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 April 7, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held April 7, 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 (April 6, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 7, 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 (7 de abril 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 (6 de abril 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 …
Vision Plan Draft 1 Central Williamson Creek Vision Greenway Vision Plan MARCH 2021 DRAFT Acknowledgments Project Team Nicole Joslin, AIA, LEED AP Executive Director Marla Torrado, Ph.D. Planning Director Shavone Otero Community Coordinator Thomas Medina Community Planner Community Working Group Mary Olmstead Anna Pittala Steve Prather Jessica Sager Nicole Sanford Greg Stevens Michael Usher Esther Weekes City Departments Watershed Protection Department Parks and Recreation Department Public Works Office of Sustainability Office of Innovation Housing and Planning Department Equity Office 2 Amy Belaire, Ph.D. Texas Director of Science and Strategy Katie Coyne, AICP, ESA, SITES AP Principal-In-Charge Claire Eddleman-Heath PLA, LEED AP, SITES AP Project Manager Kari Spiegelhalter Deputy Project Manager Andrew Wright Landscape Designer City of Austin Working Group Christine Chute Canul Parks and Rec. Dept. Justin Stewart Parks and Rec. Dept Marc Coudert Office of Sustainability Megan Eckhard Parks and Rec. Dept. Sydney Garcia* National Parks Service David Trujillo Watershed Protection Dept. LaJuan Tucker Parks and Rec Dept Staryn Wagner Watershed Protection Dept. Leah Gibson Watershed Protection Dept. Katie Wettick Urban Trails Marie Lancaster Watershed Protection Dept. Jessica Wilson Watershed Protection Dept. Gibran Lule-Hurtado* National Parks Service *Working Group Members from the National Parks Service Letter From the Community Working Group Williamson Creek is a gem crossing West to East in South Austin between Oak Hill and McKinney Falls State Park. Residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Williamson Creek have enjoyed this natural beauty for more than 20 years. Community efforts over a number of years, including trash pick-ups, tree planting and the removal of invasive species, have resulted in improving the health of the creek and supporting the native flora and fauna. Central Williamson Creek Greenway is slowly becoming a more welcoming green space for residents to connect with nature and for nature to thrive. We are thrilled to envision the future of a place we love so dearly with the Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan. This Vision Plan represents a 12-month process of both Williamson Creek Working Group (WCWG) formal and creative efforts to engage the community and input derived from public engagement. Community engagement activities included: community members recording their own oral histories through WCWG interviews; virtual community picnics virtual mapping enabling community to propose ideas such as food forest planting and hiking trails in and around the creek; several in-person and socially-distanced “Creek Chats” to engage the community; and a final community picnic to unveil …
Watershed Protection Department FY 2021-22 Forecast and CIP Plan 1 Overview ◦ Environmental Commission Questions ◦ Mission & Organization Structure ◦ Operating Financial Forecast ◦ FY22 New Staffing Request ◦ Capital Improvement Program ◦ Project Highlights ◦ Resources 2 Environmental Commission Questions Winter Storm Uri ◦ For capital Projects – limited impact on construction ◦ For operations & maintenance - temporary shift in some in-house resources to assist with disaster relief ◦ 189 Employees donated >9,000 hours for assistance with recovery and water distribution 3 Environmental Commission Questions COVID + Project Delivery ◦ For capital projects, we did not see a significant delay in construction schedules since contractors continued as essential workers ◦ For in-house projects, construction activities were significantly slowed as WPD staff were not performing certain types of construction activities for most of the year (e.g., erosion repair, pipe construction) 4 Environmental Commission Questions Homelessness ◦ ◦ ◦ FY21 and FY22 Budgets: $825K The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF) through APH: $365K Encampment Cleanup Contract in process: $460K 20 Identified high priority areas Total tons of debris removed: 188.48 tons Before After 5 ̶ ̶ Environmental Commission Questions Harmful Algae Blooms & Zebra Mussels ◦ Harmful Algae Blooms $99,910 for identification of cyanotoxins and genetic analysis of species (University of Texas) $25,500 for water quality testing (LCRA) $296,500 for application of Phoslock to sequester and bind phosphorus in sediments; measurement of phosphorus concentrations in the sediment; and testing of an algaecide to kill cyanobacteria and neutralize toxins (SePRO Corporation) ◦ Zebra Mussels $850 for sampling supplies 6 ̶ ̶ ̶ ̶ Our Department & Mission Established in 1991, Watershed Protection Department was charged with the goal of managing the City’s creeks, drainage systems and water quality programs. Our Mission: “…to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community by reducing the impact of floods, erosion, and water pollution.” Our Funding: Primary Source: Drainage Charge - >95% Other sources: Bonds (for Capital Projects), Development Fees, Interest Income, Grants 7 Current Organizational Structure Watershed Protection Flood Risk Reduction Water Quality Protection Stream Restoration Watershed Policy and Planning Data Management Infrastructure & Waterways Maintenance Support Services Capital Program Management 8 FY20 Expense Budget Variance FY20 Expense Budget: $103.8M; FY20 Actual Spending: $98.2M FY20 variance: $5.6M Category Variance in Spending ($M) Personnel excluding temporary employees Temporary employees Services incl. grounds maintenance Interdepartmental charges (DSD/PARD) Travel/Training Materials for Maintenance All other expenses Total …
