Environmental Commission Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Meeting to be held with Social Distancing Modifications. See agenda for details.
Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 20, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held May 20, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, May 19, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 20, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 2. 3. 4. 5. Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 20, 2020 1:00 P.M. To 2:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Katie Coyne (D-6) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mayor) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. None ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discussion and recommendation of 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—Aurora Pizano, Financial Manager II, Austin Water (15 minutes) 2 6. b. Update on Austin Community Climate Plan—Zach Baumer, Climate Protection Manager, Celine Rendon, Community …
Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Greg Meszaros, Director, Austin Water Date: March 25, 2020 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Waters (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). This ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and as part of the 2020 annual budget process, AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised 2013 Financial Policy No. 8 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, Environmental Board, Planning Commission, and the Zoning and Platting Commission. 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 Utility’s 5-year capital spending plans. 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 Projects Summary CIP Projects 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 Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary Financial Policy No. 8 FY21-25 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 FY21- 25 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 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360 SP-2019-0417D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Gray Engineering, Inc. LOCATION: 5418-1/2 Buckman Mountain Road, Austin, TX 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: N/a ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services, 512-974-2067, hank.marley@austintexas.gov Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow for cut that exceeds four in depth and not more than 8 feet. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: SP-2019-0417D Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360 Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: For cut (LDC 25-8-341) exceeding 4 feet in depth in the Drinking Water Protection Zone Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes Many water supply corporations, municipal utility districts and public utility districts in the area are obligated to expand water storage capacity to meet the needs of their customer base in a known geographical region that they are mandated by the state to service. Therefore, not granting the variance would deprive the owner a privilege available to owners of similarly situated properties. 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; Yes The Loop 360 Water Supply Corporation is required to provide an additional 300,000 gallons of storage to its customers. The proposed water storage tank is designed to be connected to and support the existing tank that sits on the adjacent easement. The adjacent tank has an overflow elevation of 870 feet. Therefore, the proposed tank will also have an overflow elevation of 870 feet as it will be filled simultaneously by the same water pumps used for the existing tank. The cut in excess of four feet is needed so that the required 300,000 gallons of water storage is contained under …
ADDITIONAL 300K GROUND WATER STORAGE TANK IMPROVEMENTS 360 5418 ½ BUCKMAN MOUNTAIN RD. AUSTIN, TX 78746 SP-2019-0417D Hank Marley Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • 10.013 acres (gross site area) • Lake Austin Watershed • Water Supply Rural • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Austin ETJ • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Current code regulations apply 2 SP-2019-0417D Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360 Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0 5 10 Miles[ 3 Vicinity Exhibit N 4 Existing conditions 5 Existing Conditions 6 Proposed Site Plan Enlargement 7 VARIANCE REQUEST 1. To allow cut to exceed four feet in depth (LDC 25-8-341) 8 Grading Plan 9 Cut Exhibit 0 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-341) 1 1 Findings of Fact LDC 25-8-341 • 1: The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. • Staff determination: Yes. Many water supply corporations, municipal utility districts and public utility districts in the area are obligated to expand water storage capacity to meet the needs of their customer base in a known geographical region that they are mandated by the state to service. Therefore, not granting the variance would deprive the owner a privilege available to owners of similarly situated properties. 2 1 Findings of Fact LDC 25-8-341 • 2a: The variance is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance: • Staff determination: Yes. The Loop 360 Water Supply Corporation is required to provide an additional 300,000 gallons of storage to its customers. The proposed water storage tank is designed to be connected to and support the existing tank that sits on the adjacent easement. The adjacent …
