Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 19, 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 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 October 5, 2022 (5 minutes) 1 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Briefing on the Palm District Plan. Briefing and Possible Action. Housing and Planning Staff, Stevie Greathouse, (512) 974-7226, stevie.greathouse@austintexas.gov (30 minutes) 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 311-315 South Congress, located at 311- 315 South Congress Avenue, CD-2022-0002 (District 9). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Wendy Rhoades, Housing and Planning Department and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Name: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 Applicant: I.T. Gonzalez, I.T. Gonzalez Engineering Location: 10802 D K Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78759 Council District: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (District 10) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Recommended (20 minutes) Name: Loyola Junction Apartments, SP-2021-0242C Applicant: Stephen Jamison, Jamison Civil …
BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2022-0002 – 311-315 South Congress PUD REQUEST: Presentation of a Project Assessment Report for the 311 – 315 South Congress Planned Unit Development, located at 311-315 South Congress Avenue, within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed and the East Bouldin Creek Watershed. DISTRICT AREA: 9 DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The Applicant has submitted a project assessment for a proposed 0.8143 acre mixed use development to be known as the 311 – 315 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD). The proposed development area presently contains automotive repair services use with 8 servicing positions and a 5,098 square foot, 2-story office building, and has four driveways to South Congress Avenue. The property is currently zoned commercial-liquor sales – vertical mixed use building – neighborhood plan (CS-1-V-NP) district. The Applicant’s proposed rezoning request to PUD- NP consists of a project that would include up to 450 high-rise multifamily residential units, 30,000 square feet of general office space, and 7,500 square feet of ground floor, pedestrian- oriented, retail uses. A mix of below grade and above grade structured parking is proposed. The Applicant is also proposing a maximum floor-to-area ratio of 15:1 and a maximum building height of up to 400 feet. Vehicular access to the PUD is proposed to occur from South Congress Avenue and the proposed right-of-way extension of Barton Springs Road along the south property line. A transportation impact analysis (TIA) will be required at the time a formal application for PUD-NP district zoning is received by the City. The property is within the South Central Waterfront subdistrict of the Waterfront Overlay and within the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan district boundaries. The Staff has reviewed the Applicant’s PUD zoning proposal and the stated intent is to comply with all of the Tier One and Tier Two requirements, and several of the Tier 2 items for a Mixed Use Development as summarized below. The proposed base zoning district for the PUD is the general commercial services (CS) district. • Open Space – an enhanced pedestrian experience along the project frontages, including a publicly-accessible hydration station on the north façade in proximity to the Barton Springs bike lane • Environment / Drainage – treatment of 100% of on-site water quality controls; 1,000 cubic feet of water quality for an off-site area, including a portion of South Congress Avenue; 250 linear feet of off-site storm improvements on South …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: October 19, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: I.T. Gonzalez, I.T. Gonzalez Engineering LOCATION: 10802 D K Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78759 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (Council District 10) PROJECT FILING DATE: August 12, 2022 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Staff recommends approval of this service extension request. MEMORANDUM October 19, 2022 Kevin Ramberg, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 Service Extension Requests (SER) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review for Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request (SER) #5575 and recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of a tract of approximately 0.62 acres, located at 10802 D-K Ranch Road. The property is in the City of Austin Limited Purpose Jurisdiction and Council District 10. The site is in the Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, the Drinking Water Protection Zone, and the Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The applicant is proposing to redevelop a single-family home into two single-family homes on two separate lots. A site plan has not yet been submitted to the City of Austin at the time that staff reviewed this SER. The site is currently utilizing an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) and is proposing a wastewater SER with two Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). An SER was previously approved for this site in 2021 and has since expired. Therefore, the applicant is required to take the SER through the Council and boards and commissions process again. The requested number of LUEs and proposed wastewater infrastructure has not changed. A copy of the August 4, 2021 staff memo (Attachment A) to the Environmental Commission and the Environmental Commission’s recommendation (Attachment B) is included for reference with this memo. 1 Development Impacts Water: The site is located in the Austin Water Service Area. Wastewater: The SER proposes that the applicant construct approximately 400 feet of appropriately sized low pressure force …
Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 What is an SER? • A service extension request, or SER, is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • SERs are required when a property is located more than 100 feet from an accessible water or wastewater system, or when existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands. • Service may involve the construction of a new line or an associated facility or upgrades to existing lines or facilities. • The applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER. SER Process • Per the Land Development Code, SERs require Council approval if the property is in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction. • Environmental Commission and Water & Wastewater Commission review and make recommendations on SERs that require Council approval. • No conditions can be put on approval of SERs. Background • An SER was previously approved for this site in 2021 and has since expired. • The applicant is not proposing any changes to the SER. • The SER was previously recommended by Environmental Commission, Water and Wastewater Commission, and approved by Council in August 2021. Request Summary • Request for wastewater service (2 LUEs) • 0.62 acres • Redevelopment of a single-family home into two single family homes on two separate lots • Limited purpose jurisdiction • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban • Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District #10 SER #5575 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Austin City LimitsETJRechargeContributingAustin City LimitsETJRechargeContributing Site Location SER #5575 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #5575 Description of proposed extension: • Decommission the existing OSSF • Construct 400 feet of low pressure force main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Nashfara Cove, and • Extend west along Nashfara Cove, and then south along D K Ranch Road to the subject tract. SER Review & Evaluation • Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No critical environmental features, wetlands, or recharge features on site • No critical water quality zone or water quality transition zone • Drains to known Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea sosorum) habitat Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval. Basis for recommendation: Staff review determined that there are …
LOYOLA JUNCTION APARTMENTS 6507 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD. SP-2021-0242C Mel Fuechec Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department VARIANCE REQUEST The development proposes a variance from LDC 25-8-342 for fill up to 17 feet in the desired development zone. PROPERTY DATA • Walnut Creek • Suburban Watershed • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Minor & Intermediate Critical Water Quality Zones • 3 Wetland Critical Environmental Features • Council District 1 Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone BACKGROUND This project consists of sixteen apartment buildings, two garages, a leasing office/clubhouse, two water quality/detention ponds, two rain gardens, and two driveways. Two driveways are required. One is from Lazy Creek Dr. which is a neighborhood road, and the main driveway will be from 183. The location of this main driveway is constrained by TXDOT requirements. EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING CONDITIONS VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends this variance with the following conditions: • Install 355 linear feet of retaining wall to contain the major fill areas • Utilize terracing techniques in the areas of major fill • Increase the CEF setback for the existing wetland CEF feature in the area by 50 feet • Add an additional 7,100 square feet of COA 609S Native seeding and planting at the bottom of the major fill areas QUESTIONS? ADDITIONAL INFO TREE SURVEY INFO LANDSCAPE CODE AND CITY ARBORIST MITIGATION PLANTINGS CEF AND CWQZ MITIGATION PLANTINGS CEF AND CWQZ MITIGATION PLANTINGS
PALM DISTRICT PLAN Public Review DRAFT 10/14/2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 3 EQUITY FRAMEWORK 4 HISTORY 6 EXISTING CONDITIONS 24 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 36 VISION STATEMENT 40 VISION FRAMEWORK 41 KEY OPPORTUNITY SITES 42 DESIRED OUTCOMES 47 SCENARIOS 52 IMPLEMENTATION 59 RECOMMENDATIONS 60 LOOKING FORWARD 69 Appendices A1 The Palm District: Austin’s Cultural Hub - AIA Communities by Design Report A2 Listening Report for Palm District Visioning Phase A3 Palm District Existing Conditions Report A4 Palm District Planning City Council Resolution EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2019 the Austin City Council directed staff (Resolution No. 20190523-029) to develop a small area plan for the eastern edge of Downtown: the Palm District. Initial work on the plan began in the latter part of 2019 and early 2020, but was