Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission January 15, 2025 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 December 4, 2024 1 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Westcreek Mixed Use, SP-2023-0276C Applicant: Quiddity, Justin Cadieux, PE Location: 5725 W US 290 Highway EB, Austin, TX, 78749 Council District: District 8 Staff: Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, Development Services Department; 512-974-6380, mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Redevelopment Exception in the Barton Springs Zone [LDC 25-8- 26] Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Redevelopment Exception for this project. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council on the creation, continuation, termination, and status of a concession including issuance of a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually – Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist, and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American …
1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 4, 2024 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells and Richard Brimer PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on November 6, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on November 6, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Cofer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Nickells and Brimer were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0367D Applicant: Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits Location: 4824 Laguna Ln, Austin, TX, 78746 Council District: District 8 Staff: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department; 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Speakers: Miranda Reinhard, WPD 1 3. 4. 5. Jon Fichter, Aqua Permits 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 Nickells and Brimer were absent. A motion to recommend the Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon variance request with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Nickells and Brimer were absent. Name: Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Applicant: Allison Lehman, Kimley-Horn Location: 6700 Decker Lane, Austin, TX, 78724 Council District: District 1 Staff: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department; 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Speakers: Miranda Reinhard, WPD Dwayne Shoppa, Kimey-Horn A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Nickells and Brimer were absent. A motion to recommend the Loyola Flats variance request with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Nickells and Brimer were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve the tree canopy in Austin – Environmental Commissioners Richard Brimer and Melinda …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: January 15, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Westcreek Mixed Use SP-2023-0276C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Quiddity, Justin Cadieux, PE LOCATION: 5725 W US 290 Highway EB, Austin 78749 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager Development Services Department 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@ austintexas.gov Barton Creek Watershed Barton Springs Zone classification Drinking Water Protection Zone REQUEST: Redevelopment Exception in the Barton Springs Zone [LDC 25-8-26] Staff recommends the Redevelopment Exception for this project. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Not applicable. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Project Name: Request: Westcreek Mixed Use Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current code) The request is for an affirmative recommendation for this project to develop using the Redevelopment Exception in the Barton Springs Zone [LDC 25-8-26] Per LDC 25-8-26(F)(1), this project requires approval from City Council because the redevelopment includes more than 25 dwelling units. The project proposes 305 units. § 25-8-26 REDEVELOPMENT EXCEPTION IN THE BARTON SPRINGS ZONE. (A) This section applies to property located in the Barton Springs Zone that has existing commercial development if: (1) no unpermitted development occurred on the site after January 1, 1992, and (2) the property owner files a site plan application and an election for the property to be governed by this section. COMPLIES COMPLIES (B) For property governed by this section, this section supersedes Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to the extent of conflict. (C) In this section: (1) STANDARD POND means water quality controls that comply with Section 25-8-213 (Water Quality Control Standards) or are approved under Section 25-8-151 (Innovative Management Practices); and (2) SOS POND means water quality controls that comply with all requirements of Section 25-8-213 (Water Quality Control Standards) and the pollutant removal requirements of Section 25-8-514(A) (Pollution Prevention Required). (D) The requirements of this subchapter do not apply to the subdivision of property if at the time of redevelopment under this section subdivision and site plan applications are filed concurrently. (E) The requirements of this subchapter do not apply to the redevelopment of property if the redevelopment meets all of the following conditions: (1) The redevelopment may not increase the existing amount of impervious cover on the site. Not applicable COMPLIES Not applicable COMPLIES COMPLIES COMPLIES must have: (2) The redevelopment may not increase non-compliance, if any, with Article 7, Division 1 (Critical Water Quality Zone …
