Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 6, 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 Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 1 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam – Matt Hollon, Watershed Protection Department, Matt.Hollon@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2238 Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Austin and Hays Independent School District – Jacob Eickstead, Watershed Protection Department, Jacob.Eickstead@austintexas.gov DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation on the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group and upcoming resolution – Environmental Commissioner Jennifer Bristol Staff presentation on Tree Regulations and Protections: An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, and Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr., Development Services Department 6. Update from the Urban Forestry Committee on the draft recommendation to improve the tree canopy – Richard Brimer DISCUSSION ITEMS COMMITTEE UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and …
1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 2, 2024 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at __ p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan, Richard Brimer Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Haris Qureshi Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol and Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 18, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 18, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Cofer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger was off the dais. Commissioners Bristol and Nickells were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation on Hays Commons Municipal Utility District (MUD) and request for a recommendation to initiate a Site-Specific Amendment to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13 of the Save Our Springs Initiative – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection Robert Deegan, landscape architect Jeff Howard, speaking for the applicant 1 3. 4. Mike Clifford, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA); received time donation from Anne __ Jim Camp, Local landowner next to Hays Commons Bobby Levinski, Save Our Springs Alliance Tanzia Karim, Save Our Springs Alliance Brian Zabcik, Save Barton Creek Association Carol Pennington, Local landowner next to Hays Commons (virtual) Lee Burton, Save Barton Creek Association Craig Nazor, Sierra Club Roy Wayley, Sierra Club Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend the initiation of a Site-Specific Amendment to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13 of the Save Our Springs Initiative for the Hays Commons Municipal Utility District (MUD) with conditions failed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Cofer’s second, on a 3–3 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Bedford, and Sullivan voted in favor. Commissioners Krueger, Schiera, and Brimer voted against. Commissioner Qureshi abstained. Commissioners Bristol and Nickells were absent. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 8:08. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:16. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and discussion on listed endangered and potentially listed species in Travis County – Michael Warriner, Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist, Fish and Wildlife …
Colorado River Protections Ordinance E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n N o v e m b e r 6 , 2 0 2 4 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2-Minute Summary Video 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 Ordinance Youtube video link Council Resolution Community members asked Council to strengthen Colorado River protections; Council thereafter included in their June 2022 Council resolution: “… evaluate the effectiveness of existing Critical Water Quality Zone and Erosion Hazard Zone buffers on the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam and to propose protections that will provide adequate protections to the river that will ensure a healthy riparian corridor to stabilize the riverbank and protect property from erosion” 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 East Austin Longhorn Dam J. Trevino Metro Park Lady Bird Lake Roy Guerrero Park “Dog’s Head” Austin’s Colony Hornsby Bend Biosolids Plant Tesla SHEC/SAR WWTP Southeast Austin Parcel Count Acres Juris- diction Type CWQZ Buffer Acres 400ft Buffer Acres Acres 400ft minus CWQZ FULL ETJ Totals FULL ETJ Totals 241 243 484 50% 50% 100% 1,054 14,896 15,950 7% 93% 100% 281 1,929 2,211 13% 87% 100% 391 2,184 2,575 15% 85% 100% 109 255 ABIA 364 30% 70% 100% Travis County Colorado River City Limits & ETJ 6 Single-Family Residential Parks & Open Space Industrial Parks & Open Space Agriculture / Undeveloped Parks & Open Space Mining Single-Family Residential Utilities 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 Colorado River Land …
10/30/24 C20-2022-0025 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2022-0025, Land Development Code Amendment to Title 25-7 Drainage Description: Consider an ordinance regarding amendments to Title 25 related to adequate protections to the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam. Proposed Language: To revise 25-7-32(B)(2) to establish the erosion hazard zone of the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam as 200 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, with exceptions for trails and bounded by public rights-of-way and only affecting new habitable structures and subsurface infrastructure. See Attachment A. Summary of proposed code changes: The proposed code change would expand the Erosion Hazard Zone (EHZ) associated with the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam to 200 feet from the ordinary high-water mark (federally defined river bank). The existing EHZ is measured 100 feet from the ordinary high-water mark. The EHZ would only apply to new habitable structures (e.g., residential houses) and infrastructure (e.g., new roadways, water and wastewater pipes) and NOT to existing structures and infrastructure or to new sheds, pools, patios, decks, fences, and the like. Staff are proposing that EHZ requirements for hard-surfaced trails remain at 100 feet. The EHZ would also not extend past existing public rights-of-way. Thus, for example, a property on the far side of a public roadway from river would not be subject to the EHZ. Additionally, single-family residential construction in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction would not be affected by this ordinance since Travis County, not the City of Austin, regulates such construction. Background: This ordinance responds to Council Resolution No. 20220609-061, which initiated Land Development Code amendments related to environmental, drainage, and