Preservation Report – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Staff presentation on Tree Smarts: An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations (Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual) – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, and Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr., Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair A motion to table the item passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was off dais. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 12:41 p.m. without objection.
Austin's Tree Canopy Presentation for the Urban Forestry Committee J u n e 2 0 2 5 Presentation Overview • Austin's urban forest stats • Urban forest management • Canopy cover • Additional tools Significant Benefits https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/urbanforeststats/assets/standard/AustinTX2022.pdf Urban Forest Management Development Services Parks & Recreation Public Works Austin Energy Austin Fire • Parks Forestry • PWD Forestry • Utility Forestry • Wildfire Division • Urban Forest Program • City Arborist Program Watershed Protection • Env. Resource Mgmt • Policy & Planning • Field Operations Canopy Cover Heading 41% Canopy Cover 39K Acres of new canopy needed to meet 50% canopy cover goal. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d9ba0b99c60b4b8395414a09c4533949 The City of Austin measures tree canopy every 4 years using the calculation: tree canopy area divided by land area. The canopy cover number uses the City of Austin's boundary, inclusive of full purpose, limited purpose, and extraterritorial jurisdictions in May 2023. Analysis provided by Alan Halter, IT Geospatial Analyst Senior, Development Services Department, Urban Forest Program Additional tools My City's Trees • Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis data • • Inventory statistics Summary Reports https://mct.tfs.tamu.edu/app Additional tools Tree Canopy • National tree canopy database • View tree canopy cover and land cover classes • Planning tool built-in https://hub.treesatwork.org/ Emily King Urban Forester Emily.King@AustinTexas.gov Follow Nature in the City for events, updates, job postings, and more! facebook.com/NatureCityATX instagram.com/NatureCityATX
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting June 2nd, 2025 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection 4 Land Development Code 25-8.B.1 • Prohibits removal of Protected or Heritage trees without a permit • 8"+ trees – preserve "to extent feasible" on site plan applications • Defines removal - physical removal, over pruning, or excessive root disturbance • Approval criteria for removal: • Reasonable use • Reasonable access • Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard • Variances and appeals • • Administrative rules – preservation criteria, protection Creates position of City Arborist to implement tree regulations requirements, mitigation Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design Criteria Protection (3.5.2) Mitigation (3.5.4) 3.6 - Tree Protection Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 Regulated Trees in Austin Preserved Removed/ Mitigated Must meet criteria in ECM 3.5.2 Must fall under LDC 25-8-624 Regulated Trees in Austin • Includes hackberry, Ashe juniper, invasives, hazardous trees, etc. • Certain species are designated as Heritage Trees when they reach 24” diameter (LDC 25-8-602) • Palm trees are not regulated under the COA tree ordinance. Hackberry Ash Juniper Heritage Trees in Austin • Is a tree that has a diameter of 24 inches or more, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade, and is one of the following species: • Texas Ash, Bald Cypress, American elm ,Cedar elm, Texas madrone, Bigtooth maple, All oaks, Pecan, Arizona walnut, and Eastern Black walnut • 25-8-641 – Prohibits removal unless a permit is issued and is only issued if a variance is approved under Section 25-8-642 (Administrative Variance) or 25- 8-643 (Land Use Commission Variance). • The requirements apply to trees on private and public property. • Without a variance, a damaged heritage tree may be removed that is an imminent hazard to life or property if removed within seven days of being damaged. The …
