Environmental Commission Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Remote meeting to be held with social distancing modifications. See agenda for details.
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting January 20, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held January 20, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (January 19, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the January 20, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time 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. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission FECHA de la reunion (20 de enero de 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (19 de enero de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
RESOLUTION NO. 20200917-017 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: Council adopts the City's Legislative Program for the 87 th Texas Legislative Session as set forth in the attached Exhibit A. ADOPTED: September 17,2020 ATTEST:?1/ / J U Jannette S. Goodall City Clerk Page 1 of 1 Placeholder: City of Austin skyline CITY OF AUSTIN 2021 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 87TH LEGISLATURE MAYOR & COUNCIL Message fronn the Mayor: The City of Austin looks forward to working with the 87th Legislature to best meet the needs and concerns of Austin residents. In this program you will find the City of Austin's 2021 State Legislative Agenda approved by our City Council. The result of an inclusive process, we believe that this agenda best represents the needs and concerns of Austin residents. It is our intent that this agenda guide our city staff, in coordination with our strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents. We look forward to working together on policies that make Texas, and Texas cities, greater. Mayor Steve Adler Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza, District 2 Natasha Harper-Madison, District 1 Sabino "Pio" Renteria, District 3 Greg Casar, District 4 Ann Kitchen, District 5 Jimmy Flannigan, District 6 Leslie Pool, District 7 Paige Ellis, District 8 Kathie Tovo, District 9 Alison Alter, District 10 City Manager Spencer Cronk PLACEHOLDER: COUNCIL PICTURE 11Page PLACEHOLDER: GRAPHIC ABOUT AUSTIN AUSTIN AT A GLANCE 21Pa<re2-1 PLACEHOLDER: TEXAS CAPITOL GENERAL LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES The City of Austin's 87th State Legislative Agenda reflects the City's priorities for efficient and cost-effective government services that foster Austin's prosperity, sustainability, and safety. The City of Austin supports legislation that enhances City services, reduces the cost of providing services, prioritizes a prosperous business climate, and improves the quality of life for its residents. The City of Austin opposes legislation that strips Austin residents of their right to self-governance, increases taxpayer costs for City services that residents rely on, undermines the principle of home rule, negatively affects the City's financial ability to act in the best interest of its residents, or imposes on Austin taxpayers the burden of paying for State mandates or collecting revenues for the State. To that end, the City has adopted certain legislative priorities and authorizes the City Manager and the City's professional Intergovernmental Relations team to protect interests critical to preserving the principle …
ALLEGRO PARMER 4001 W. PARMER LN AUSTIN, TX 78727 SP-2019-0170C Kristy Nguyen Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 PROPERTY DATA • 3.97 acres (gross site area) • Full Purpose • Desired Development Zone • Walnut Creek (Suburban classification) • Located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features • Current code regulations apply 2 SP-2019-0170C Allegro Parmer Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone N 3 VARIANCE REQUEST - To allow development in a Critical Water Quality Zone (LDC 25-8-261) 4 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 5 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) …the Land Use Commission may grant a variance after determining that: • 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. The property is within a commercial subdivision, surrounded by similar development and zoning. Additionally, a majority of the site is within the critical water quality zone and has been extensively disturbed through previously permitted development to construct a parking lot and a water quality and detention pond. Without a variance to LDC 25-8-261, the applicant is deprived of the privilege to redevelop this property such that the property would likely remain in its existing condition as an unutilized parking lot. 6 PROPERTY LOCATION CWQZ 7 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) …the Land Use Commission may grant a variance after determining that: • 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 uplands of the property are confined to existing easements that serve the commercial subdivision. Furthermore, a majority of the site (approximately 2.7 ac of 3.97 ac) is within a critical water quality zone. For these reasons, options to develop the site are infeasible without necessitating a variance to LDC 25-8-261. Additionally, previously permitted development within the inner half of the critical water quality zone, including the undersized water quality and detention pond, will be decommissioned and restored to City Standard Specification 609.S. The proposed water quality and detention pond will be located further away from the creek centerline and outside of the inner half of the critical water quality zone, providing greater overall …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: 01/20/21 Allegro Parmer, SP-2019-0170C Michele Rogerson Lynch LOCATION: 4001 W. Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78727 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 7 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Kristy Nguyen, Environmental Review Specialist, Sr., Development Services Department, 512-974-3035, Kristy.Nguyen@austintexas.gov Walnut Creek, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow construction in a critical water quality zone Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. 1) Fully dismantle the existing water quality and detention pond, including pond appurtenances and underdrains, and provide restoration in accordance to the City’s 609.S standards and specifications; 2) Clean up debris and trash along the portion of Yett Branch creek located at the southern property boundary of the commercial subdivision; and 3) Design the fire lane turnaround within the CWQZ in accordance with ECM 1.6.7 to reduce pollutant load and impervious cover. Staff Findings of Fact and Exhibits Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Allegro Parmer, SP-2019-0170C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: LDC 25-8-261 to allow development within a critical water quality 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: The property is within a commercial subdivision, surrounded by similar 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 development and zoning. Additionally, a majority of the site is within the critical water quality zone and has been extensively disturbed through previously permitted development to construct a parking lot and a water quality and detention pond. Without a variance to LDC 25-8-261, the applicant is deprived of the privilege to redevelop this property such that the property would likely remain in its existing condition as an unutilized parking lot. 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 uplands of the property are confined to existing easements that serve the commercial subdivision. Furthermore, a majority of the site (approximately 2.7 ac of 3.97 ac) is within a …
3336 Mount Bonnell Drive SP-2020-0274D Radmon Rice Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department Property Data • Lake Austin and Huck’s Slough Watersheds • Water Supply suburban • Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 10 January 2017 Lake drawdown, spring flow with boat dock visible. Background • • • Boat dock on the lake Near two springs Previous LUC variance granted for rimrock and spring on north side of site • Moving dock north of springs Code reference •Title 25 – Land Development Code, Chapter 25-8-281(C)(2)(b). Variance Request Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow construction within 150-foot of Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffers. Variance Recommendation Finding of Facts have been met. Staff recommends the Approval of this variance. Questions?
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: Jan. 20th, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 3336 Mount Bonnell Road SP-2020-0274D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Caitlin Kuglen Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 3336 Mount Bonnell Road Austin, TX 78731 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District # 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Radmon Rice, Environmental Scientist Watershed Protection Department, 512.974.3429, radmon.rice@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Lake Austin and Huck’s Slough watersheds, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a spring Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). Staff recommends this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Remove existing boat dock and access path as specified on plans; restore disturbed areas per City Standard Specification 609S. Staff Findings of Fact Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name & Case Number: 3336 Mount Bonnell Road Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) - To allow construction within 150 feet of a Spring Critical Environmental Features (CEF) . 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. A variance from 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) allowing for construction of a boat dock and shoreline access has been granted for similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. No disturbance of the spring CEFs is proposed. The springs were observed during a drawdown of Lake Austin by Watershed Protection Department staff and currently have no expression above the surface of the water. The new location of the dock is preferential as it has removed the dock from the area between the two springs which was described by staff in their notes as a spring horizon, which is multiple outlets of spring flow along an area. b) Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; Yes. The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement to …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET 2nd Amendment DISTRICT: 2 TO: PUD, to change conditions of zoning CASE: C814-04-0187.02.SH – Goodnight Ranch PUD - ZONING FROM: PUD; I-SF-2 ADDRESS: East side of Old Lockhart Road between Nuckols Crossing Road and Capitol View Drive SITE AREA: 695.53 acres PROPERTY OWNERS: Austin Goodnight Ranch, L.P.; MVE Venture, Ltd.; Benchmark Land Development, Inc. (Terry Mitchell) AGENT: Austin Goodnight Ranch, L.P. (Myra Goepp); Alice Glasco Consulting (Alice Glasco) 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 shown in the proposed revised ordinance and Land Use Plan as provided in Exhibits B-1, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J, and Attachment B. For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, see pages 3, 4 and 5. The Restrictive Covenant includes all recommendations listed in the Transportation Impact Analysis Memo, dated January 4, 2021, as provided in Attachment A. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD: June 23, 2020: RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AN AMENDMENT TO THE GOODNIGHT RANCH PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AS IT PERTAINS TO PARKLAND [A. DICARLO; N. RINALDI – 2ND] (10-0). VICE-CHAIR R. FARASAT – OFF THE DAIS. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: January 20, 2021: ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION: February 2, 2021: April 21, 2020: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF, BY CONSENT [H. SMITH; J. DUNCAN – 2ND] (10-0) ONE VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION C814-04-0187.02.SH Page 2 November 5, 2019: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF, BY CONSENT [H. SMITH; B. EVANS – 2ND] (9-0) J. DUNCAN – ABSENT; ONE VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION May 21, 2019: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF, BY CONSENT [J. DUNCAN; E. RAY – 2ND] (9-0) N. BARRERA-RAMIREZ – ABSENT; ONE VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION December 4, 2018: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF, BY CONSENT [B. EVANS; D. BREITHAUPT – 2ND] (9-0) J. DUNCAN; N. BARRERA-RAMIREZ – ABSENT June 19, 2018: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF, BY CONSENT [B. EVANS; D. BREITHAUPT – 2ND] (9-0) Y. FLORES; A. TATKOW – ABSENT January 2, 2018: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF, BY CONSENT [B. EVAN; J. DUNCAN – 2ND] (7-0) D. BREITHAUPT, Y. FLORES, S. LAVANI, A. TATKOW – ABSENT July 18, 2017: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY APPLICANT, BY CONSENT [S. LAVANI; A. DENKLER-2ND] (9-0) Y. FLORES – ABSENT [A. DENKLER; A. …
Thaxton Road d. s R Bluff g prin S Nuckols Crossing 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Undeveloped portions of the PUD served by existing water quality ponds shall comply with 2006 Watershed Protection regulations. Wet ponds may be used as water quality control measures for the PUD. Channel construction shall comply with PUD standards. Native vegetation, including herbaceous and woody species, will be incorporated as part of the channel revegetation design. The trail shall be aligned such that a 1-foot freeboard from the 100-year floodplain is provided. No concrete shall be allowed in the CWQZ (including armoring), except for sidewalks/trails in the outer half of the CWQZ. Owner: Austin Goodnight Ranch, L.P. 610 W. 5th Street, Ste. 601 Austin, TX 78701 512.472.7455 MVE Venture, Ltd. 4504 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78745 512.455.1471 Benchmark Land Development, Inc. 610 W. 5th STreet, Ste. 601 Austin, TX 78701 512.472.7455 Agent: Austin Goodnight Ranch, L.P. 610 W. 5th Street, Ste. 601 Austin, TX 78701 512.472.7455 Land Planner: TBG Partners 1705 Guadalupe Street, Ste. 500 Austin, TX 78701 512.327.1011 www.tbgpartners.com Engineer: LandDev Consulting, LLC 4201 W. Parmer Lane, Suite C-100 Austin, Texas 78727 512.872.6696 www.landdevconsulting.com Revised: July 07, 2020 February 28, 2006 Case Number: C814-04-0187.SH e n a Grelle L n nsio xte uture E F d. y R alle nt V asa Ple N u c k ols Crossing O l d L o c k h a Slaughter Lane r t H w y . 10.57 ac CEF-1 11.02 ac 207.71’ CEF-2 and Proposed Setback d n R heryl Lyn C d a o w R a h s d B r a O l d L o c k h a r t H w y . MAP KEY Existing 100 Yr Floodplain Proposed 100 year Atlas 14 Floodplain /CWQZ (11.02 ac) COA CWQZ (10.57 ac) Wetland Wetland Setback 15-25% slope 25-35% slope > 35% slope CEF-4 and Proposed 100’ Setback Onion Creek Metro Park d a o n R axto Th Vertex Blvd. Slaughter Lane 6.90 ac 4.01 ac 109.28’ CEF-3 and Proposed Setback Width e w Driv pitol Vie a C Environmental Summary: Contour Interval: 2 ft Topography Source: LIDAR 100 year floodplain source: LandDev Consulting, LLC 0% - 15% - 15% - 25% - 25% -35% - Over 35% - Total Acreage - 693.73 Acres 1.40 Acres 0.30 Acres 0.10 Acres 695.53 Acres Goodnight Ranch PUD PUD Environmental …
Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department BLUE BLUFF AT WILDHORSE RANCH 10621 BLUE BLUFF RD C8-2020-0033 PROJECT LOCATION 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. 0510Miles[ PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek Watershed • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Critical Water Quality Zone & Water Quality Transition Zone • Council District 1 [ DEVELOPMENT DATA • Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance • Wildhorse Planned Unit Development Agreement (PUD) • The PUD requires buffers for waterways draining 64-320 ac.: • CWQZ (boundary coincides with the 100-year floodplain, except that the minimum width is 50’ from centerline) • WQTZ (50’) • Waterway buffers: • Major waterway buffer for Gilleland Creek • Minor waterway for tributary of Gilleland Creek (per PUD) • Slopes > 15% VARIANCE REQUEST • Vary from 25-8-341 to cut to 15 feet • Vary from 25-8-342 to fill to 15 feet FINDINGS OF FACT (1) Blue Bluff Rd. Buffers & Floodplain (1) The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; ✓Grading variances have been deemed appropriate under similar development circumstances for sites with multiple constraints. Constraints of this site include pronounced changes in elevation, an adjacent existing roadway to which the development must connect, and the fact that approximately one third of the property consists of creek buffers, floodplain, & greenways. Greenways Property line [ FINDINGS OF FACT (2)(A) (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; ✓The site elevation drops off to the east of existing Blue Bluff Rd., making it a challenge to meet Transportation Criteria Manual vertical roadway design criteria and to provide for accessible routes and crossings in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: January 20, 2021 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Blue Bluff at Wildhorse Ranch C8-2020-0033 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Kevin Burks, P.E., Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 10621 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX, 78653 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior, DSD 512.974.1879 pamela.abee-taulli@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut over 4 feet to 15 feet and 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15 feet. Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. The Applicant will protect three natural, unclassified drainages. These small waterways with less than 64 acres of drainage will be preserved in a natural state with foot-path trails for pedestrian access to the Critical Water Quality Zone buffers for an unnamed tributary of Gilleland Creek and for Gilleland Creek. Development within these drainage areas will be limited to park amenities such as trails and trail appurtenances (buildings and parking will not be allowed). Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Blue Bluff at Wildhorse Ranch Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance and Ordinance 20020214-028 Vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut over 4 feet to 15 feet and Variance Request: 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15 feet. 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 development circumstances for sites with multiple constraints. Constraints of this site include pronounced changes in elevation, an adjacent existing roadway to which the development must connect, and the fact that approximately one third of the property consists of creek buffers, floodplain, & greenways. Grading variances have been deemed appropriate under similar 2. The variance: a) Yes 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; The site elevation drops off to the east of existing Blue Bluff Rd., making it a challenge to meet Transportation Criteria Manual vertical roadway design criteria and …
Good Night Ranch PUD Second Amendment C814-04-0187.02.SH Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone North I-35 Slaughter Lane Onion Creek Watershed Rinard Creek Watershed Marble Creek Watershed Site Location North I-35 Slaughter Lane Area south of Slaughter Lane is the focus of the second amendment. Background: • 695.53 acres • Onion Creek and Marble Creek Watersheds Smart Housing Development • • PUD proposes a mix of uses • Amendment #2 shuffles uses and adds housing units • Amendment #2 redesigned site layout Total: 129 acres North Land Use Plan North Environmental Features Proposed Critical Water Quality Zone Site Location North Environmental Code Modifications 1. 25-8-92: Critical Water Quality Zone Established 2. 25-8-281: Critical Environmental Features 3. 25-8-392: Impervious Cover in Uplands Recommended with the following conditions: 1. PUD will provide a minimum of 129 acres of Open Space. 2. Impervious cover on the portion of the PUD south of Slaughter Lane will be capped at 67% gross site area. 3. The critical water quality zone will be reconstructed per Exhibit D and D-1. 4. Restore the creek and wetland buffers per Exhibit D and D-1. Questions? Contact Information: Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office (512) 974-2132 Atha.Phillips@austintexas.gov
87TH STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer TEXAS LEGISLATURE INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON CITIES Total Bills Introduced Total Bills Passed City‐Related bills introduced City‐Related bills passed Year 76th‐1999 77th‐2001 78th‐2003 79th‐2005 80th‐2007 81st‐2009 82nd‐2011 83rd‐2013 84th‐2015 85th – 2017 5,813 5,612 5,633 5,512 6,241 7,464 5,938 5,950 6,476 6,800 1,622 1,601 1,384 1,389 1,481 1,459 1,379 1,437 1,329 1,208 1,230+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,500+ 1,500+ 1,900+ 1,900+ 2,500+ 86th – 2019 7,324 1,429 2,300+ 130+ 150+ 110+ 105+ 120+ 120+ 160+ 220+ 220+ 294 338 • 54 % more City- related bills were passed between 2015 and 2019 • 182 % more City – related bills were passed between 2009 and 2019 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 2 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: IGRO ROLE In the 86th session • 3,970 Bills/JR’s were filed in last 10 business days before filing deadline, March 8th. (54%). • 7,324 bills read and analyzed by IGRO. • Over 2,500 bills were determined by IGRO to affect cities. • 1,296 Bills/JR’s required analysis/action by departments and IGRO. 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 3 TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: GOVERNOR ABBOTT "As opposed to the state having to take multiple rifle- shot approaches at overriding local regulations, I think a broad-based law by the state of Texas that says across the board, the state is going to pre-empt local regulations, is a superior approach“ * – Governor Greg Abbott, March 21, 2017 *Source: “Abbott wants "broad‐based law" that pre‐empts local regulations” Texas Tribune, March 21, 2017 Governor Greg Abbott in 2017 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 4 TREND: ANTI-CITY LEGISLATION: POST 85TH SPECIAL SESSION "Our cities are still controlled by Democrats…And where do we have all our problems in America? Not at the state level run by Republicans, but in our cities that are mostly controlled by Democrat mayors and Democrat city council men and women. That's where you see liberal policies. That's where you see high taxes. That's where you see street crime." * -Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, 2017 *Source: “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames city governments for "all our problems in America" Texas Tribune, AUG. 4, 2017 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 5 Lt Governor Dan Patrick in 2016. Photo by Gage Skidmore. TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: POST 86TH SESSION “Any mayor, county judge that was dumb ass enough to come meet with me, I told them with great clarity, my goal is for this to be the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210120 002c Subject: City of Austin’s 87th State Legislative Agenda Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero Date: January 20, 2021 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; WHEREAS, a majority of voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape, and continually improve upon the policies of the City and the lives of its residents; WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; WHEREAS, in recent years, the Texas Legislature has attempted to pass legislation that negatively impacts the City through preemption or limiting the ability to advocate; WHEREAS, the 2019 Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; WHEREAS, taxpayers and City residents benefit from and need community advocates as a tool that amplifies their voices before the Legislature, Congress, and regulatory bodies; and WHEREAS, a prohibition on community advocacy is detrimental to a representative democracy where all Austinites and Texans have equal opportunities to voice their opinions. 1 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Environmental Commission OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION THAT: 1. The Environmental Commission endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17th, 2020. 2. The Environmental Commission believes the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda capture the positions of its membership and the community it represents. 3. The Environmental Commission urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to protect the City’s right to effectively represent the taxpayers and continue to amplify their …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210120 003a Date: January 20, 2021 Subject: Allegro Parmer, SP-2019-0170C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: Seconded by: Andrew Creel WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting variances from LDC 25-8- 261 to allow construction in a critical water quality zone code, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the majority of the site is within the critical water quality zone and has been extensively disturbed through previously permitted development to construct a parking lot and a water quality and detention pond, 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) The applicant will fully dismantle the existing water quality and detention pond, including pond appurtenances and underdrains, and provide restoration in accordance with City’s 609.S standards and specifications; 2) The applicant will clean up debris and trash along the portion of Yett Branch creek located at the southern property boundary of the commercial subdivision; and 3) The applicant will design the fire lane turnaround within the CWQZ in accordance with ECM 1.6.7 to reduce pollutant load and impervious cover. VOTE 9-0 For: Thompson, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, Bedford, Barrett Bixler, Creel Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210120 003b Date: January 20, 2021 Subject: 3336 Mount Bonnell Road, SP-2020-0274D Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting variance from LDC 25-8- 281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150 feet of a spring Critical Environmental Feature (CEF), and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Limits of Construction will not encroach into the spring CEF, but only the CEF buffer, 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) 2) Remove existing boat dock and access path as specified on plans; Restore disturbed areas per City Standard Specification 609S. VOTE 8-0 For: Thompson, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, Bedford, Creel Against: None Abstain: Barrett Bixler Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210120 003c Date: January 20, 2021 Subject: Goodnight Ranch Planned Unit Development (PUD) – 2nd Amendment, C814-04-0187.02.