20241204-001: Draft Minutes from 11/6 EVC Meeting — original pdf

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1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 6, 2024 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 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, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Roy Wayley, speaking on APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. 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 Speakers: Matt Hollon, WPD Liz Johnston, WPD 1  3. 4. 5. A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. 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 Speakers: Jacob Eickstead, WPD Lexie England, Kimley Horn Jason Andrus, architect A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend the interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Hays ISD with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. Chair Bedford called a recess at 8:12 pm. Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:18. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation on the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group and upcoming resolution – Environmental Commissioner Jennifer Bristol Speakers: Jennifer Bristol Craig Nazor A motion to recommend the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 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 2  Speakers: Naomi Rotramel, Development Services Department (DSD) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from the Urban Forestry Committee on the draft recommendation to improve the tree canopy – Richard Brimer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Bristol would like to update the commission on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Coordinating Committee Commissioner Bristol requested a presentation on the city’s artificial turf policy. Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 9:04 pm without objection. 3