PERSIMMONS CONSTRUCTION PLAN 7051 MEADOW LAKE BOULEVARD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78744 C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Jonathan Garner Environmental Review Program Coordinator Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • 1.98 acres (gross site area) • Full-purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 2 • Desired Development Zone • Onion Creek Watershed (Suburban classification) • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Current code regulations apply 2 Persimmons Construction Plans C8-2018-0080.1B.SH Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 3 VICINITY EXHIBIT 4 5 VARIANCE REQUEST 2. To allow cut over four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway (LDC 25-8-341) 6 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PLAN 7 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PLAN 8 CUT EXHIBIT 9 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 0 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 1: The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. • Staff determination: No. Roadway construction crossing a classified waterway occurs all throughout the City of Austin utilizing methods that do not require a variance to City Code requirements. A Code compliant construction method would eliminate the need for the variance request and would not deprive the applicant of a privilege to construct a roadway crossing a classified waterway. 1 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2a: The variance is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance: • Staff determination: No. A construction method that modifies the channel margins, alters the natural flow velocity, and removes hydric soils and vegetation does not provide greater overall environmental protection than a construction method that is achievable without the variance. 2 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2b: The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property: • Staff determination: No. The amount of cut in excess of four feet required for the construction of the crossing occurs within the minimum setback of the waterway buffer and the erosion hazard zone adjacent to the classified waterway. Grading at a depth beyond that allowed by Code within these sensitive environmental areas does not constitute the minimum deviation from the code requirement. 3 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2c: The variance does not create a …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Persimmons Construction Plans C8-2019-0080.1B.SH NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Dario Octaviano, City of Austin Public Works (applicant) June Routh, Dunaway Associates (Engineer of Record) LOCATION: 7051 Meadow Lake Boulevard, Austin, TX 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department, (512) 974-1665, Jonathan.Garner@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone To cut more than four feet in depth within 100 feet of a classified waterway Staff does not recommend Staff Findings of Fact Variance to LDC 25-8-341 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Persimmons Construction Plans Request to vary 25-8-341 to allow cut of more than four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. Roadway construction crossing a classified waterway occurs all The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. No throughout the City of Austin utilizing methods that do not require a variance to City Code requirements. Denying the variance will result in the applicant selecting a different construction method; albeit potentially more expensive, yet a Code compliant construction method would not deprive the applicant of a privilege to construct a roadway crossing a classified waterway. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; No. The applicant seeks to use a construction method using three 9 ft x 4 ft box culverts with headwalls and wingwalls along the banks of the creek channel that divert and concentrate flows through the box culverts. This type of construction method narrows the channel width at the roadway crossing, adversely impacts aquatic life habitat, increases the velocity of flows coming out of the box culverts, scours the bottom of the creek channel creating a pool, and modifies downstream flow patterns. Moreover, when placing the culverts, a significant amount of the natural stream bank soils and vegetation are cut away and disposed of offsite. Although the alignment …
Pamela Abee‐Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0 5 10 Miles[ Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone May 20, 2020 2 Site Location [ May 20, 2020 3 • Country Club West Watershed • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 3 • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) in SE corner May 20, 2020 4 County Club West Creek Site Location • 4.5 acres • Wooded (Photo is leaf‐ off.) May 20, 2020 5 County Club West Creek Site Location CWQZ • 300‐foot Critical Water Quality Zone for County Club West Creek May 20, 2020 6 County Club West Creek Site Location 2‐foot contours • Average slope is 10% May 20, 2020 7 Topography: The scattered distribution of the steeper slopes, makes it impossible to develop a project of a scope appropriate to this location without variances from code. May 20, 2020 8 County Club West Creek Site Location 2‐foot contours Slopes 15%‐25% Urban Site Location Urban Suburban Location: • • • Just outside of Urban Watershed classification area. Inside Austin Transportation Department’s Urban Roadway boundary. Fronting E. Oltorf St., a Level 3 street in Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, comparable to Riverside & Lamar. May 20, 2020 9 Suburban Water Quality and Detention ponds have been moved under the driveway. Parking has been reduced from the proposed 213 spaces to 195 spaces. All parking spaces have been changed to compact spaces. Each building has been terraced. Driveways have been made steeper. By making these adjustments and buffer averaging, the applicant has been able to maximize the density of the development while Avoiding building on one of the areas of steep slopes, Preserving a wooded area, and Not developing in the CWQZ. May 20, 2020 10 1. Vary from 25‐8‐302(B)(1) to …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Vi Collina Multifamily SP-2019-0529C.SH NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Ryan Taylor Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 2401 E Oltorf St, 78741 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov. WATERSHED: Country Club West Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone REQUEST: Variance request is as follows: 1. Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes over 15 percent. 2. Vary from 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope over 15 percent. 3. Vary from 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 4. Vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. 15 percent. Page 1 of 33 Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommends the following conditions. 1. Both the water quality pond and the detention pond will be moved to underneath the driveway. 2. 22 parking spaces will be removed. 3. Impervious cover will be slightly below the allowable 60 percent. 4. Sidewalks will be reduced to 4 feet in width. 5. 17 additional trees (greater than 8 inches diameter) will be saved in the southeast corner of the site. Two additional trees will be saved in the middle of the site near E Oltorf St. 6. Applicant will commit to removing invasive trees. 7. Applicant will commit to a tree care plan for the remaining trees. 8. Landscape plan will include COA Grow Green materials. 9. Property will be built to AEGB standards, which include but are not limited to, low flow toiled fixtures; irrigation/rain sensors; native plant material; high efficiently lighting including LED for all site lighting; E-Star appliances; low VOC paints and coatings; and filtration for indoor air quality. Page 2 of 33 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Vi Collina Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes …
Vi Collina Multi Family Variance Exhibits SP-2019-0529C.SH 2401 E Oltorf St LIST OF EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 01 – IMAGERY EXHIBIT EXHIBIT 02 – EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY EXHIBIT 03 – SITE PLAN AND CONTEXT MAP EXHIBIT 04 – ENVIRONMENTAL EXHIBIT 05 – IMPERVIOUS COVER AND SLOPE MAP EXHIBIT 06 – CUT AND FILL MAP kimley-horn.com 2600 Via Fortuna, Terrace I, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78746 512 646 2237 Page 1 of 11 1234Vi Collina Multifamily2401 E Oltorf StImagery ExhibitOLTORF STDOUGLAS STWILLOW CREEK DRNN.T.S.Page 2 of 11 PHOTO 1Page 3 of 11 PHOTO 2TREES SAVED IN THE CWQZPage 4 of 11 PHOTO 3TREES SAVED IN THE CWQZPage 5 of 11 PHOTO 4Page 6 of 11 . R D K E E R W C O W R O L L I 0 7 ' . . W LOT 1 NEWINN PROPERTIES INC. (0308060202) ZONING: CS1CO; GR USE: COMMERCIAL EAST OLTORF STREET 90' R.O.W. AS SHOWN ON V.87/P(S).110B-110C C 0 1 1 - B 0 1 1 . ) S ( P / 7 8 . V N O N W O H S S A . . W O R . ' 0 6 T E E R T S S A L G U O D LOT 1 WILLOW CREEK COMMERCIAL, SECTION II (0307050902) VOL. 87, PGS. 110B-C, P.R.T.C.T. ZONING: MF-6-CO USE: COMMERCIAL DOUGLAS STREET LANDINGS, LTD VOL. 13062, PG. 219, O.P.R.T.C.T. AREA: 10.99 ACRES (0309060701) ZONING: MF-1 USE: MULTI-FAMILY LOT 1 WILLOW BEND II ADDITION (0308060106) VOL. 83, PG. 184B P.R.T.C.T. ZONING: MF-3-CO USE: MULTI-FAMILY 00 40' 80' GRAPHIC SCALE 40' I G N T S X E I Y H P A R G O P O T I I T B H X E A N I L L O C I V Y L I M A F T L U M I T S F R O T L O E 1 0 4 2 S A X E T , Y T N U O C S V A R T I , N I I T S U A SHEET NUMBER EXH-02 SP-2019-0529C.SH Page 7 of 11 C 0 1 1 - B 0 1 1 . ) S ( P / 7 8 . V N O N W O H S S A . . W O R . ' 0 6 T E E R T S S A L G U O …
Austin Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision May 20, 2020 Goals of this Revision Process Overview & Schedule Agenda 01 02 03 04 Equity Tool Next Steps We are Changing the Earth’s Climate Warming over 2℃ could be catastrophic to life on earth The City’s Commitment to Equity Racial equity is the condition when race no longer predicts a person’s quality of life outcomes in our community Our Commitment to Climate Equity Climate Change Racial Equity Eliminate the use of fossil fuels for energy & transportation Energy efficiency Renewable energy Less dependence on cars Electric vehicles • • • • • More trees & natural spaces • Healthier consumer choices Health Affordability Accessibility Cultural Preservation Community Capacity Just Transition Accountability Eliminate disparities that can be predicted by race Safety for all at all times • • No disproportionate economic outcomes Fair access to services for all Inclusive participation in our city Positive health outcomes for all Embrace culture & difference • • • • Why Equity and Climate? ● Climate change affects everyone, but doesn’t impact all communities equally ● The systems that exploit the environment also exploit people ● Communities of color have wisdom and lived experience ● Designing solutions for those that need them the most will benefit everyone If we’re not proactively addressing equity, we’re perpetuating injustice Goals of this Revision 2015 Community Climate Plan Electricity & Natural Gas Transportation & Land Use Materials & Waste Management 130+ actions 2017 Travis County Carbon Footprint 12.5 million metric tons carbon dioxide-equivalent Industrial Processes Goals of this Revision 2019 Climate Policy Directives January May August Process Overview and Schedule A Plan Among Plans 5 Plan Sections: • Sustainable Buildings • Transportation Electrification • Transportation & Land Use • Natural Systems • Consumption Water Forward Plan Austin Energy Generation Plan CapMetro - Project Connect Land Use Code Revision Zero Waste Master Plan Austin Community Climate Plan Austin Strategic Mobility Plan & Smart Mobility Roadmap Process Overview and Schedule Large Institutions Working Group Steering Committee Transportation Electrification AG Transportation & Land Use AG Sustainable Buildings AG Consumption AG Natural Systems AG Community Climate Ambassadors Process Overview and Schedule Equity-focused Engagement Equity Tool Evaluating Equity Our strategies must prioritize low income communities and communities of color in these ways: Health — Improving mental and physical health. Affordability — Lowering and stabilizing living costs. Accessibility — Increasing access to opportunities, transportation and a healthy …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-005a Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water (AW) Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in AW’s 5-year capital spending plan as required by AW Financial Policy #8. Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, Austin Water Utility presentation and update on new growth-related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Austin Water Utility provides adequate drinking water and reliable systems for current and future customers. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the request for inclusion of the CIP projects in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending budget. VOTE 11-0 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006a Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360, SP-2019-0417D Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet in depth and not more than 8 feet; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommend the variance with conditions having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variance from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet and not more than 8 feet with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Preserve the following trees next to the hammer head turnaround, the water quality pond, and the water tank: #524 Cedar; #525 Cedar; #526 Cedar; #527 Cedar and #534 Cedar; and 2. Re-vegetate all disturbed areas including the staging and storage area near the Buckman Mountain Road with City Standard Specification 604S.6 Native Grass and Forb Seeding. VOTE 11-0 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006b Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Persimmons Construction Plans, C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff does not recommend the variance having determined the findings of fact have not been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends denial of the requested variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. For: Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: Creel Abstain: None Recuse: None VOTE 9-1 Absent: Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006c Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Vi Collina Multifamily, SP-2019-0529C.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance to: 1. Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes over 15 percent. 2. Vary from 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope over 15 percent. 3. Vary from 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. 4. Vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends these variances with conditions, having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the four requested variances from LDC 25-8-302(B)(1), 25-8-302(A)(2), 25-8-341 and 25-8-342 as detailed above with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Both the water quality pond and the detention pond will be moved to underneath the driveway. 2. 3. 4. 22 parking spaces will be removed. Impervious cover will be slightly below the allowable 60 percent. 17 additional trees (greater than 8 inches diameter) will be saved in the southeast corner of the site. Two additional trees will be saved in the middle of the site near E Oltorf St. 5. Applicant will commit to removing invasive trees. 6. Applicant will commit to a tree care plan for the remaining trees. 7. 8. Landscape plan will include COA Grow Green materials. Property will be built to AEGB standards, which include but are not limited to, low flow toilet fixtures; irrigation/rain sensors; native plant material; high efficiency lighting including LED for all site lighting; E‐Star appliances; low VOC paints and coatings; and filtration for indoor air quality. 1 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None VOTE 10-0 Absent: Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
2. 3. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 20, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Ryan Nill Mary Ann Neely Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Perry Bedford Commissioners Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Jonathan Garner Chris Herrington Hank Marley Atha Phillips Aurora Pizano CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 1. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. None STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None 1 5. 6. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discussion and recommendation of 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—Aurora Pizano, Financial Manager II, Austin Water (15 minutes) A motion to recommend Austin Water’s 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 was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 11-0 vote. b. Update on Austin Community Climate Plan—Zach Baumer, Climate Protection Manager, Celine Rendon, Community Engagement Specialist, and Phoebe Romero, Environmental Program Coordinator, Office of Sustainability (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360, SP-2019-0417D Applicant: Gray Engineering, Inc. Watershed: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Location: 5418-1/2 Buckman Mountain Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Staff: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet in depth and not more than 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. (15 minutes) A motion to recommend approval of the requested variance with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 11-0 vote. b. Name: Persimmons Construction Plans, C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Applicant: Dario Octaviano, City of Austin Public Works (Applicant) Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone June Routh, Dunaway Associates …
