Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 4, 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). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 21, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on August 28, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name:1107 Castle Ridge Rd Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Recommendation: Not recommended Make a recommendation regarding the request for 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0057) located at 200 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Name: Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Applicant: Nick Brown, Kimley Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultant Location: 4605 S Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: District 2 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, david.michael@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet in depth. Staff Recommendation: …
1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, August 28, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened in a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff Briefing on Environmental Commission recommendations, including findings of fact and appropriate conditions for land use commission variances – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department; Chrissy Mann, Assistant City Attorney; and AJ Urteaga, Assistant City Attorney Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of cut and fill variances, including what they are and potential positive and negative outcomes associated with their approval – Requested by Environmental Commissioner David Sullivan Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 8:24 pm. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:30 pm. 1 3. 4. Discuss the committees of the Environmental Commission, including the status of current and past committees – Environmental Commission Chair Perry Bedford Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2024-2025 calendar year – Environmental Commission Chair Perry Chair Bedford Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 9:42 pm. 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Hanna Cofer Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 7, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on August 7, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol and Qureshi were absent. Commissioner Einhorn and Nickells were off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan – Kim McKnight, Parks and Recreation Speakers: Kim McKnight, PARD Katie Robinson Edwards, Umlauf Amanda Valbracht, Umlauf Richard Weiss, Member of the public A motion recommending the Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan with additional recommendations passed on Commissioner 1 3. 4. 5. Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 6–0 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Cofer abstained. Commissioners Bristol and Qureshi were absent. Revisit a recommendation on an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 related to development regulations applicable to residential re-subdivisions and multi-family residential site development of five to sixteen units (Site Plan Lite, Phase 2 & Infill Plats) – Presented by Matt Hollon, Watershed Protection, requested by Environmental Commissioner Jennifer Bristol and Hanna Cofer Speakers: Matt Hollon, WPD Frances Acuña, speaking against Ana Aguirre, speaking against Bobby Levinski, speaking against Irene Pickhardt, speaking against Tanzia Karim, speaking against Megan Meisenbach, speaking against Ramesh Swaminathan, WPD Kevin Shunk, WPD Liz Johnston, WPD A motion by Chair Bedford to extend the meeting to 10:30, seconded by Commissioner Krueger, passed on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol and Qureshi were absent. A motion recommending the Site Plan Lite, Phase 2 & Infill Plats Ordinance with additional recommendations passed made on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Nickells’s second on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioners Bristol and Qureshi were absent. Staff briefing on wastewater capital improvement projects – Charles Celauro, Austin Water Assistant Director, Engineering Services, Austin Water Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Analysis of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: September 4, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC LOCATION: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: February 5, 2024 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Revision Not Recommended 1 MEMORANDUM August 6, 2024 Perry Bedford, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 Service Extension Requests (SERs) 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. The Watershed Protection Department (WPD) staff have completed the review for 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater SER #5845 and do not recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 2.85 acres, located at 1107 Castle Ridge Road. The site is in the City of Austin’s Two-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the Barton Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. It is also within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone and is subject to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance. Request Summary The applicant is proposing to subdivide the 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences for homes with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance. There is an existing structure on the center lot that will be replaced. The SER is requesting three Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). A site plan has not yet been submitted to the City of Austin. Impacts from SER improvements Wastewater: The applicant is proposing to construct 760 feet of appropriately sized gravity wastewater main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Whitemarch Valley Walk and extend north to and through the subject tract to Castle Ridge Road as shown on the attached map. Alternative Wastewater Service: The combined average flows from all three houses are estimated to be 735 gallons per day (GPD). If service is not extended to the site and wastewater disposal is required, there are two 2 options for this amount of effluent treatment: Onsite Sewage …
