Environmental Commission Special Called 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 Special Called Meeting August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held August 25, 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 (August 24, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission Special Called 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 (25 de agosto 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 (24 de agosto 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 …
Environmental Code and Common Variances E nv i ro n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n Re t r e a t Au g u s t 2 5 , 2 0 2 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T A t h a P h i l l i p s E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o g r a m C o o r d i n a t o r W a t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n D e p a r t m e n t Land Development Code 25-8 Environment and the Environmental Criteria Manual C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 25-8 Environment S U B C H A P T E R A – WAT E R Q UA L I T Y Development Services Department: Land Use Review – Environmental Review Watershed Protection Department CEF and Floodplain Modification Review S U B C H A P T E R B – T R E E A N D N AT U R A L A R E A P ROT E C T I O N ; E N DA N G E R E D S P E C I E S Development Services Department: Community Tree Division Land Use Review – Environmental Review (notification of Endangered Species only) C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3 25-8 Environment SUB CHAPTER A – WATE R QUAL ITY • 25- 8- 211 Water Qual i ty Control Re qui rem ent • 25- 8- 261 Cri ti cal Water Qual i ty Zone D eve l …
City of Austin 2021 Environmental Commission Retreat City of Austin Tree Regulations Overview August 25, 2021 Keith Mars, AICP,CA Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Overview • History and Values – The Austin Way • Policy and Governance – Tree Preservation Ordinances Work • Government that Works – Process and Due Diligence Matters • Austin’s Future Urban Forest The Community Tree Preservation Division: Urban Forest Program (A Healthy Urban Forest for All) Click here to see all the great work The Community Tree Preservation Division: City Arborist Program (Nationally recognized tree preservation ordinances) Tree Ordinances in Austin • First adopted in 1983 • Public health, safety, and welfare (Home Rule & Discretionary) • Preserve first then replenish • Alignment with council strategic outcomes Preserve the character of Austin’s urban forest, protect its current health, and increase it’s longevity The Value of Trees in the Urban Environment • Trees are foundational to multiple public policy objects • Trees are a $16 billion asset • Trees reduce energy cost by ~$20M/year • Trees are critical to climate and equity outcomes Our Community Values Trees • Home Rule—Tree protection is an expression of our values • Continued public support for trees and tree preservation is crucial to the future of our urban forest Does the Heritage Tree Ordinance Work? - Ordinance adopted in February 2010 - ~16 Commission variances - Over 5,000 reviews by City Arborist staff - More than 70,000 inches of Heritage Trees reviewed - 95% preservation rate. National model. Administering the Tree Ordinances (Process matters-Government that Works for All) The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection Review Criteria for Protected and Heritage Trees Code Criteria for Removal Rules for Protecting Trees 1. Prevents a reasonable use 2. Prevents reasonable access 3. Dead, diseased, or imminent hazard Due Process for Administering Heritage Tree Ordinance Due Diligence for Reasonable Use (Reveal the real and perceived constraints, protect more trees) Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? • Use based, form based, or both? Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? • Use based, form based, or both? • Do you know the setbacks? • Parking standards. • Know your Fire Code! It has a big impact on land use and trees. • Know your driveway alignment options. Transportation Austin’s Future Urban Forest (Opportunities and challenges abound) Thank You. Questions? SETBACKS - 15' ALLOWS …
Boards & Commissions Hybrid Meeting Pilot Program Hybrid Meeting Pilot Program rules • Presiding officer & second officer must be physically present at City Hall (Chair, Vice Chair, &/Secretary) • A quorum (6 members) must be physically present • Public testimony must be in person • Staff liaisons (Kaela & Liz) will be physically present Technical requirements for remote participation • Must be clearly visible & have two-way communication throughout the entire meeting • If audio or video communication is lost for any portion of the meeting, the remote participant is considered absent during that time. COVID-19 Safety Protocols • Only 7 commission members physically present • Empty dais seats between each member when possible • Staff and visitors are required to wear masks while on City property • Disposable masks will be provided to anyone who is not wearing proper face coverings • Public attendees will be socially distanced • To limit the number of people physically present, staff presenters will attend remotely • Hand sanitizer stations throughout Council Chamber • Lysol wipes for members Preparing for Hybrid Meetings • Communication is key. Please let liaison know as soon as possible if you cannot attend a meeting, need to recuse, etc. • Fill out survey • Seven members in person • Up to four members may participate remotely • Number will change depending on absences, recusals, etc.
