Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Special Called Meeting to discuss budget recommendations: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Events Center Room 1405, Austin, Texas 78752
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting March 28th, 2024 at 10:00 AM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Urban Forestry Committee will be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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: Richard Brimer (Committee Chair) Mariana Krueger Colin Nickells Melinda Schiera CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of October 12, 2023 2. Staff briefing heritage tree administrative variance procedures – Jim Dymkowski, Division Manager, Community Tree Preservation, Development Services Department 3. Staff briefing on overall tree preservation numbers – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department 4. Staff update on drafted tree preservation incentives in HOME code amendments – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department 5. Discuss ghost trees and how they are addressed in the current heritage tree ordinance– 6. Discuss Committee goals for the upcoming year – Mariana Krueger DISCUSSION ITEMS Richard Brimer FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth 512-568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Protection Department, Funk, Watershed at
Peer 1 1 Urban Forestry Committee Meeting March 28, 2024 Jim Dymkowski DSD-Community Tree Division Overview • Heritage tree administrative variance procedures • Overall tree preservation numbers 2023 • Staff update on drafted tree preservation incentives for HOME code amendments phase 1 2 Point 1 Administering Heritage Tree Variances (Process matters) The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection 4 Heritage Trees in Austin • Is a tree that has a diameter of 24 inches or more, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade, and is one of the following species: • Texas Ash, Bald Cypress, American elm ,Cedar elm, Texas madrone, Bigtooth maple, All oaks, Pecan, Arizona walnut, and Eastern Black walnut • 25-8-641 – Prohibits removal unless a permit is issued and is only issued if a variance is approved under Section 25-8-642 (Administrative Variance) or 25- 8-643 (Land Use Commission Variance). • The requirements apply to trees on private and public property. • Without a variance, a damaged heritage tree may be removed that is an imminent hazard to life or property if removed within seven days of being damaged. The director may extend this deadline for widespread and extensive storm damage 5 Review Criteria for Protected and Heritage Trees Code Criteria for Removal 1. Prevents a reasonable use 2. Prevents reasonable access 3. Dead, diseased, or imminent hazard 4. For a tree located on public property or a public street or easement:(a)prevents the opening of necessary vehicular traffic lanes in a street or alley; or 5. Prevents the construction of utility or drainage facilities that may not feasibly be rerouted. 6 Due Process for Administering Heritage Tree Ordinance 25-8-642 - ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE • May be granted for any size Heritage Tree if it is determined to be based on the City Arborist's recommendation: • Dead, diseased, or imminent hazard • No application fee and no mitigation are required for a variance request under these conditions. 8 25-8-642 - ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE • For a heritage tree that does not have at least one stem that is 30 inches in diameter and only after determining, based on the city arborist's recommendation, that the heritage tree meets the approval criteria for removal • prevents reasonable use or access to the property • for a tree located on public property or a public street or easement:(a)prevents the opening of necessary vehicular traffic lanes in a street or alley; or …
1. 2. URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, October 12, 2023 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, October 12, 2023, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 24, 2021 The minutes from the regular meeting on June 24th, 2021 were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve an annual meeting schedule for 2024 The Urban Forestry meeting schedule for 2024, with changes as discussed for the September 2024 meeting, was approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on tree removal permitting process and public complaints – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Staff briefing on Austin’s Tree Canopy and goals – Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Schiera requested an opportunity to set goals for the committee. Commissioner Krueger seconded the request. Commissioner Brimer requested a list of the repeat offenders for illegal tree removals and information on how pervasive the problem of repetitive illegal removals is, emphasizing that he is asking for only information that is publicly available. Commissioner Krueger is in interested understanding the accountability mechanisms and the authority the city has for tree removal violators. Commissioner Krueger asked about a presentation on the intersection between tree canopy goals, climate equity, and food plan. Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 11:56 a.m. without objection.