1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 What is a Service Extension Request? • A service extension request (SER) is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • Required when: system demands – a property is more than 100 ft from accessible water/wastewater – existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project • May involve the construction of a new line/associated facility or upgrades to existing lines/facilities. • Applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER. SER Process • Requires Council approval if property: – is in Drinking Water Protection Zone and – outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction • Environmental Commission & Water & Wastewater Commission make recommendations for support/denial • No conditions can be put on SERs. Request Summary • Wastewater Service Request • 1107 Castle Ridge Road • 2.85 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Barton Creek Watershed (Barton Springs Zone) • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Subject to Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance SER #5845 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Site Location Proposed Development Intended Uses • 3 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs) • Subdivide 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance • Existing structure will be removed/replaced • Site plan has not yet been submitted. SER #5845 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #5845 Proposed Wastewater Extension • Construct 760 ft of gravity wastewater main from existing 8” gravity wastewater main in Whitemarch Valley Walk • Extend north to & through the subject tract to Castle Ridge Road. Alternative Wastewater Service • Soils – Brackett-Rock outcrop soils – Not ideal for land application or Onsite Sewage Facilities (OSSF) • Land application – Issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) – Flow from proposed development would be significantly less than amount required for TCEQ permit • Onsite Sewage Facility (OSSF) – Travis County rules require lot size of at least one acre – Requires redesign for only two lots – Would not necessarily reduce total impervious cover of proposed development. Water Service • No City of Austin water SER requested • Water service will be provided by Travis County WCID #10. Camelot Subdivision Hills of Lost Creek Senate Bill 2038: ETJ Regulations • Grants …
200 E. Riverside PUD 200 East Riverside C814- 2023- 0057 Leslie Lilly Environmental Conservation Program Manager 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 C814-2023-0057 SITE Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 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 Inf ormation • Proposed new PUD • Existing commercial development (1970) • Current site – 3.95 acres • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 9 • South Central Waterfront subdistrict within Waterfront overlay 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 S o u t h C e n t r a l W a t e r f r o n t C o m b i n i n g D i s t r i c t & D e n s i t y B o n u s P r o g r a m 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 4 Environmental Features • Urban Watershed / Lady Bird Lake and East Bouldin Creek Watersheds • No CEFs within 150’ • CWQZ and 100-yr not located on site • Existing 89.8% IC • No existing water quality treatment • Outside of Edward Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zone 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 5 Land Use Plan C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: September 4, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD), C814-2023-0057 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: Richard T. Suttle, Jr., Armbrust & Brown 200 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 9 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.gov Urban Watershed / Lady Bird Lake and East Bouldin Creek Watersheds REQUEST: Planned Unit Development Staff recommended with conditions STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: Development associated with C814-2023-0057, located at 3200 E Riverside, shall comply with the following requirements: 1. 3-star Austin Energy Green Building rating 2. ST7 Light Pollution Reduction and STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence criteria 3. Current code except as modified by the PUD 4. 100% of water quality volume treated on-site and treated with Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Page 2 of 2 5. 9.8% reduction in Impervious Cover (IC) 6. 100% native plants 7. Enhanced requirements for street tree plantings (soil volume & depth, planting distance, species diversity, size) 8. 18,000 sq ft porous pavement for all pedestrian areas on site irrigation provided by rainwater 9. 100% of landscape harvesting or other non-potable source 10. Stormwater runoff directed to landscape areas ≥ required landscape area 11. Integrated pest management plan 12. 5,000 sq ft of pollinator habitat ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2023-0057 (200 E. Riverside PUD) DISTRICT AREA: 9 ADDRESS: 200 East Riverside Drive ZONING FROM: LI-NP TO: PUD-NP SITE AREA: 3.95 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Garwald Company, Inc. AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis PHONE: 512-974-3057 sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommendation is to approve the 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) subject to the following conditions: 1. The conditions of the PUD shall be established in - a) the proposed Land Use Plan that includes a breakdown of: the planning site area, exhibit of the surrounding tract uses and acreages, the Site Development Regulations, Permitted Uses, Conditional Uses and Prohibited Uses Tables, proposed maximum Land Use Summary Table and Land Use Notes. 2. The PUD shall comply with the following Environmental staff recommendations: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Chart P. 3 of 3 Other Amenities Specific to PUD: Landscape superiority items. The applicant has agreed to amend the following superiority item: 4. All new perimeter right-of-way trees installed on the property shall be planted with a minimum …
DOMINIUM SAGE AT FRANKLIN PARK 4605 S PLEASANT VALLEY RD SP-2023-0389C.SH David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Williamson Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Council District 2 • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION 4605 S Pleasant Valley Rd LOCATION View from S. Pleasant Valley Road View from interior of the site LOCATION 2 ft elevation contour lines Critical Water Quality Zones VARIANCE REQUEST Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet. GRADING VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Grading is a design decision, but the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. FINDINGS OF FACT PER LDC 25-8-41 • City Staff determined the Findings of Fact have been met per LDC 25-8- 41 for the requested variances • Consequently, City Staff recommended approval of the variances to the Environmental Commission (9/04/2024 Environmental Commission meeting) with variance conditions STAFF DETERMINATION AND CONDITIONS Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met. Variance Conditions: Enhanced wetland mitigation by providing rain gardens • • Pollinator garden(s) (3 at 1000 SF each or equivalent) located on site accessible to residents with educational signage to each 25 Additional landscape trees, 2-inch min diameter from ECM Appendix F species • • Hand removal and herbicide stump treatment of non-native invasive woody species within CEF buffer and outer half CWQZ along northern property boundary using Spec 614S • Hand seed areas of poor ground cover after invasive removal with 1:1 mix of Spec 609S Table 4 and 5 at specified rate and raked in by hand • Provide educational signage along the creek for wetlands and invasives every 500-feet • No mow signs along the CWQZ every 500-feet APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA LOCATION: 4605 S PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD, Austin, Texas 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District #2 COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: September 4th, 2024 Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Nick Brown, Kimley Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultants David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, david.michael@austintexas.gov Williamson Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Suburban Desired Development Zone. Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet in depth. Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. • Enhanced wetland mitigation by providing rain gardens • Pollinator garden(s) (3 at 1000 SF each or equivalent) located on site accessible to residents with educational signage to each • 25 Additional landscape trees, 2-inch min diameter from ECM Appendix F species • Hand removal and herbicide stump treatment of non-native invasive woody species within CEF buffer and outer half CWQZ along northern property boundary using Spec 614S • Hand seed areas of poor ground cover after invasive removal with 1:1 mix of Spec 609S Table 4 and 5 at specified rate and raked in by hand • Provide educational signage along the creek for wetlands and invasives every 500-feet • No mow signs along the CWQZ every 500-feet Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; Yes This property was re-zoned MF-3 to allow a multi-family development, and the proposed multifamily development is participating in the SMART (Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably-priced, Transit-Oriented) Housing program. Approximately contemporaneous multifamily developments, also participating in an affordable housing program, are located adjacent to the site: • Franklin Park Apartments, at 4509 E St. Elmo Road • Woodway Village, at 4600 Nuckols Crossing Road There are examples of other recent projects approved for similar depth of fill, including: • Applied Materials Logistics Service Center, at 9614 US-290, Austin, TX 78724, (SP-2020-0321C), which was allowed cut to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240904-002 Date: September 4, 2024 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: Subject: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5854 Seconded by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Wastewater Service Extension Request (SER); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff does not recommend the wastewater service extension request. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission does not recommend this service extension request. VOTE: 7-1 For: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Against: Colin Nickells Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer and Melinda Schiera Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240904-003 Date: September 4, 2024 RATIONALE: Subject: 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0057) Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Colin Nickells WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Planned Unit Development; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Urban Watershed and Lady Bird Lake and East Bouldin Creek Watersheds; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this planned unit development. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. 2. 3. Current code except as modified by the PUD 4. 3-star Austin Energy Green Building rating ST7 Light Pollution Reduction and STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence criteria 100% of water quality volume treated on-site and treated with Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) 9.8% reduction in Impervious Cover (IC) 100% native plants Enhanced requirements for street tree plantings (soil volume & depth, planting distance, species diversity, size) 18,000 sq ft porous pavement for all pedestrian areas on site 100% of landscape irrigation provided by rainwater harvesting or other non-potable source 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Stormwater runoff directed to landscape areas greater than required landscape area 11. 12. 5,000 sq ft of pollinator habitat Integrated pest management plan 1 VOTE: 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: Richard Brimer Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer and Melinda Schiera Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240904-004 Date: September 4, 2024 Subject: Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Mariana Kruger WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet in depth and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Williamson Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Suburban Desired Development Zone; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: Staff conditions: • Enhanced wetland mitigation by providing rain gardens • Pollinator garden(s) (3 at 1000 SF each or equivalent) located on site accessible to residents with educational signage to each • 25 Additional landscape trees, 2-inch min diameter from ECM Appendix F species • Hand removal and herbicide stump treatment of non-native invasive woody species within CEF buffer and outer half CWQZ along northern property boundary using Spec 614S • Hand seed areas of poor ground cover after invasive removal with 1:1 mix of Spec 609S Table 4 and 5 at specified rate and raked in by hand • Provide educational signage along the creek for wetlands and invasives every 500-feet • No mow signs along the CWQZ every 500-feet Environmental Commission conditions: • Create space for a community garden and plant native Texas pecan trees (both male and female) to create a food forest. Include signage and education about the garden and trees. • Work with Urban Roots to offer programing. • Plant Blackland Prairie native species with education about the prairie system. • Utilize natural playground best practices as recommended by the Natural Learning Institute. • Include screens on windows- this is a bird strike deterrent and allows residents to get fresh air. VOTE 8-0 For: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer and Melinda Schiera 1 Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 4, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 21, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on August 28, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 21, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on August 28, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name:1107 Castle Ridge Rd Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Recommendation: Not recommended 1 2. Speakers: Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Tanzia Karim, SOS A motion to close the public hearing passed on Chair Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second, on an 8-0 vote. A motion to deny the 1107 Castle Ridge Rd Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second, on a 7–1 vote. Commissioner Nickels voted against. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Make a recommendation regarding the request for 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0057) located at 200 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Richard Suttle, applicant A motion to close the public hearing passed on Chair Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. A motion to recommend the 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) with staff conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Nickells’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Name: Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Applicant: Nick Brown, Kimley Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultant Location: 4605 S Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: District 2 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services …