Refresher on Boards & Commissions rules Attendance requirements What constitutes an excused absence? • Injury or illness of a member • Illness or injury to an immediate family member • Active military service • Birth/adoption of a child (for up to 90s days after) • Must be reported in advance of the next meeting Late/partial attendance • Notify liaison in advance if you will be late or need to recuse on an item • Must be present for ¾ of the meeting & not cause the commission to break quorum on any action items • New rules require remote participants to be visible & have 2-way communication the entire meeting. Any technical issues/visibility issues may result in an unexcused absence. Meeting cancellations • If a meeting is cancelled due to lack of a quorum, unexcused absences are still counted. • A cancellation notice will be posted including: • Members that planned to attend • Absent members Attendance violations • Unexcused absences for three consecutive meetings • Missing 1/3 (seven) of all regular meetings in a 12- month timeframe • Violations are reported to the Clerk’s Office • BC Coordinator notifies the nominating Council Member of their options: • Provide an attendance waiver; or • An automatic vacancy occurs that requires a new appointment. Citizen Communication • Residents may sign up to speak on general items for three minutes discussion. • General citizen communication is not posted for • Members may ask clarifying questions only • May ask staff to report back Citizen Communication • Residents may sign up to speak on all agenda items except for Staff Briefings. • No public testimony can be made after the public hearing is closed. • Example: hearing” • Member 1: “Chair, I move to close the public • Member 2: “Second” • Chair: “All in favor, say aye (or raise your hand)” New business – Future Agenda Items • Members may include an item if: • Sponsorship is received from two or more members • Outside of a meeting, members may also request the Chair to include an item on a future agenda • Approval is at the Chair’s discretion • Copy Kaela on all requests • Will be placed on next available agenda Things to know • The City Code prohibits boards and commissions from meeting in closed session unless they have received prior approval from the city attorney. Things to know …
Purview of the Environmental Commission August 25, 2021 Retreat City Code 2-1-144: Environmental Commission The commission is empowered to: REVIEW & ANALYZE ACT PROMOTE the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness ADVISE & RECOMMEND on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. 2-1-144 – Section G assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply. 2-1-144 – Section H The commission shall advise on… Beautification Recreation resources Public education on environmental matters Construction controls for erosion & sedimentation Hazardous waste materials management City environmental policies re. monitoring & enforcement Revegetation & landscaping Solid waste disposal plan alternatives Air quality Water quality Growth management Land use planning Watershed protection Roadway planning Noise abatement All matters pertaining to the City’s urban forest, including public & private trees 2-1-144 – Section (I) The commission shall review: variances to requirements for water quality protection Monitoring of storm water runoff in developed & undeveloped areas Efficiency of existing and proposed structural & nonstructural water quality controls Effectiveness of Chapter 25-4 (Subdivision) Waste treatment permits within city’s ETJ Policies & programs for flood control, erosion control, & water quality Capital improvement projects Municipal utility district proposals & amendments Roadway plan amendments Recommend urban runoff standards Environmental elements of planned unit developments (PUDs) 2-1-144 – Section J & K The commission may recommend & initiate, with the advice and consent of city council, specific project studies concerning any matters described in Subsections (H) and (I), or any other related environmental or urban forestry issue. The commission shall make reports and recommendations for standards and criteria concerning any of these matters as well. 2-1-144 – Section L The commission shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private residents, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting natural resource, environmental activities, so that …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 25, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Katie Coyne Audrey Barrett Bixler Linda Guerrero Kevin Ramberg Rick Brimer Commissioners Absent: Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Sara Hartley Liz Johnston Keith Mars Atha Phillips Naomi Rotramel 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. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Review of key watershed regulations in City Code Chapter 25-8—Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Heritage Tree Ordinance 101—Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department and Keith Mars, Community Tree Preservation Division Manager, Development Services Department 1 2. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION a. Discuss returning to in-person meetings in September and pilot program for hybrid meetings Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Refresher on boards and commissions rules Item conducted as posted. No action taken. c. Review the purview of the Environmental Commission Item conducted as posted. No action taken. d. Discuss the Environmental Commission’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Chair Guerrero adjourned the meeting at 9:04 P.M. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443. * A member of the public may not address a board or commission at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing, per City Code Section 2-1-144(E). 2
