Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 17, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak remotely, call or email the Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Melinda Schiera Audrey Barrett Bixler Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair Ana Aguirre Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice-Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 3, 2022 (5 minutes) 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Update on ATX Walk Bike Roll to update Austin’s sidewalk, urban trails, and bicycle plans. City Staff: Katie Wettick, Program Manager, Public Works (15 minutes) Name: 1609 Nueces St, Case No. 2022-018844 TP Applicant: Ronald Rodriguez Location: 1609 Nueces St. Council District: District 9 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Ordinance: Heritage Tree Ordinance - LDC 25-8-643- Land Commission Variance Requests: The applicant is appealing the City Arborist’s denial of application. The applicant is requesting the removal of a Heritage Tree with a single stem 30 inches in diameter or larger. Staff Recommendation: The request does not meet the City Arborist approval criteria in LDC 25-8-624(A)(1)(2)(3). The variance is not recommended. (30 minutes) Name: Seton Medical Center Planned Unit Development Amendment No. 2, Case No. C814-92- 0006.02 Applicant: Michele R. Lynch, Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams Location: 1201 W. 38th Street Council District: …
ATX Walk Bike Roll Project Update Environmental Commission Agenda • ATX Walk Bike Roll Overview • Equity Focus • What We’ve Learned So Far • How We’re Moving Forward Goals of ATX Walk Bike Roll • Update three modal plans that identify where to build sidewalks and crossings, urban trails, and bikeways • Embed social and racial equity within the programs • Add maintenance into plans and update project prioritization • Work with partners to create a safer, more connected network • Identify ways to build high quality bicycle and pedestrian pathways in less time ATX Walk Bike Roll Principles & Values • Communities: Travel options affect the way we live • Equity and Diversity – Consider the needs of every community member – all ages, abilities, races, cultures, and classes • Mobility and Accessibility – Serve all ages and abilities, so that everyone has a safe way to travel • Health and Environment – Provide travel options that benefit physical, social, mental, and environmental health • Connections – Connect people to place • Transportation and Housing Affordability – Provide a low-cost way to travel with easier access to transit Timeline • Phase 1: Winter 2021 – Summer 2021 • Equity Framework; Conditions Analysis; Outreach Planning • Outreach goal: introduce project, discuss community needs and priorities to shape guiding values of ATXWBR. • Phase 2: Fall 2021 – Fall 2022 • Programs & Policies; Scenario Evaluation; Project Prioritization; Buildout • Outreach goal: determine where we build, how we prioritize projects, and what we base decisions on. • Phase 3: Fall 2022 – Spring 2023 • Plan Document Development and Revisions • Outreach goal: review and discuss the plans and priorities – did we get Plans it right? • Anticipated Adoption: Spring / Summer 2023 Equity Focus Equity is achieved when race no longer predicts a person’s quality of life outcomes in our community. The City of Austin recognizes that past plans and investments have not met the needs of all Austinites or have actively harmed communities - especially low-income communities and communities of color. This furthered inequalities in transportation, health, safety, housing, and income. Equitable Outreach Goals • Engage communities who have been underrepresented in past planning efforts, such as communities of color and low-income communities so their input meaningfully shapes the project • Prioritize engagement with historically underrepresented and underserved stakeholders by collaborating with key community organizations with access …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: August 17th, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 1609 Nueces St. 2022-018844 TP APPLICANT NAME OR ORGANIZATION: Ronald Rodriguez LOCATION: 1609 Nueces St. COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 9 CITY ARBORIST: Naomi Rotramel naomi.rotramel@austintexas.gov ORDINANCE: REQUEST: Heritage Tree Ordinance - LDC 25-8-643- Land Commission Variance The applicant is appealing the City Arborist’s denial of application. The applicant is requesting the removal of a Heritage Tree with a single stem 30 inches in diameter or larger. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The request does not meet the City Arborist approval criteria in LDC 25- 8-624(A)(1)(2)(3). The variance is not recommended. TO: FROM: DATE: REQUEST: MEMORANDUM City of Austin Environmental Commission Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Development Services Department August 17th, 2022 CASE FOLDER: 2022-018844 TP The applicant is appealing the City Arborist’s denial of application. The applicant is requesting the removal of a Heritage Tree with a single stem 30 inches in diameter or larger. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Case Description: of the City Arborist’s determination to deny an administrative variance for the removal of a Heritage Tree at 1609 Nueces St. The site is zoned GO (General Office) and is in District 9. Case Timeline: • This case is an appeal th • , 2022 - A Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) was submitted to the Development Services Feb 10 Department’s online application portal. Trunk diameter was listed as 24 inches on the application. Feb 2022: Google Streetview • • • • • • th th , 2022 – Application was received and passed completeness check. Feb 11 Feb 28 working day (excluding President’s Day). City Arborist staff found that there was insufficient information provided to qualify this Heritage Tree for removal under Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard Criteria in LDC § 25-8-624. City Arborist staff notified applicant the application was denied and if the applicant would like to continue with application, further information was necessary to continue the review. , 2022 – Application was denied on the 10 th June 13, 2022 – Applicant contacts staff regarding review timeline. June 13, 2022 – Staff responds to applicant the review deadlines are consistent with how the City counts review days. June 24, 2022 – Staff receives a Service Estimate Client Service Form dated 6/22/22 from an arborist company. o The service estimate lists the tree diameter at 29”. The client service form did not provide sufficient evidence to determine the health …