landscape requirements. A previous ordinance addressed many of the elements of this resolution, but certain proposed changes were not adopted at the time so that staff could conduct additional analyses and community outreach. The proposed ordinance addresses direction to staff to “evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Critical Water Quality Zone and Erosion Hazard Zone buffers on the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn dam and to propose protections that will provide adequate protections to the river that will ensure a healthy riparian corridor to stabilize the riverbank and protect property from erosion.” Board and Commission Actions: October 16, 2024: Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee supported the staff recommendation on a vote of 6-0 with the following two amendments: 1. Recommend staff create a map for public consumption before October 28th. 2. …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: November 6th, 2024 Hays Independent School District Interlocal Agreement NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: Hays ISD 1901 Turnersville Road COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 5 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Jacob Eickstead, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department, jacob.eickstead@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Suburban Watershed, Rinard Creek, Plum Creek, To approved the Interlocal Agreement between Hays ISD and the City of Austin Staff recommended with conditions 1. A minimum of (4) educational and interpretive signs will be installed on campus with locations identified in the site plan. Temporary signage will be installed at each location for approval of the site plan. Permanent education signage will be developed with students and installed at a later date. Permanent signs are not a requirement for certificate of occupancy. 2. As shown in the Environmental Enhancements planning Exhibit A, approximately 500,000 sqft of prairie habitat restoration will be provided using native prairie species, native soils and other habitat enhancements as approved by the Director of Watershed Protection. 3. All plant material will be 100% native or adapted species and selected from Exhibit B (Plant List). Alternative plants may be provided as reviewed and approved by the City of Austin Arborist. 4. The project will provide a minimum of (2) vehicle charging stations and (80) bicycle parking spots. 5. Rainwater and AC condensate will be collected and used for landscape irrigation. 6. The project will comply with bird friendly design standards by meeting the minimum requirements of the Austin Energy Green Building criteria for light pollution reduction and bird collision deterrence. 7. The project will provide an Integrated Pest Management Plan. 8. Disturbed topsoil will be stockpiled onsite and utilized in new planting areas for sod, shrub plantings and seeding areas. 9. The detention ponds will be designed for fully vegetated conditions and integrated into the landscape which will provide educational opportunities. 2
Hays ISD Interlocal Agreement Jacob Eickstead 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 Hays ISD Interlocal Agreement A n I n t e r l o c a l A g r e e m e n t ( I L A ) i s a n a g r e e m e n t b e t w e e n t h e C i t y a n d a n y g o v e r n m e n t a l e n t i t y t h a t e s t a b l i s h e s o r m o d i f i e s r e g u l a t i o n f o r d e v e l o p m e n t . T h e H a y s I S D I L A i s p r o p o s e d f o r 9 3 . 2 a c r e s a d j a c e n t t o t h e S u n f i e l d P U D T h e s c h o o l d i s t r i c t i s r e q u e s t i n g i n t h e I L A f o r d e v e l o p m e n t o f a h i g h s c h o o l 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 L o c a t i o n o f P r o p o s e d S c h o o l 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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-004 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: Bird-Friendly Design Working Group Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation about Bird Safe Design by Heidi Trudell Bird Safe Design Specialist with support from Travis Audubon; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and threatened Black-capped Vireo; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $1.8 billion generated from bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes birds colliding with poorly designed buildings results in up to 1 million birds dying in the US every year; and WHEREAS, to better understand the issues and best design practices for Bird-Friendly Buildings, the Environmental Commission formed a working group in June 2024 with other commissions, architects, developers, and conservationist; and WHEREAS, the working group met monthly to study what other cities are doing, what are the best practices, and what the City of Austin is already doing; and WHEREAS, after studying the issue and solutions the Working Group, with support from Council Member Leslie Pool’s office, submitted a resolution for consideration by council. The resolution will be considered on November 21, 2024; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends supporting the resolution as it falls in line with meeting the environmental goals of improving habitats for species, improving and stabilizing biodiversity within the city limits and ETJ, and improving the quality of life for people residing in or visiting Austin. VOTE For: Against: Recuse: Absent: 1 Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 6th, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance Why Do We Protect Trees? Austin’s urban forest currently has over 33 million trees, all of which support the following benefits: • • • • • • • • Trees improve air quality by filtering out particles, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees help reduce flood impacts by slowing and filtering rainwater. Trees contribute to connections with nature that improve people’s health outcomes and contribute to an environment where people feel connected to their community. Trees are good for business: Shoppers spend more time and money in shopping areas with businesses that have good tree coverage. Tree roots hold soil in place, reducing erosion. Shade from urban trees can cool the air up to 8 degrees Celsius. Their shade and wind protection reduce energy use. Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting for diverse wildlife. Trees provide a sense of place and soften the sharp outlines of concrete, metal, and glass of urban and suburban cityscapes Source: Texas A&M Forest Service To maintain the health and integrity of our urban forest, the City of Austin strives to plant trees, preserve trees during land development, and care for existing trees. Why Do We Protect Trees? Land Development Code 25-8.B.1 • Prohibits removal of Protected or Heritage trees without a permit • 8"+ trees – preserve "to extent feasible" on site plan applications • Defines removal - physical removal, over pruning, or excessive root disturbance • Approval criteria for removal: • Reasonable use • Reasonable access • Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard • Variances and appeals • • Administrative rules – preservation criteria, protection Creates position of City Arborist to implement tree regulations requirements, mitigation Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-003 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: Hays Independent School District Interlocal Agreement Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin is requesting approval of an Interlocal Agreement between Hays ISD and the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Hays ISD falls within the Suburban Watershed, Rinard Creek, Plum Creek; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the Agreement with the following conditions: 1. A minimum of (4) educational and interpretive signs will be installed on campus with locations identified in the site plan. Temporary signage will be installed at each location for approval of the site plan. Permanent education signage will be developed with students and installed at a later date. Permanent signs are not a requirement for certificate of occupancy. 2. As shown in the Environmental Enhancements planning Exhibit A, approximately 500,000 square feet of prairie habitat restoration will be provided using native prairie species, native soils and other habitat enhancements as approved by the Director of Watershed Protection. 3. All plant material will be 100% native or adapted species and selected from Exhibit B (Plant List). Alternative plants may be provided as reviewed and approved by the City of Austin Arborist. 4. The project will provide a minimum of (2) vehicle charging stations and (80) bicycle parking spots. 5. Rainwater and AC condensate will be collected and used for landscape irrigation. 6. The project will comply with bird friendly design standards by meeting the minimum requirements of the Austin Energy Green Building criteria for light pollution reduction and bird collision deterrence. 7. The project will provide an Integrated Pest Management Plan. 8. Disturbed topsoil will be stockpiled onsite and utilized in new planting areas for sod, shrub plantings and seeding areas. 1 9. The detention ponds will be designed for fully vegetated conditions and integrated into the landscape which will provide educational opportunities. Additionally, staff recommends cut and fill variance from 4 ft up to 15 ft and is requesting to allow the artificial turf to be considered pervious cover. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Interlocal Agreement with the following conditions: 1. Installation of an outdoor classroom that offers seating for students and with shade. 2. Utilize best practices for outdoor lighting for the sports field that is dark-sky friendly. For: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Haris Qureshi, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-004 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: Bird-Friendly Design Working Group Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation about Bird Safe Design by Heidi Trudell Bird Safe Design Specialist with support from Travis Audubon; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and threatened Black-capped Vireo; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $1.8 billion generated from bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes birds colliding with poorly designed buildings results in up to 1 billion birds dying in the US every year; and WHEREAS, to better understand the issues and best design practices for Bird-Friendly Buildings, the Environmental Commission formed a working group in June 2024 with other commissions, architects, developers, and conservationist; and WHEREAS, the working group met monthly to study what other cities are doing, what are the best practices, and what the City of Austin is already doing; and WHEREAS, after studying the issue and solutions the Working Group, with support from Council Member Leslie Pool’s office, submitted a resolution for consideration by council. The resolution will be considered on November 21, 2024; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends supporting the resolution as it falls in line with meeting the environmental goals of improving habitats for species, improving and stabilizing biodiversity within the city limits and ETJ, and improving the quality of life for people residing in or visiting Austin. 1 VOTE 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Mariana Krueger and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Hays ISD Interlocal Agreement Jacob Eickstead 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 Hays ISD Interlocal Agreement A n I n t e r l o c a l A g r e e m e n t ( I L A ) i s a n a g r e e m e n t b e t w e e n t h e C i t y a n d a n y g o v e r n m e n t a l e n t i t y t h a t e s t a b l i s h e s o r m o d i f i e s r e g u l a t i o n f o r d e v e l o p m e n t . T h e H a y s I S D I L A i s p r o p o s e d f o r 9 3 . 2 a c r e s a d j a c e n t t o t h e S u n f i e l d P U D T h e s c h o o l d i s t r i c t i s r e q u e s t i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a l v a r i a n c e s i n t h e I L A f o r d e v e l o p m e n t o f a h i g h s c h o o l r e l a t e d t o c u t / f i l l a n d a r t i f i c i a l t u r f 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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-002 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: C20-2022-0025, Land Development Code Amendment to Title 25-7 Drainage Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS the Environmental Commission understands this ordinance responds to Council Resolution No. 20220609-061, which initiated Land Development Code amendments related to environmental, drainage, and landscape requirements; and Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the proposed code change would “Revise 25-7-32(B)(2) to establish the erosion hazard zone of the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam as 200 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, with exceptions for hard surface trails and bounded by public rights-of-way and only affecting new habitable structures and infrastructure”; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation on the staff’s recommendations; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission supports the staff’s recommendations with the following requests: 1. Create data and map of a geological analysis for soil types and erosion rates. 2. Increase the erosion hazard zone from 200 ft to 400ft. 3. Clarify how projects that require site plans and applicable permits will be included in the code. VOTE 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Mariana Krueger and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 1