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM 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 via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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 Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY25 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department ADJOURNMENT 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department. 2
Watershed Protection Department FY24 Budget, Programs, and Projects 1 Overview ◦ Mission & Organizational Structure ◦ FY24 Budget Highlights ◦ Programmatic Activities ◦ Capital Improvement Program ◦ Project Highlights ◦ Resources 2 Mission & Organizational Structure 3 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 - >94% Other sources: Bonds (for Capital Projects), Development Fees, Interest Income, Grants 4 WPD Organizational Structure Watershed Protection Total FTEs: 442.5 Planning, Monitoring, & Compliance FTEs: 105.5 Project Design & Delivery FTEs: 62 Field Operations FTEs: 173 Support Services FTEs: 102 5 FY24 Budget Highlights 6 FY 2024 Budget Expenses by Program Total Budget: $114.7 Million Other Transfers 19.2 Projects Design and Delivery 8.6 Planning, Monitoring, & Compliance 14.6 Transfer to CIP 28.0 Support Services 15.8 Field Operations 28.5 7 Programmatic Activities 8 Funding Sources • Operations ◦ Drainage Utility Charge Based on Amount and Percent of Impervious cover ◦ Other Fees and Interest Income Site plans, subdivisions, MUD, PUDs; Permit Fees • Capital Projects ◦ Cash transfer from operations ◦ GO bonds ◦ Grants ◦ Tax Increment Financing ◦ RSMP and USCF Payments 9 FY24 Funding Source and Uses Funding Sources Revenue Source Drainage Utility Charge Development, licenses and permit Fees Interest Income and other misc. revenue Total Funding Uses Funding uses Personnel Cost Other program costs Transfers Total $Millions 104.1 1.4 5.2 110.7 $Millions 48.8 18.7 47.2 114.7 10 Watershed Operational Activities • Drainage infrastructure maintenance • Trash and debris removal • Land management & ponds maintenance 11 Watershed Operational Activities • Pollution prevention and response • Floodplain modeling and development review • Environmental policy and planning • Environmental research and data analysis 12 Watershed Operational Activities • Storm event monitoring • Replenishing creek beds • Community education and outreach 13 Capital Improvement Program 14 Capital Improvement Program: Overview ◦ Projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are major improvements to our infrastructure, facilities, and waterways ◦ CIP projects have a higher price tag and longer lifespan than routine maintenance or in-house projects funded through the operating budget Storm drain improvement project 15 Capital Improvement Program: Priorities Flooding in the Onion Creek watershed ◦ …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220330-001 Date: March 28, 2024 Subject: Watershed Protection Department FY 2024-2025 Budget, Programs, and Projects Motion by: Perry Bedford Seconded by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was presented the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) Fiscal year 2024 budget; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual Financial Forecast is still being prepared and the final plan will be provided to Council in near future; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission supports the Watershed Protection Department’s Budget, Programs, and Projects as presented to the Commission with the following recommendations: Continue to support the funding for trash removal and working with profit and nonprofit contracts for trash removal in the community and neighborhoods. Research federal and state funding available to supplement city funding for applicable improvement projects. Replenishing creek beds Pollution prevention and response Personnel and wage increases as appropriate VOTE 7-0 Invest money in water quality monitoring to quantify the impact of the IH-35 expansion. For: Perry Bedford, Rick Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Marianna Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Kevin Ramberg, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Vice Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas 78752. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Rick Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Melinda Schiera Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, Colin Nickells, Kevin Ramberg PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY25 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Watershed Protection Department Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department A motion to make recommendations for Watershed Protection’s Fiscal year 2025 budget was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Qureshi, Nickells, and Ramberg were absent. Vice Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the May 1, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner’s Bristol and Nickells abstained. Commissioners Qureshi and Schiera were off the dais. 1
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. 3. 4. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of October 12, 2023 The minutes from the regular meeting on October 12th, 2023 were approved on Commissioner Schiera’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing heritage tree administrative variance procedures – Jim Dymkowski, Division Manager, Community Tree Preservation, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on overall tree preservation numbers – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff update on drafted tree preservation incentives in HOME code amendments – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save our Springs Alliance (speaking on items 4 and 5) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discuss ghost trees and how they are addressed in the current heritage tree ordinance– Richard Brimer Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save our Springs Alliance Item conducted as posted. No action was taken. Discuss Committee goals for the upcoming year – Mariana Krueger Speakers: Commissioner Krueger, on increasing food forests and native planting corridors Commissioner Schiera, on the growth of tree canopy and increasing tree review after planting Commissioner Brimer, on actionable items to protect tree canopy and incentives on compliance with existing regulations Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Schiera requested to meet to determine high-level priorities and action items for the committee. Commissioner Schiera requested making a recommendation to Council on increasing the inspections of trees after plantings Commissioner Krueger requested an agenda item to create package of recommendations to support food forests and community gardens at the Environmental Commission. Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 12 p.m. without objection. 6. The minutes were approved at the June 27, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained.