1609 Nueces St: Heritage Tree Variance Appeal August 17, 2022 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Development Services Department ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION COMMISSION MEETING DATE: August 17th, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 1609 Nueces St. 2022-018844 TP NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Ronald Rodriguez LOCATION: 1609 Nueces St. COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 9 CITY ARBORIST: NAOMI ROTRAMEL NAOMI.ROTRAMEL@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV ORDINANCE: REQUEST: Heritage Tree Ordinance - LDC 25-8-643- Land Commission Variance The applicant is appealing the City Arborist denial of application. The applicant is requesting the removal of a Heritage Tree with a single stem 30 inches in diameter or larger. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The request does not meet the City Arborist approval criteria in LDC 25-8-624(A)(1)(2)(3). The variance is not recommended. 2022-018844 TP- 1609 Nueces St. • Case Description • Case Timeline • Staff Findings – Condition of Heritage Tree – Staff Measurements • Variance Request • Staff Recommendation Case Description • The applicant is requesting the removal of a Heritage Pecan. • This case is an appeal of the City Arborist’s determination to deny an administrative variance for the removal of a Heritage tree at 1609 Nueces St. • The site is zoned GO (General Office) and is in District 9. Case Timeline • Feb. 10th, 2022 - A Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) was submitted to the Development Services Department’s online application portal. Trunk diameter was listed as 24” on the application. • Feb. 2022: Google street view Case Timeline (cont.) • Feb 11th, 2022 – Application passed completeness check. • Feb 28th, 2022 – Application was denied on the 10th working day (excluding President’s Day). City Arborist staff found that there was insufficient information provided to qualify this heritage tree for removal under Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard Criteria in LDC 25-8-624. City Arborist staff notified applicant the application was denied and if the applicant would like to continue with application, a comprehensive narrative report from a qualified arborist was needed. • • June 13, 2022 – Applicant contacts staff regarding review timeline. June 13, 2022 – Staff responds to applicant the review deadlines are consistent with how the City counts review days. Case Timeline (cont.) • June 24, 2022 – Staff receives a Service Estimate Client Service Form dated 6/22/22 from an arborist company. o The service estimate lists the tree diameter at 29”. The client service form did not provide sufficient evidence to determine the health of the …
COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: COUNCIL DISTRICT: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA Case No. C814-92-0006.02; Seton Medical Center Planned Unit Development Amendment No. 2 Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams (Michele R. Lynch) August 17, 2022 1201 W. 38th Street 10 Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Shoal Creek, Urban Watershed, Desired Development Zone To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff recommended with conditions 1. This project complies with the following Tier 1 superiority items a. Provide a LEED Silver Rating b. Exceed the minimum landscaping requirements of the City Code as noted on the PUD exhibits 2. The project complies with the following Tier 2 superiority items a. Addition of water quality controls b. Tree plantings use Central Texas native seed stock and are installed with adequate soil volume c. Enhanced City of Austin Dark Sky regulations as noted on PUD exhibit d. Require building design that will reduce the potential for bird/building collisions as noted on PUD exhibit e. The project with provide an Integrated Pest Management System 3. The project commits to collect and beneficially use both rainwater and condensate for cooling water demand Seton Medical Center PUD 1201 West 38 th Street C814-92-0006.02 (PUD Amendment) Leslie Lilly Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Seton Planned Unit Development • A p p r o v e d b y c o u n c i l i n 1 9 9 3 f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e S e t o n M e d i c a l C e n t e r a n d a s s o c i a t e d i m p r o v e m e n t s . • T h e a p p l i c a n t i s r e q u e s t i n g a P U D A m e n d m e n t f o r …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET SITE AREA: 12.21 acres DISTRICT: 10 Planned Unit Development Amendment No. 2 CASE: C814-92-0006.02 – Seton Medical Center ZONING FROM / TO: PUD-NP to PUD-NP, to change conditions of zoning ADDRESS: 1201 West 38th Street PROPERTY OWNER: Seton Medical Center, % Altus Group US Inc. (Scott Herndon) AGENT: Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams, LLP (Michele Rogerson Lynch) 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 – neighborhood plan (PUD-NP) combining district zoning as shown in the Proposed Zoning Submittal (Attachment A). For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, see pages 2 and 3. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: August 17, 2022: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: August 23, 2022: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: September 15, 2022: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The Applicant has met with the Rosedale Neighborhood Association and President of Brykerwoods Neighborhood Association and is meeting with the Brykerwoods Neighborhood board on August 16, 2022. EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS TO THE STAFF REPORT: Exhibits A and A-1: Zoning Map and Aerial Applicant’s Summary Letter and Proposed Zoning Submittal (Attachment A) C814-92-0006.02 Page 2 CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The Seton Medical Center PUD is bounded by West 38th Street on the north, Medical Parkway to the east, West 34th Street to the south, and medical offices that border the property to the west (GO-V-NP). There are retail and service-oriented commercial uses on the north side of West 38th (SF-3; LO; CS-1-V; LR-V; CS-V; GR-V); medical offices and supporting businesses on the east side of Medical Parkway, the south side of East 34th Street and adjacent to the west (CS-NP; CS-V-NP; GO-CO-NP; GO-NP; GO-V-NP; GR-NP. The PUD is designated as Civic land use on the Central West Austin Combined (Windsor Road) Neighborhood Plan approved by Council in September 2010. Please refer to Exhibits A (Zoning Map) and A-1 (Aerial View). The PUD was approved by Council in June 1993 and prescribed development intensity according to a Land Use Plan. The PUD also included the following components: 1) limited floor-to-area ratio to 1.48 : 1; 2) prescribed minimum front yard setbacks of 25 feet except for a minimum street side setback of 10 feet along West 34th Street; 3) required a minimum of 11.9% open space; 4) limited height to 120 feet above ground level within 300-540 feet of SF-5 or more restrictive zoned property; 5) required six off-street loading spaces …
Seton Medical Center PUD 1201 West 38 th Street C814- 92- 0006.02 (PUD Amendment) Leslie Lilly Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Seton Planned Unit Development • A p p r o v e d b y c o u n c i l i n 1 9 9 3 f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e S e t o n M e d i c a l C e n t e r a n d a s s o c i a t e d i m p r o v e m e n t s . • T h e a p p l i c a n t i s r e q u e s t i n g a P U D A m e n d m e n t f o r t h e p u r p o s e o f m o d i f y i n g t h e s i t e d e v e l o p m e n t r e g u l a t i o n s t o c o n s t r u c t a Wo m e n’ s H e a l t h To w e r a n d c a r d i o v a s c u l a r w i n g . 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 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Site Conditions • 12.21 acres • Located in Full Purpose Jurisdiction • In the Shoal Creek Watershed • Classified as Urban Watershed …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220817-004 Date: August 17, 2022 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: Subject: Seton Medical Center Planned Unit Development Amendment No. 2, C814-92-0006.02 Seconded by: Melinda Schiera WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting an amendment to planned unit development – neighborhood plan (PUD-NP) combining district zoning as shown in the Proposed Zoning Submittal. The requested modifications will increase impervious cover from 421,074 square feet (79.16%) to 423,513 square feet (79.62%) and add water quality controls where none currently exist. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Staff recommendation is to grant an amendment to the planned unit development – neighborhood plan (PUD-NP) combining district zoning as shown in the Proposed Zoning Submittal with conditions. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the PUD amendment with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. This project complies with the following Tier 1 superiority items: a. Provide a LEED Silver Rating b. Exceed the minimum landscaping requirements of the City Code as noted on the PUD exhibits 2. The project complies with the following Tier 2 superiority items: a. Addition of water quality controls b. Tree plantings use Central Texas native seed stock and are installed with adequate soil volume. As clarified in the meeting, this means container-sized trees will be planted. c. Enhanced City of Austin Dark Sky regulations as noted on the PUD exhibit d. Require building design that will reduce the potential for bird/building collisions as noted on the PUD exhibit e. The project will provide an Integrated Pest Management System 3. The project commits to collect and beneficially use both rainwater and condensate for cooling water demand. VOTE 7-4 Approved By: For: Qureshi, Schiera, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, and Bedford Against: Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, and Brimer Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 17, August, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on 17, August, 2022 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, Kevin Ramberg, and Haris Qureshi. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ana Aguirre, Audrey Barrett Bixler, Rick Brimer, Colin Nickells, Rachel Scott, and Pam Thompson. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:0X P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 3, 2022 (5 minutes) The minutes of the August 3, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting were approved on Vice-Chair Bedford’s motion, Chair Ramberg’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Qureshi and Commissioner Barrett Bixler were off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Update on ATX Walk Bike Roll to update Austin’s sidewalk, urban trails, and bicycle plans. City Staff: Katie Wettick, Program Manager, Public Works (15 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Name: 1609 Nueces St, Case No. 2022-018844 TP Applicant: Ronald Rodriguez Location: 1609 Nueces St. Council District: District 9 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Ordinance: Heritage Tree Ordinance - LDC 25-8-643- Land Commission Variance Requests: The applicant is appealing the City Arborist’s denial of application. The applicant is requesting the removal of a Heritage Tree with a single stem 30 inches in diameter or larger. 1 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Staff Recommendation: The request does not meet the City Arborist approval criteria in LDC 25-8-624(A)(1)(2)(3). The variance is not recommended. (30 minutes) Speakers Ronald Rodriguez A motion to postpone the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-3 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Qureshi, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, and Bedford. Those voting nay were Commissioners Thompson, Schiera, and Brimer. Name: Seton Medical Center Planned Unit Development Amendment No. 2, Case No. C814-92-0006.02 Applicant: Michele R. Lynch, Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams Location: 1201 W. 38th Street Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Shoal Creek, Urban Watershed, Desired Development Zone Requests: To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (30 minutes) Speakers Michele Lynch Chair Ramberg reconvened the meeting at 9:27 P.M. A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner …
