Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission - 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Events Center Room 1405, Austin, Texas 78752
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 AT 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1405 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 February 4, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Youth River Watch’s mission and programming. Presentation by Melinda Chow and Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co-Executive Directors, and Jasalyn Franco, Program Specialist, Austin Youth River Watch. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council on the creation, continuation, terminations, and status of a concession including issuance for 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. Presentation by Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. 4. Presentation and Recommendation related to potential City Council action that would authorize larger signs, including wayfinding kiosks, in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. Presentation by Anthony Segura, Deputy Director, Austin Economic Development. 5. Appoint an alternate member to the Joint Sustainability Committee. 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 …
Appendix 1 AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION POLICY Subject Section Applicability Director Approval Policy: Policies and Procedures for Concessions in City’s Parks System Finance All Personnel Jesús Aguirre Digitally signed by Jesús Aguirre Date: 2025.12.05 14:02:47 -06'00' Reference Number PR-F-004 Effective Date November 6, 2025 Supersedes Policy Dated March 12, 1998 Signature Date December 5, 2025 It is the policy of Austin Parks and Recreation to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Purpose: To provide a policy for concessions in City of Austin parks. Authority: The Code of the City of Austin Texas, City Charter, Article V Administrative Organization, §4 Directors of Departments. The Director has the authority and responsibility to maintain efficiency within the operation and to determine the methods of operation to accomplish the Department’s mission and objectives. DEFINITIONS Applicable Rules – The applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession - a business owned by a private citizen or a privately-owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Concessionaire – a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Director – the Director of the Department or designee. Family Member – means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, grandparent, or sibling of a spouse. Effective Date November 6, 2025 Supersedes Policy Date March 12, 1998 Reference Number PR-F-004 Page 1 of 5 Legacy Concession – an existing concession operating in the Parks System pursuant to a concession agreement with the Department that: (cid:120) Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person, Local Business, or a Family Member of the person or Local Business for at least 20 years; (cid:120) Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; (cid:120) Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its …
2025 Annual Concession Report Environmental Commission February 19, 2026 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 Metropolitan Park; • • An income and expenditure statement for each concession; • • A statement describing any problems caused or created by a concession. The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; and 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 Concession Legacy Policy and Procedure Update Background Criteria • May 2025 APR began work to update the policy and procedures for concessions in the City park system. • A Legacy Concession is an existing concession operating in the Parks System under an agreement with the City that: • City Code Title 8 grants the APR director the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in CoA parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. • Original policy and procedures were superseded on March 12, 1998, and adopted by Council Resolution 900312-25. • Revised policy approved by City Council under resolution 20251106-043 on November 6, 2025. Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person, Local Business or a family member of the person or owner of the Local Business for at least 20 years; Operated under same or similar name throughout its existence; Contributes to the City’s history and culture; and Maintained its physical features in good condition. 5 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 Lone Star Riverboats Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Zilker Eagle Zilker Park Boat Rentals Gross Sales $3,162,289 Reported Expenditures $2,081,685 Payments $270,181 $239,133 $179,217 $29,312 $16,687 $11,138 $1,553 $965,154 $932,214 $96,953 $1,561,592 $2,213,668 $3,521,710 $1,304,846 $1,935,634 $3,680,983 $673,691 $572,637 $149,523 $297,949 $266,423 $- $822,596 $589,319 $75,506 FY25 …
Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Concession Locations ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Concession Contracts ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 Contract Terms New Concessions Solicitations 3 4 4 Zilker Café ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Contract Extensions 5 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse ................................................................................................................ 5 Lone Star Riverboat ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Zilker Park Boat Rental ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 APR Concession Policy and Procedure Update 7 Parkland Operation and Management Agreements............................................................................................................. 8 POMA Concessions 9 EpicSUP............................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Problem Areas, Challenges, and Strategic Actions ............................................................................................................. 11 Audit of Agreements with Trail Conservancy Austin Rowing Club Expedition School Zilker Eagle Waterway Ban Barton Creek Concession Feasibility Barton Creek Streambank Restoration 11 11 12 13 14 15 15 Watercraft Census ............................................................................................................................................................. 16 Concession Sales, Payments, and Expenditures ................................................................................................................. 19 Revenue Share Payments 20 Capital Improvements and Equipment Updates ................................................................................................................ 