Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission - 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Events Center Room 1406 & 1407, Austin, Texas 78752
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 AT 6:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1406 & 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental Commission may 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, contact Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Bristol, Chair Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 3, 2025 and the Special Called meeting on January 7, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Amend the 2026 Environmental Commission meeting schedule. Recommendation related to Item 64 on the January 22, 2026 Austin City Council Agenda, for a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-10 (Sign Regulations) to authorize larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Name: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Not applicable. 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 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Kaela Champlin at Austin Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. …
2026 Environmental Commission DRAFT Meeting Schedule Permitting and Development Center (PDC) Events Center Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 6:00 pm January 21 • • February 11 February 4 • February 25 February 18 • March 4 • April 1 (first day of Passover) • April 15 • May 6 • May 20 • June 3 • June 17 • July 1 • July 15: retreat? • August 5 • August 19 • September 2 • September 16 • October 7 • October 21 • November 4 • November 18 • December 2
. RECOMMENDATION TO AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20260128-003, Related to Item 64 on January 22, 2026 Austin City Council Agenda, for a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-10 (Sign Regulations) to authorize larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has not been presented to or asked to comment on City Code Chapter 25-10 amendment authorizing larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Urban Watershed and Lady Bird Lake Watershed; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is opposed to the suggested code change for the following reasons; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission feels amending the code would undermine the US Supreme Court decision that upheld the City ordinance that prevents advertising companies from digitizing their off-site-billboards; and WHEREAS, this code amendment, that would support 50 signs of 8ft or less, to be dispersed around the downtown area is against the climate and sustainability goals as it would increase the use of energy and carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, this code amendment will increase light pollution which is in opposition to the Bird City goals of reducing light pollution especially during spring and fall migrations seasons. Light pollution is also detrimental to children’s health; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission feels that these signs are unnecessary given the advancements in smart phone technologies that offer a myriad of wayfinding apps, geofencing and other marketing tools available to the user and businesses; and WHEREAS, there has been limited public engagement on this code change, including not involving all relevant boards and commissions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Environmental Commission opposes amending Code 25- 10. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: . For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol, Chair
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA Commission Meeting Date: January 28, 2026 Name & Number of Project: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Name of Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Not applicable. Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Project Filing Date: October 20, 2025 AWP Environmental Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Watershed: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Determination: Not Recommended MEMORANDUM To: From: Jennifer Bristol, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection Date: December 1, 2025 Subject: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 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. Austin Watershed Protection (AWP) staff have completed the review for 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater SER #6290 and do not recommend approval of the request. The applicant previously received an approved SER (SER #5845) for this property that has expired before the improvements could be made. SER #6290 is identical to the original request (SER #5845). The Environmental Commission recommended against approval on September 4, 2024 and the Water and Wastewater Commission’s motion to approve the SER failed on September 11, 2024. Council approved the SER on October 10, 2024. AWP staff did not recommend approval of the original request for the same reasons described in this memo. 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 been submitted to the City of Austin. Date: Subject: December 1, 2025 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Impacts …
1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Austin Watershed Protection Department | January 28, 2026 What is a Service Extension Request? A service extension request is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. Required when: a property is more than 100 feet from accessible water/wastewater system or existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands 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 service extension request. 2 What is a Service Extension Request? A Service Extension Request requires Council approval if property: is in Drinking Water Protection Zone and is outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction Environmental Commission and Water & Wastewater Commission make recommendations for support or denial. No conditions can be put on Service Extension Requests. 3 Background A Service Extension Request was approved by Council for this property in 2024 and has since expired. AWP staff recommended against approval of the original request for the same reasons described in this presentation September 4, 2024 - Environmental Commission recommended against approval September 11, 2024 – Water & Wastewater Commission motion to approve failed for lack of enough votes October 10, 2024 – Council approved the wastewater service extension request This request is identical to the original service extension request. 4 Request Summary Wastewater Service Request 1107 Castle Ridge Road 2.85 acres 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction Barton Creek Watershed (Barton Springs Zone) Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Drinking Water Protection Zone Subject to Save Our Springs Ordinance. 5 Service Extension Request #6290 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin extraterritorial jurisdiction Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 6 Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map 7 Proposed Development Intended Uses 3 Living Unit Equivalents Subdivide 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance Existing structure will be removed and replaced Site plan has not been submitted. 8 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. 9 Alternative Wastewater Service Texas …
. RECOMMENDATION TO AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20260128-004 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 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. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission does not recommend this service extension request. Date of Approval: January 28, 2026 Motioned By: Haris Qureshi Seconded By: David Sullivan Vote: 7-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mar Moretta- Urdiales, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison Attest: _____________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol, Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a special-called meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Haris Qureshi and Mar Moretta-Urdiales Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger, Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison, and Annie Fierro PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 3, 2025 and the Special Called meeting on January 7, 2026. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 3, 2025 and the Special Called meeting on January 7, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Changsut’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Kruger, Luecke, Morrison, and Fierro were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Amend the 2026 Environmental Commission meeting schedule. Speakers: Kaela Champlin, Austin Watershed Protection A motion to approve the 2026 Environmental Commission meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Kruger, Luecke, Morrison, and Fierro were absent. 1 3. Recommendation related to Item 64 on the January 22, 2026 Austin City Council Agenda, for a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-10 (Sign Regulations) to authorize larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. Speakers: Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection Kaela Champlin, Austin Watershed Protection Chris Flores, public comment Michael Whellan, on behalf of the applicant April Brown, on behalf of the applicant Jibran Shermohammed, on behalf of the applicant Item 3 was postponed until February 18, 2026, or until City of Austin staff are available to present on this item. The motion was approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Kruger, Luecke, Morrison, and Fierro were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Name: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Not applicable. 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 Speakers: Kaela Champlin, Austin Watershed Protection Amanda Brown, on behalf of the applicant A motion to close the public hearing was approved …