Fiscal Year 2022 – 2026 Financial Forecast Environmental Commission April 7, 2021 1 Development Services Mission: To support a vibrant community through responsible development. 425 Full-Time Employees 36 Temporary Employees Fiscal Year 2021 Budget: $64.2M Goal/ Indicator Conduct timely plan reviews and inspections Percent of DSD controlled activities on-time Protect and renew Austin’s tree canopy Percentage of Austin’s total land area covered by the tree canopy Properly steward financial resources Percent of operating expenses held in reserve Provide excellent customer service Percentage of customers reporting satisfied or very satisfied on Customer Satisfaction Poll 2 Development Services FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Office of the Director • Executive functions • Austin Center for Events Customer & Employee Experience • Customer Experience • Finance • Human Resources • • Stakeholder & Community Engagement Information Technology Building Plan Review • Building Plan Review Land Development Review Construction & Environmental Inspections • Capital Improvement Program Review • Community Tree Preservation • Land Use Review • Regulatory Policy & Administration • Transportation & General Permit Review • Building Inspections • Environmental Inspections • General Permit & Telecom Inspections • Site & Subdivision Inspections 3 Budget Process • Required by City Charter • Ensures proper spending and monitoring of taxes and fees paid by public Budget Kick-off January 2021 Budget Engagement Mar – Apr 2021 Budget Public Hearings August 2021 Budget Development Jan – Mar 2021 Budget Submitted May 2021 Budget Adoption August 2021 4 Funding Sources FY 2021 Forecast $61.86M FY 2022 Forecast $64.31M $6.92 General Fund $7.29 Other $7.56 General Fund $7.66 Other $26.65 Building Safety $27.50 Building Safety $21.00 Development Fees $21.59 Development Fees 5 Funding Sources Five-Year Revenue Forecast $78.00 $72.00 $60.00 $54.00 Building Safety $66.00 Development fees $61.49M $61.86M 3.8% $64.31M 4.0% $69.39M 3.7% $66.70M $73.34M 2.9% $71.28M 2.7% FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 Revenue Growth in % Forecast Five-Year Forecast 0.8% Actuals FY19 Program FY18 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 Building Safety $23.15M $27.16M $27.22M $2.65M $27.50M $28.60M $29.69M $31.14M $32.46M Development Fees $17.92M $24.95M $20.92M $21.00M $21.59M $22.21M $23.42M $24.47M $25.27M Other General Fund $1.18M $5.40M $5.81M $7.29M $7.66M $8.08M $8.27M $7.63M $7.42M $16.55M $7.54M $6.92M $7.56M $7.81M $8.02M $8.03M $8.20M % Change 75% -17% 1% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% Total $42.25M $74.05M $61.49M $61.86M $64.31M $66.70M $69.39M $71.28M $73.34M 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.5% 0.0% 6 Fee Calculation Methodology Regulations …
OMNI BUSINESS PARK 7305 BURLESON ROAD AUSTIN, TX 78744 SP-2019-0300C Kristy Nguyen Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 Omni Business Park SP-2010-0300C 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[ 2 PROPERTY DATA • Onion Creek, Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District 2 • Subject to 1993 Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance 3 VICINITY MAP Project Site [ 4 VARIANCE REQUEST 1993 Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance - Section 13-7-16(a) – for a fill exceeding four feet - Section 13-7-16(b) – for a cut exceeding four feet 5 FINDINGS OF FACT 1993 COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED ORDINANCE - SECTION 13-7-16(A) – FOR A FILL EXCEEDING FOUR FEET -SECTION 13-7-16(B) – FOR A CUT EXCEEDING FOUR FEET 6 FINDINGS OF FACT ‘93 COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED ORDINANCE SECTION 13-2-505 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 Omni Business Park commercial subdivision was approved in C8-93-0091.0A. Development, including drainage improvements, office buildings, and driveways have been constructed within this subdivision. As such, this project has certain vested rights to the 1993 Land Development Code, as approved by the Development Services Department, per the findings: “development within this subdivision has occurred under the rules and regulations based on the 1993 project… It is determined that the 1993 project has met progress and is an ongoing project.” With this context, without the variance, the applicant would be deprived of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Current code allows for administrative variance approval of cut or fill up to 8’, but the code in effect at the time of vesting did not allow for such administrative approvals. This project would qualify for an administrative variance under current code as …
To: Linda H. Guerrero, Chair, City of Austin Environmental Commission, and Honorable Environmental Commissioners Memo From: Lincoln Ventures LLC Date: March 11, 2021 Re: Site: Court of Three Sisters Reasonable Use Memorandum The 0.43-acre piece of property located at 504 W 24th St. and 2405 Nueces Street in Austin, Travis County, Texas 78705 (the “Property”). 200 Lee Barton Drive, Suite 100 | Austin, Texas 78704 | 512-807-2900 | www.drennergroup.com SITE CONDITIONS: Currently, the entire site is being operated as a multi-tenant retail center (largely vacant) with surface parking. The site is currently 80% impervious cover. REQUEST: There are two heritage trees on the site – one (1) 25’’ Pecan and one (1) 32’’ Red Oak – that are being requested for removal. Both trees are centrally located on the Property. See Exhibit A for tree locations. EXHIBIT A: Site Constraints Exhibit Tree locations of 25’’ Pecan (#911) and 32’’ Red Oak (#913) with 12-foot stepback around site. Stepback CONSTRAINTS: The Property consists of approximately 0.43 acres (18,944 SF), is zoned CS-NP (Commercial Services – Neighborhood Plan) and is located in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) in the Inner West Campus subdistrict. The Inner West Campus subdistrict allows for a density premium of between 175 feet to 300 feet so long as 20% of the units (or beds) are reserved as affordable, including 10% that will be reserved for people making a maximum of 60% of the median income and another 10% for those making a maximum of 50% of the median income. Per § 25-2-758 (B)(1), Building Wall Height, Stepbacks, and Envelope, a 12-foot stepback on West 24th Street, Nueces Street and San Antonio Street is required. This stepback impedes the footprint of the site thereby limiting the development and reducing the developable footprint by approximately 20%. The trees requested for removal on the site are located in the middle of the site. Given their location and existing canopy, the trees impact approximately 25% of the site. 200 Lee Barton Drive, Suite 100 | Austin, Texas 78704 | 512-807-2900 | www.drennergroup.com The onsite trees are located on the only portion of the site that is wide enough to support a ramp for structured parking, thus severely impacting the reasonable use of the Property for a residential tower. Leaving the trees will prohibit the ability to provide structured parking and results in a 50% reduction in gross square feet of developable …
(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87) Table of Contents for(cid:3) Heritage Tree Variance Package The variance package is organized as follows: Cover Sheet…………………………………………………page 1 Staff Memorandum………………………………………...pages 2-5 Staff Exhibits.........………………………………………...pages 6-9 ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION DATE REQUESTED: (cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:20) ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: (cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87) (cid:38)(cid:36)(cid:54)(cid:40)(cid:3) (cid:41)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:40)(cid:53)(cid:29) (cid:55)(cid:51)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:20) NAME OF APPLICANT: (cid:39)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:83) CITY ARBORIST: (cid:49)(cid:68)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:16)(cid:28)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:17)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:35)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:89) ORDINANCE: (cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:3) REQUEST: (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3) (cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:180)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:17) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3) (cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:38)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:36)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:17) 2 MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. (cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:82), Chair (cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)Environmental Commission FROM: (cid:49)(cid:68)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:79), City Arborist Program Development Services Department DATE: (cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:20) (cid:38)(cid:36)(cid:54)(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:50)(cid:47)(cid:39)(cid:40)(cid:53): (cid:55)(cid:51) (cid:6)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:20) REQUEST: The applicant is requesting to remove two heritage trees, (cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72) with a single-stem greater than 30 inches as allowed under LDC 25-8-643(cid:17) Project Description The subject property is located at (cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:87).Thelot size is (cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:3)acres (cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:15)(cid:28)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:41)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:93)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:54)(cid:16)(cid:49)(cid:51)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:177)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:3) (cid:51)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3) 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(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:16)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:5)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)are requested for removal that, and per the Land Development Code, necessitate a Land Use Commission variance. Tree Evaluation Measurements The subject trees are one heritage 32” red oak (#913) and one heritage 25” pecan (# 911). 