23 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 Rowing Dock – $80,887 .................................................................................................................................................... 23 i Lone Star Riverboat - $55,000 .......................................................................................................................................... 23 Texas Rowing Center - $171,994 ...................................................................................................................................... 24 Austin Rowing Club - $55,803 .......................................................................................................................................... 24 Zilker Park Boat Rental - $500 .......................................................................................................................................... 24 Public Benefit .................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Austin Rowing Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 EpicSUP............................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Expedition School ............................................................................................................................................................. 25 Lone Star Riverboat .......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 26 Zilker Park Boat Rentals.................................................................................................................................................... 27 Zilker Eagle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Concessions Outside of Town Lake Park ............................................................................................................................ 28 Short-Term Permits Concessions at Golf Courses 28 28 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 29 Environmental Commission Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 29 Appendix 1. Austin Parks and Recreation Concession Policy and Procedure Update ......................................................... 32 Appendix 2. Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Report FY25 ............................................................................ 33 Appendix 3. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste Information ............................................................... 36 ii Executive Summary The mission of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) is to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. In carrying out its mission, APR has established nine permanent concessions in Town Lake Park that provide recreation services. These services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs); rowing instruction and memberships; food and beverage sales; short-course golf; excursion boats; and a mini train. The concessions were established pursuant to City of Austin Code Section 8-1-71, which authorizes the director of Austin Parks and Recreation to allow a concessionaire to operate a food or beverage, rental, or service …
From streams to Stewardship AYRW Mission, programs, & impact Melinda Chow Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez Jasalyn Franco OurMissionAustin Youth River Watchtransforms and inspires youththrough environmental education,community engagement, andadventure. A Brief History 1990s 2000s 2019 & 2020s Today 1991: Jack Goodman and Wes Halverson founded the Colorado River Watch Foundation. Dani Apodaca is the first youth program director. 1999: Elisabeth Welsh, a River Watcher, becomes program director. 2019: New logo. 2020: Austin Environmental Leaders career-focused young adult intern program added. 2022: Distributed leadership structure begins. Community demand for AYRW equity-centered environmental education programming continues to grow! 2008: Office moves toHornsby Bend.2014: Restoration added toprogramming.2016: Name changes officiallyto Austin Youth River Watch.2017: Programming expands,more environmental topics. value: Equity We believe in operating an equity-centered organization and incorporating antiracist practices at all levels and aspects of what we do as Austin Youth River Watch. Removing barriers, understanding different needs Representing lived experiences Prioritizing staff care - equitable wages, benefits, time off, supportive organizational culture Community-centric fundraising and development Prioritize person-centered approaches, recognizing each person’s uniqueness Equity - in practice In our programs, we provide: Free, participation in all activities, including all equipment and supplies Transportation Food, and additional meals support Stipends Bilingual (Spanish) communication Technology support - loaned laptops and hotspots Representative lived experiences in board and staff Person-centered approaches to each student additional values Belonging - We believe that when people can bring their true selves into our programs and spaces, they are empowered to thrive with us and beyond us. At AYRW, belonging means creating a community where every individual feels seen, valued, and included. Fun - We believe that when we laugh, explore, and share joy, we’re not just making memories--we’re building a community where everyone feels connected and valued. At AYRW, fun is the glue that holds us together and keeps us motivated to do our best. additional values Environmental Stewardship - We believe in a culture that fosters the next generation of environmental stewards, collectively building connections within our community and our ecosystems. Lifelong Learning - We believe that lifelong learning inspires curiosity, drives innovation, enriches cultural understanding, and cultivates a deep, enduring connection to the natural world. OUR IMPACT AYRW students are primarily from the Eastern Crescent. Highest concentrations live in 78723, 78724, and 78753. The work of our students impacts all 10 Austin city council districts, and nearly all of Austin’s watersheds. Afterschool crews DEL VALLE HIGHSCHOOL …