halted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As 2020 wound down, staff resumed work on the project by developing and refining background documents, designing the public engagement strategy and planning process, conducting preliminary stakeholder outreach, and preparing for the formal kickoff of the planning prosses in May 2021. Beginning in 2019, Housing and Planning Department Staff convened a City of Austin Palm District Planning Team comprised of representatives from multiple City Departments including Convention Center, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection, Transportation, Sustainability, Economic Development, Real Estate, and the Corridor Program Office to provide input and review key deliverables throughout the process. HPD staff also met regularly with representatives from the Downtown Austin Alliance and Waterloo Greenway, as well as Travis County staff, and other key community stakeholders serving as partners in support of the planning process. The Palm District planning process employed a five phase planning process: • Pre-Planning—The project team researched the Palm District in preparation of developing the plan. • Visioning—The project team engaged community and developed a draft vision and outline for the plan. • Active Planning—Staff used the draft vision to identify recommendations and to develop multiple scenarios for the Palm District. As part of their partnership with the City in support of this process, the Downtown Austin Alliance engaged a professional urban design firm, Asakura Robinson, to assist with outreach, focus group facilitation, development of possible future scenarios and a preferred scenario for the draft plan. • Draft Review—Staff developed the draft plan with guidance from city and key stakeholder partners and released the draft for public review and comments. • Plan Adoption—During this time staff will review …
33 Public Review Draft Palm District Plan 34 Public Review Draft Palm District Plan 35 Public Review Draft Palm District Plan ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY The Housing and Planning Department led an outreach and engagement process bringing together the thoughts and ideas of a broad range of community stakeholders and institutional partners to inform and develop the goals and future vision for the Palm District. This robust community engagement strategy was grounded using an equity lens. Intentional steps were taken to elevate the voices of community members that have cultural and historic ties to the district, some of whom no longer live in the vicinity of the district due to gentrification and displacement caused in part by past planning decisions. It must be noted that early engagement efforts were entirely moved online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizational Briefings and Inter-agency Coordination Beginning in 2019, staff held regular briefing meetings with various city boards and commissions, key city departments, external organizations, and community-based organizations and invited them to participate in the planning process. City departments and external partners were consulted on the various products created throughout the planning process including the draft Vision Framework, American Institute of Architects workshops, the framework desired outcomes, preferred scenarios, and plan document. Targeted Outreach to East Austin Thought Leaders In late Summer 2021, Martha P. Cotera (dba Information Systems Development) was contracted to engage East Austin community members with cultural and historic bonds to the Palm District. A series of interviews, focus groups, and small group meetings were held with East Austin Mexican- American community leaders, current and former elected officials, Palm School alumni, Rainey Street Historic District residents and advocates, and current and former East Austin residents. Also targeted were organizations such as Raza Roundtable, PODER, HABLA and Nuestro Grupo/Academia Cuauhtli, Mexic Arte Museum, La Peña, with well documented involvement in the district. The interviewers gathered interviewees’ stories, desires, and thoughts about the Palm School and Park, the Rainey Street Neighborhood, Waterloo Greenway, the potential 5th Street Heritage Corridor, and other aspects of the Palm District. From her work with the East Austin stakeholder groups, Martha Cotera produced an in-depth report that includes a historic framework outlining the Mexican-American contributions and political efforts in the City of Austin and in the planning area specifically. The report includes the challenges of both displacement and the work of advocacy for the preservation of historic and cultural features …