3 Tree #913 red oak Canopy Conditions Major asymmetry, unbalanced crown, and an overextended limb (Exhibit 1). Structure/Trunk Multiple attachments - all the leaders of the tree are connected at one place on the trunk. This is inherently a weakness with this tree's union due to lack of branch taper (Exhibit 2). Included bark was observed between two unions where stems grow closely together causing weak, under-supported branch angles which may cause branch or total tree failure (Exhibit 3). Root system Root system is almost entirely covered with disturbed and compacted impervious cover. Tree been buried to an unknown depth as the root flare is not visible. Overall Condition Tree #913 is in fair condition due to structure and poor attachments. Tree #911 pecan Canopy Conditions Displays a heightened loading on the stems as a result of the length and excessive end weight of the branches and lack of inner branches. Large cavity in one of the main leaders and hypoxylon canker on live tissue (Exhibits 4 & 5). Structure/Trunk Trunk has …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210407 003c Date: April 7, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: Development Services Department Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 Financial Forecast Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Development Services Department (DSD) annual operating budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan; and WHEREAS, the Development Services Department operating budget for FY22 is proposed at $64.3M, approximately $100,000 increase over FY21 budget; and WHEREAS, the Development services department forecast revenue to grow by approximately 4% FY22 through FY24 3% for FY25 and FY26; WHEREAS, the Development Services Department has provided a power point presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the funding forecast for FY22 through FY26 which is included in the backup for this agenda item; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Watershed Protection Department’s FY22 Operating Budget and Five-Year Revenue Forecast with the following Environmental Commission conditions: As was presented prior to this meeting, the Environmental Commission requests that DSD continue to provide detailed budget documentation prior to a request for Environmental Commission action on the budget. VOTE 8-0 For: Bedford, Creel, Thompson, Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210407 004a Date: April 7, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: Omni Business Park, SP-2019-0300C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting variances from 1993 Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance Section 13-7-16(a) for fill exceeding four feet and Section 13-7-16(b) for cut exceeding four feet; 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) 3) VOTE 8-0 Preserve top 12 inches of topsoil to be used onsite; Increased landscaping for areas of fill to stabilize erosion; and Provide enhanced erosion & sedimentation controls during construction. For: Bedford, Creel, Thompson, Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210407 004b Date: April 7, 2021 Seconded by: Andrew Creel Subject: Winchestertonfieldville at 2405 Nueces Street and 504 West 24th Street Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is seeking removal of two (2) heritage trees, one with a single stem over 30” in diameter; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the trees to be a 25-inch heritage pecan and single stem 32-inch heritage red oak; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City Arborist rates the pecan and oak in poor and fair condition, respectively; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Environmental Criteria Manual standard is 300% mitigation, and mitigation for the site shall be addressed by further enhancing the streetscape planting conditions required under the UNO Great Streets program. The applicant has proposed a menu of options that support greater tree health and longevity such as structural soil cells, permeable paving, and expanded continuous planting beds; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is proposing a five year tree care plan to provide ongoing maintenance for all new trees, and one-time improvements to additional streetscape trees and tree grates as needed and identified; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the request meets the City Arborist’s approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2), and thus the variance is recommended by staff. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the requested variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: The Applicant continue to work with the City Arborist to select tree species selection and maintenance details to promote the fastest grown and longest-lived street trees. The City Arborist work with applicant to determine estimated carbon sequestered over the following ten years and include that in mitigation targets. For: Bedford, Creel, Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, and Guerrero Against: Thompson and Brimer Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None VOTE 6-2 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210407 003a Date: April 7, 2021 Subject: Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Central Williamson Creek project team has been developing a vision plan since June 2020 for Williamson Creek between Manchaca Road and South Congress in South Austin. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the draft vision plan includes three tiers for engagement and implementation from: Tier 1 which are community led, Tier 2 which are City of Austin projects less than $50,000, and Tier 3 which are City of Austin more than $50,000. Seconded by: Perry Bedford THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends support of the Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan with the following conditions: Environmental Commission Conditions: 1) The Env. Commission recommends that the South Congress Combined Neighborhood Plan Contact Team - SCCNPCT be involved with future studies, input, feedback, and working groups related to the Williamson Creek Greenbelt. 2) The Environmental Commission recommends reaching out to neighborhood associations upstream and downstream of this section of Williamson Creek and to the maximum extent practicable, meeting with these groups prior to the Parks Board meeting later this month. 3) The Environmental Commission recommends that the trails and improvements avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, CEFs and 50 foot setbacks around these features. VOTE 7-0 For: Bedford, Creel, Thompson, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: Coyne Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210407 003b Date: April 7, 2021 Subject: Watershed Protection Department Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 Forecast and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Plan Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: Seconded by: Pam Thompson WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual forecast and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed forecast includes no rate increase for FY21-22 and anticipates a rate increase for FY22-23 of 9.8%; and WHEREAS, the proposed FY21-22 operating budget is estimated to be $108.6M; and WHEREAS, the FY21-FY25 Capital Improvement Program Plan outlines WPD’s projected major improvements during the next five years based on existing funds and anticipated revenues; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection Department has provided a power point presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the FY22 operating budget and FY22-26 CIP Plan which is included in the backup for this agenda item; and WHEREAS, the WPD has made significant strides to address their primary objectives and have critical goals and initiatives for future improvements. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Watershed Protection Department’s FY21-22 Forecast and Five-Year CIP Plan with the following Environmental Commission conditions: As was presented prior to this meeting, the Environmental Commission requests that WPD continue to provide detailed budget documentation prior to a request for Environmental Commission action on the budget. The Environmental Commission requests these details including anticipated future rate increases and current and future projects broken out by district. VOTE 8-0 1 For: Bedford, Creel, Thompson, Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 7, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Katie Coyne Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Commissioners Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin David Chapman Chris Herrington David Hillers Anupa Gharpurey Leah Gibson Denise Lucas Keith Mars Jorge Morales Kristy Nguyen Naomi Rotramel Eric Ugalde Erin Wood CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:04 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. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the March 3, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes 1 (5 minutes) The minutes of March 3, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Brimer was off the dais. Speakers Michael Fossum Zoila Vega ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES a. Update on Kinder Morgan Permian Highway Pipeline (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Update on the Sawyer-Cleveland Partnership application for a discharge permit to the Long Branch Tributary of Barton Creek (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. c. Update on State Legislative Matters (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2. 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Presentation on Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan—Shavone Otero, Community Powered Workshop; Steve Prather, Central Williamson Creek Community Working Group; Claire Eddleman-Heath, Asakura Robinson; Greg Montes, Park Development Coordinator, Parks and Recreation Department; Megan Eckard, Planner, Parks and Recreation Department; and Leah Gibson, Conservation Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Commissioner Coyne recused on Item 3a. Speakers Zoila Vega Michael Fossum A motion to recommend support of the Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan was approved with conditions on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Coyne recused. b. Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager and Erin Wood, Planner, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) A motion to recommend approval of WPD’s FY 2021-2022 Forecast and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Plan with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner …
