20250305-001: Draft Minutes from 2/19 EVC meeting — original pdf

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1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 5, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 5, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 10-0 vote. 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. Speakers: Karen Charles, PARD 1  3. 4. Denisha Cox, PARD Pat Rossett, PARD Jesús Aguirre, PARD Christine Chute Canul, PARD Holly Reed Ricardo Chavana Dorothy Barnett Laura Massengale Craig Nazor Phil Thomas Bertha Rendon Delgado Ted Eubanks A motion to recommend the PARD concessions report was made on Commissioner Bristol’s motion and Commissioner Kruger’s second. An amendment to the original motion to state the commission “approves the 2024 concessions report acknowledging that staff meets the current code” passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Bristol, on an 8-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Cofer recused from the agenda item. An amendment by Commissioner Brimer to delay the implementation of Phase II of the Trail Conservancy POMA passed with no objection. Commissioner Cofer recused from the agenda item. An amendment to delay the implementation of the Expedition School concession failed due to a lack of a second. Commissioner Cofer recused from the agenda item. The original motion with amendments passed on an 8-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Cofer recused from the agenda item. Discussion and recommendation on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Austin Light Rail – Commissioners Sullivan and Qureshi A motion to postpone the draft environmental impact statement for Austin Light Rail to the March 6th meeting passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on an 8-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Cofer was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and discussion on Austin’s wildfire risk and Austin Fire Department’s mitigation efforts – David Bock, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Sr, Austin Fire Department 2 Speakers: David Bock, AFD Craig Nazor Nico Hauwart Carrie Stewart, AFD Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Bristol requested a legislative update. Interim Environmental Officer, Liz Johnston, clarified that staff would need to check with the intergovernmental relations office to see how to proceed. Bristol clarified that an email update may be sufficient. Commissioner Qureshi asked to discuss the Austin Parks Foundation metrics for parks that need addition investment. Liz Johnston suggested a working group with the Parks and Recreation Board. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 9:04 pm without objection. 3