311-315 South Congress PUD Development Assessment Environmental Commission Briefing CD-2022-0002 October 19, 2022 1 Site Aerial 2 Site Aerial 3 Property Details Address: 311, 313, and 315 South Congress Avenue Size: 0.8143 Acres Current Use: Auto repair/tire shop, Commercial retail/office strip Current Zoning: CS-1-V-NP Overlays: Waterfront Overlay – South Shore Central Subdistrict 4 Zoning and FLUM Map 5 Request We are proposing a rezoning from CS-1-V-NP to PUD (Planned Unit Development), with a CS base district. 6 Project Details Unit Count: Mixed use project, with a maximum height of 400 feet and a maximum FAR of 15:1 • Approximately 450 units • 10% of bonus area reserved as affordable at 60% MFI (or another acceptable form of affordability) Commercial Space: • 7,500 SF – Ground Floor Pedestrian Oriented Uses • Up to 30,000 SF – Office Use Parking: • Below minimum LDC requirements • 230% above minimum LDC requirements for bicycle spaces Community Amenities/Contributions • Public art piece • Wiring for EV charging for 50% of parking spaces with initial EV stations at 6% of vehicular parking spaces • Parkland Dedication fee-in-lieu payment: $1,710,688.50 (2023 fees for 450 units); commercial fees TBD • Public water bottle filling station • 2,500 SF of affordable commercial space (rental rate max. of 80% of market rate) 7 Conceptual Ground Floor Plan 8 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance • Connectivity and Circulation: • PUD will connect to Barton Springs Rd. extension • Open space: • Sustainability • Northwest corner open space with water bottle station • Rain gardens on S. Congress • Reclaimed water connections/extensions • Solar facilities incorporated • Electric vehicle charging • Urban Design: with 10+ shade trees • Widened and enhanced sidewalks on S. Congress Ave. and Barton Springs extension • Mix of uses with ground floor commercial, residential and office on upper levels • Public art proposed 9 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance SCW Staff (Greg Dutton) Comments: “Ground floor pedestrian uses and the elimination of certain CS uses in the proposed PUD, particularly auto-oriented uses, support the overall goals of the SCW Vision Framework Plan to create a vibrant, mixed-use environment that is more pedestrian-friendly. In addition, the project proposals to have no surface parking (structured only), streetscape improvements, and green building standards comply with the spirit of the SCW Vision Framework Plan. Although the additional entitlement request for height exceeds the scenario height imagined in the …
Palm District Planning Initiative Environmental Commission Briefing October 19, 2022 Content Background and Study Area What We Heard Vision and Scenarios Implementation/Next Steps Background and Study Area Develop a shared vision for a complex, culturally rich, and rapidly transforming part of downtown Austin. 4 5 Resolution 20190523-029 Palm School Negotiations Rainey Street District Fund Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Convention Center Expansion District Planning Process Improved Connectivity 6 WE ARE HERE 7 Equity-Based Goals Create a safe, welcoming place history Preserve and interpret Enhance educational and cultural assets Provide economic benefits Increase access to housing Improve mobility and access Improve access to nature, enhance natural systems, and support an equitable, sustainable, resilient future 8 What We Heard Participants • Visits to SpeakUp Austin! Webpage: 3,600 • Survey Responses: 700+ (3 Surveys) • Visioning Forum Attendees: 150+ • Targeted East Austin Outreach: 75 + (Individuals and Organizations) • AIA Event Participants: 60+ • Interactive Map Responses: 25+ 10 Survey Demographics 11 Visioning Forums 12 Targeted East Austin Engagement: • La Raza Roundtable • Current and Former Elected Officials • Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Tejano Democrats • Palm School Alumni • The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) • La Pena Arts, Inc. • Mexic-Arte • Nuestro Grupo/Academia Cuauhtli • AHMIGA (Latina civic and social networking organization) • Café Con Letras • L.A.C.E. • PODER • Long-time East Austin residents 13 American Institute of Architects Recommendations: 14 Vision and Scenarios VISION The Palm District is a vibrant historic hub of downtown where the past is honored, culture is celebrated, and the future is shaped. Dense transit-oriented development is balanced with history and natural spaces creating physical connections that invite people to move easily to and through the district. The district is a dynamic place, growing and evolving, while actively retaining families and individuals who have traditionally called this place home. Creativity and innovation are cultivated, and people from Austin and beyond are welcome to live, relax, work, play, learn, and connect with others. 16 INCLUSIVE GROWTH Growth in the district will provide a prosperous future for longtime and recent residents and for established and new businesses. 17 CULTURE The district will become a destination that celebrates its multi- cultural heritage. 18 CONNECTION Physical, cultural and social connections will be strengthened within downtown and …
311-315 South Congress PUD Development Assessment Environmental Commission Briefing CD-2022-0002 October 19, 2022 1 Site Aerial 2 Site Aerial 3 Property Details Address: 311, 313, and 315 South Congress Avenue Size: 0.8143 Acres Current Use: Auto repair/tire shop, Commercial retail/office strip Current Zoning: CS-1-V-NP Overlays: Waterfront Overlay – South Shore Central Subdistrict 4 Zoning and FLUM Map 5 Request We are proposing a rezoning from CS-1-V-NP to PUD (Planned Unit Development), with a CS base district. 6 Project Details Unit Count: Mixed use project, with a maximum height of 400 feet and a maximum FAR of 15:1 • Approximately 450 units • 10% of bonus area reserved as affordable at 60% MFI (or another acceptable form of affordability) Commercial Space: • 7,500 SF – Ground Floor Pedestrian Oriented Uses • Up to 30,000 SF – Office Use Parking: • 35% reduction of minimum LDC requirements • 230% above minimum LDC requirements for bicycle spaces Community Amenities/Contributions • Public art piece • Wiring for EV charging for 50% of parking spaces with initial EV stations at 6% of vehicular parking spaces • Parkland Dedication fee-in-lieu payment: $1,710,688.50 (2023 fees for 450 units); commercial fees TBD • Public water bottle filling station • 2,500 SF of affordable commercial space (rental rate max. of 80% of market rate) 7 Conceptual Ground Floor Plan 8 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance • Connectivity and Circulation: • PUD will connect to Barton Springs Rd. extension • Open space: • Sustainability • Northwest corner open space • Rain gardens on S. Congress • Reclaimed water connections/extensions • Solar facilities incorporated • Electric vehicle charging • Urban Design: • Widened and enhanced sidewalks on S. Congress Ave. and Barton Springs extension with 5.5-inch caliper shade trees • Mix of uses with ground floor commercial, residential and office on upper levels • Public art and public water bottle filling station proposed 9 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance SCW Staff (Greg Dutton) Comments: “Ground floor pedestrian uses and the elimination of certain CS uses in the proposed PUD, particularly auto-oriented uses, support the overall goals of the SCW Vision Framework Plan to create a vibrant, mixed-use environment that is more pedestrian-friendly. In addition, the project proposals to have no surface parking (structured only), streetscape improvements, and green building standards comply with the spirit of the SCW Vision Framework Plan. Although the additional entitlement request for height exceeds the …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20221019 004 Date: October 19, 2022 Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Subject: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Service Extension Request (SER) is located in the Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone and limited purpose jurisdiction. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review for Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 and recommend approval of the request. THEREFORE, Environmental Commission recommends approval of the above noted wastewater service extension request. VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Scott, and Thompson Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Barrett Bixler and Schiera Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20221019-005 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: October 19, 2022 Subject: Loyola Junction Apartments, SP-2021-0242C Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 17 feet in the desired development zone and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Walnut Creek, Suburban Watershed, Desired Development Zone; 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 conditions: Staff Conditions: • Install a retaining wall to contain the major fill areas • Utilize terracing techniques in the areas of major fill • Increase the CEF setback for the existing CEF wetland feature in the area by 50 feet • Add additional COA 609S Native seeding at the bottom of the major fill areas VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Scott, and Thompson Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Barrett Bixler and Schiera Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 19, October, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on 19, October, 2022 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Commissioners in Attendance: Ana Aguirre, Rick Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Kevin Ramberg, and Rachel Scott. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Perry Bedford, Colin Nickells, Pam Thompson, and Haris Qureshi. Commissioners absent: Audrey Barrett Bixler and Melinda Schiera. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. 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. Speakers Malcom Yeatts spoke about Country Club Creek cleanups. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 5, 2022 (5 minutes) The minutes of the October 5, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting were postponed until the next meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Briefing on the Palm District Plan. Briefing and Possible Action. Housing and Planning Staff, Stevie Greathouse, (512) 974-7226, stevie.greathouse@austintexas.gov (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 311-315 South Congress, located at 311-315 South Congress Avenue, CD-2022-0002 (District 9). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Wendy Rhoades, Housing and Planning Department and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Chair Ramberg recessed the meeting for ten minutes at 8:32 P.M. Chair Ramberg resumed the meeting at 8:45 P.M. Name: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 Applicant: I.T. Gonzalez, I.T. Gonzalez Engineering Location: 10802 D K Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78759 Council District: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (District 10) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Recommended (20 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Aguirre’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Barrett Bixler and Schiera were absent. A motion to approve the Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Barrett Bixler and Schiera were absent. Name: Loyola Junction Apartments, SP-2021-0242C Applicant: Stephen Jamison, Jamison Civil Engineering Location: …