. RECOMMENDATION TO AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20260219-003: The creation, continuation, terminations, and status of a concession including issuance for a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2025 Annual Report of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake. WHEREAS: The Annual Concession Report is created as the result of an Austin City Code provision. That ordinance states: § 8-1-73 - DEPARTMENT REPORT AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS. (A) On or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. (B) A report prepared under this section shall include: (1) the name of each concession operating in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; (2) an income and expenditure statement for each concession; (3) the total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; and (4) a statement describing any problems that are caused or created by a concession. (C) The board and the Environmental Commission may make a recommendation related to: (1) continuing an existing concession; (2) terminating an existing continuation; and (3) issuing a request for proposal for an expiring or new concession under this division. See Austin City Code § 8-1-73. • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission approves the 2025 concessions report acknowledging that the reporting requirements were met and additionally recommends that: Future joint reports should include information from contractors detailing the environmental stewardship initiatives and accomplishments they achieved, in specific qualitative and quantitative terms. We specifically request detailed metrics regarding erosion control, streambed restoration, grassland maintenance, trash pick-up, water quality, and biodiversity. . • Future reports should include information regarding environmental equity in terms of access and concession usage. • Include concessions from parks other than Lady Bird Lake. • Delay the implementation of Phase II of the Parks Operations and Maintenance Agreements with the Trail Conservancy until the financial audit is finalized and made public, and until it can be updated to include requirements for bi-annual environmental impact assessments. Date of Approval: February 19, 2026 Motioned By: Mariana Krueger Seconded By: Richard Brimer Vote: 7-1 For: Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, David Sullivan, Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, and Martin Luecke Against: Richard Brimer Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, …
. RECOMMENDATION TO AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number 20260219-004: Potential City Council action that would authorize larger signs, including wayfinding kiosks, in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation by the Interactive Kiosk Experience (IKE) Smart Cities at the January 28, 2026 special called meeting and additional background from City Staff was requested at that meeting to be presented at the Feb 19, 2026 meeting, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission supports strengthening the ridership and experience for public transit, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission believes amending Code Chapter 25-10 would open the door for larger electronic way-finding signs and billboards as there has already been an increase from Resolution 20241212-138 from “wayfinding kiosks should not have screens exceeding 65-inches and, for transit stations, 75-inches” to currently recommending 86-inches, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is concerned about increasing energy consumption during a time when the City is also calling for a reduction in energy use and sustainability, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission supports the City Council resolution on Artificial Intelligence (20250424-055) that highlighted various environmental concerns regarding the rapid growth of data centers and their high energy use and water consumption. These signs have the capacity to geofence locations, and elicit interactions with users that could provide the vendor with large amounts of data, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission agrees with the Planning Commission, Chair, Alice Woods in her statement that this would be a “seismic change” in the City’s regulations and opens the door for an increase in outdoor digital advertising, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes very little public engagement has occurred on an issue deserving of more transparency. THEREFORE the Environmental Commission recommends that, • The City uphold the current code regarding billboards and digital signs and not weaken or change it. • Ensure no digital billboards are allowed within the City’s limits. . • If, against the wishes of the Environmental Commission, the City Council allows for this code change, then the City will explore options to make each kiosk self-sufficient with solar or other alternative energy options. • Allow the City to shut down kiosk and billboard operation during storms, heat waves or other events that require energy to be saved or reduced. • Ensure that data on users or passersby is not collected– ever. • Reduce light pollution by limiting hours …
Interactive Digital Kiosks Austin Economic Development | February 18, 2026 Agenda Program Overview & Goals Benefits & Applications Financial & Civic Benefits Advertising Content Regulations Code Amendment Changes Implementation Roadmap & Next Steps Q&A 2 Program Overview & Goals • Deploya networkof interactivedigital kiosksin high-pedestrian areas. • Promotelocal businesses,arts, culture, and civic resourcesat no costto the City. • Support economic opportunity throughdiscovery, navigation,and mobilehandoff. • Leveragecity-facingad inventoryfor PSAsand City communications. • Inclusiveand accessibleto all. 3 Benefits & Applications Hardware specifications, applications, and accessibility features Hardware Specifications 9' 8' 7' 6' 5' 4' 3' 2' 1' 37.5" 12.5" 5 Local Events The Events application helps users discover everything that’s happening in the city today, tomorrow, and all year long. EVENT LISTINGS EVENT DESCRIPTION AND DETAILS MOBILE EXTENSION E V ENTS SEND TO MOBILE DEVICE 6 Concerts & Live Music The Concerts & Music application lists all concerts and live music events for the city, geolocated by proximity to the kiosk with seamless navigation to ticketing and directions. CONCERT LISTINGS MAP VIEW FILTER LISTINGS CONCERT DETAILS &DESCRIPTION CONCERTS + M U SIC DISTANCE FROM KIOSK CONCERT VENUE GET DIRECTIONS MOBILE EXTENSION SEND TO MOBILE DEVICE 7 Public Transit This application features public transit routes surrounding the kiosk and offers real-time schedules and departures, bus stops and bike share locations. TRANSIT ROUTES IKE displays a list of real-timetransit routes near the kiosk to your destination. ROUTE DETAILS Select preferred route to discover upcoming departuretimes and nearby stops. MAP VIEW Toggle the view from route listings to seenearby route options on a map. SEARCH FOR LOCATION SCAN QR CODE FOR TRANSIT APP DEPARTURE TIMES TRANSIT PUBLICTRANSIT SELECTED TOGGLE BETWEEN VIEWS TRANSIT ROUTES TRANSIT STOPS 8 Inclusive & Accessible Platform designed to serve the needs of all community members. The kiosks are 100% ADA compliant and have been reviewed by an accessibility specialist. The kiosks feature scrollable on-screen content and an accessibility feature that adjusts the height of the content for users in wheelchairs. Low-vision users are able to resize and/or change the text to high- contrast mode for additional focus on text and graphic elements. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY TOOL Repositions on-screen content to lower reach VISUAL SUPPORT TOOLS HIGH CONTRAST MODE COMPARISON Default Interface High Contrast Mode LARGE TEXT MODE COMPARISON Default Interface Large Text Mode LIGHT AND DARK MODE COMPARISON Light Mode Dark Mode 9 …