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Katie Coyne RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend an existing PUD. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the amendment includes environmental code modification to: 1) LDC 25-8-92: critical water quality zones, 2) LDC 25-8-281: Critical Environmental Features and 3) LDC 25-8-392: Impervious cover in uplands; and, WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends the PUD amendment (with conditions). Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the requested PUD amendment with the following Staff Conditions: 1. The PUD will provide a minimum of 129 acres of Open Space; 2. Impervious cover on the portion of the PUD south of Slaughter Lane will be capped at 67% gross 3. The critical water quality zone will be reconstructed per Exhibit D and D-1; and 4. The project will restore the creek and wetland buffers per Exhibit D and D-1. site area; and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. The Environmental Commission directs staff to work with the applicant to consider additional dark skies standards above Subchapter E. VOTE 9-0 For: Thompson, Coyne, Maceo, Guerrero, Gordon, Bedford, Creel, Barrett Bixler Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210120 003d Date: January 20, 2021 Subject: Blue Bluff at Wildhorse Ranch, C8-2020-0033 Motion by: Katie Coyne Seconded by: Wendy Gordon RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting variances from LDC 25-8- 341 to allow cut over 4 feet to 15 feet and LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15 feet, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Gilleland Creek Watershed and in the Desired Development Zone, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends these variances (with one condition) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the requested variances with the following Staff Condition: 1) The Applicant will protect three natural, unclassified drainages. These small waterways with less than 64 acres of drainage will be preserved in a natural state with foot-path trails for pedestrian access to the Critical Water Quality Zone buffers for an unnamed tributary of Gilleland Creek and for Gilleland Creek. Development within these drainage areas will be limited to park amenities such as trails and trail appurtenances (buildings and parking will not be allowed). VOTE 8-0 For: Thompson, Coyne, Maceo, Guerrero, Gordon, Bedford, Creel, Barrett Bixler Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Ramberg Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 20, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, January 20, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Wendy Gordon Peggy Maceo Audrey Barrett Bixler Commissioners Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Liz Johnston Jorge Morales Mike McDougal Kristy Nguyen Radmon Rice CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. Speakers Katie Lee 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the December 2, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes A motion to approve the December 2, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was off the dais. 1 2. 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Commissioner Audrey Barret Bixler welcome and introduction Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Recognize Mary Ann Neely for over 13 years of service on the Environmental Commission Item conducted as posted. No action taken. c. Consider a recommendation to support the City of Austin’s 87th State Legislative Agenda A resolution to support the City of Austin’s 87th State Legislative Agenda was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Chair Guerrero’s second on a 7-1 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Thompson, Barret Bixler, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Bedford. Commission Creel voted nay. Commissioner Gordon abstained. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Allegro Parmer, SP-2019-0170C Applicant: Michele Rogerson Lynch Location: 4001 W. Parmer Ln, Austin, TX, 78727 (District 7) Staff: Kristy Nguyen, Environmental Review Specialist Sr., Development Services Department Watershed: Walnut Creek, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow construction in a critical water quality zone Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions Speakers Michele Rogerson Lynch A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Creel’s second on a 9-0 vote. A motion to recommend the variance with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Creel’s second on a 9-0 vote. b. Name: 3336 Mount Bonnell Road, SP-2020-0274D Applicant: Caitlin Kuglen Location: 3336 Mount …