Redevelopment Exception in the Barton Springs Zone Westcreek Mixed Use 5725 W US 290 Highway EB, Austin 78749 SP-2023-0276C Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager Development Services Department 1 AGENDA The Site The Code The Project 2 The Site 3 VICINITY MAP N PROJECT LOCATION 4 WATERSHED CLASSIFICATION MAP N PROJECT LOCATION 5 EDWARDS AQUIFER RECHARGE ZONE MAP RECHARGE ZONE N PROJECT LOCATION 6 AERIAL IMAGE 7 Property Data • Barton Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone Classification • Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 8 • Originally developed as a commercial use • All uplands (no CWQZ; no WQTZ) 8 The Code 9 What is the Redevelopment Exception (RE)? Section 25-8-26 of the Land Development Code (Redevelopment Exception in the Barton Springs Zone) allows for redevelopment of existing commercial properties in the Barton Springs Zone. Section 25-8-26 supersedes Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to the extent of conflict. There are many requirements associated with the redevelopment exception. However, in brief summary the redevelopment exception resets the watershed impervious cover limit equal to the amount of impervious cover currently on site. 10 What is the Redevelopment Exception (RE)? (continued) So the redevelopment exception allows the developer to remove existing impervious cover and build back up to the same amount of impervious cover. To be clear, there are other requirements including regulations that provide environmental benefit. 11 What are the requirements of the RE? LDC 25-8-26(E) lays out nine requirements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. May not increase impervious cover. May not increase non-compliance Critical Water Quality Zone, Water Quality Transition Zone, or Critical Environmental Feature requirements. Must comply with Environmental Resource Inventory, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, and fiscal requirements. The water quality controls on the redevelopment site must provide a level of water quality treatment that is equal to or greater than that which was previously provided. Item no. 6 provides additional WQ requirements. Must obtain a Barton Springs Zone Operating Permit for ponds. 12 What are the requirements of the RE? (continued) 6. A site with more than 40 percent net site area impervious cover, must have: (a) sedimentation/filtration ponds for the entire site; or (b) SOS ponds and sedimentation/filtration ponds for the entire site. 7. A site with 40 percent or less net site area impervious cover, must have SOS ponds for the entire site. 8. Must …
2024 ANNUAL CONCESSION REPORT Presented by Karen Charles and Denisha Cox Environmental Commission Meeting January 15, 2025 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. The annual report, prepared under this section, shall include: • The name of each concession operating in Town Lake • An income and expenditure statement for each • The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; concession; Metropolitan Park; and by a concession. • A statement describing any problems caused or created 2 Concessions Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms 4 FY24 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City s n o i l l i M $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Butler Pitch and Putt (Pecan Grove Golf Partners) *EpicSUP Expedition School Rowing Dock Lone Star Riverboats $1,111,905 $1,098,532 $91,995 Texas Rowing Center $2,453,441 $2,102,044 $359,170 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse $3,387,564 $2,241,722 $12,000 *Zilker Eagle Zilker Park Boat Rentals $315,563 $268,229 $- $976,444 $645,066 $90,285 $1,696,571 $1,226,323 $175,953 Gross Sales Reported Expenditures Payments $3,167,723 $1,087,331 $255,218 $346,788 $213,122 $42,302 $28,877 $12,986 $2,712 5 Total Gross Sales $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 Annual Gross Sales Since 2020 $- FY20 Total Gross Sales $6,722,615 FY21 $12,380,735 FY22 $15,994,081 FY23 $13,554,936 FY24 $13,484,877 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $93,894 • New well water pump • Seasonal tree maintenance • Sod/Turfgrass installation • Updates to the putting green drainage system • Metal roof installation over outdoor trellis structures Rowing Dock – $6,676 • Ground Improvements 7 Concessions Outside of Lady Bird Lake Permit Type Term Permits Issued Cost / Permit Revenue Commercial Use – Food or Other Specific Park Use Commercial Use – Fitness Trainers Commercial Use – Performing Artists Golf Concessions (4 golf courses) TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED Six month Single day Six month Single day N/A 22 (7,120 attendees total) 62 29 N/A $500-$1500 $50 $50/trainer $20/sound $0.45/attendee $10 N/A $22,825 $4,434 $280 $497,829 $525,368 8 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations Environmental Impact In …
2024 ANNUAL CONCESSION REPORT Presented by Karen Charles and Denisha Cox Environmental Commission Meeting January 15, 2025 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. The annual report, prepared under this section, shall include: • The name of each concession operating in Town Lake • An income and expenditure statement for each • The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; concession; Metropolitan Park; and by a concession. • A statement describing any problems caused or created 2 Concessions Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms 4 FY24 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City 5 Total Gross Sales $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 Annual Gross Sales Since 2020 $- FY20 Total Gross Sales $6,722,615 FY21 $12,380,735 FY22 $15,994,081 FY23 $13,554,936 FY24 $13,484,877 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $93,894 • New well water pump • Seasonal tree maintenance • Sod/Turfgrass installation • Updates to the putting green drainage system • Metal roof installation over outdoor trellis structures Rowing Dock – $6,676 • Ground Improvements 7 Concessions Outside of Lady Bird Lake Permit Type Term Permits Issued Cost / Permit Revenue Commercial Use – Food or Other Specific Park Use Commercial Use – Fitness Trainers Commercial Use – Performing Artists Golf Concessions (4 golf courses) TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED Six month Single day Six month Single day N/A 22 (7,120 attendees total) 62 29 N/A $500-$1500 $50 $50/trainer $20/sound $0.45/attendee $10 N/A $22,825 $4,434 $280 $497,829 $525,368 8 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations Environmental Impact In new contracts, consider recent studies and how that can impact water quality, the environment, safety, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Revenue Share In new contracts, reevaluate the revenue sharing of that concession’s contract and weigh it against recent rates and the public’s ability to enjoy the park. 9 9 Environmental Commission Recommendations Marine Waste Disposal Verify that three years of records have been maintained for entities that pump waste on Lady Bird Lake; include these monthly records in the public …
