Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 6, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. 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 by 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. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@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). COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Ana Aguirre (D-9) Colin Nickells (D-6) Richard Brimer (D-10) Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) _________________________________________________________________________________ Agenda CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 1. 2. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the March 2, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes and the March 30, 2022 Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Election of Environmental Commission Officers for May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 term (10 minutes) (5 minutes) b. Nominate a new member for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board c. Nominate a new member and an alternate for the Joint Sustainability Committee (5 minutes) d. Discuss committee membership (5 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: 7715 1/2 West State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Location: 7715 ½ W. SH 71 Council District: District 8 Staff: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Williamson Creek, Barton Springs Zone Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (30 minutes) Request: To amend a restrictive covenant b. Name: Travis County ESD #4 Fire …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 6, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment, C14-85-288.23(RCA) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) LOCATION: 7715 ½ W. SH 71 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, WPD liz.johnston@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Contributing Zone REQUEST: To amend a Restrictive Covenant Staff recommended with conditions STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: 1. This application completes the project established by the Restrictive Covenant such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. 2. This project shall comply with current code, including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment, except for the following exceptions: a. 50% impervious cover on a gross site area calculation shall be allowed rather than the 65% currently allowed, b. Cut and fill shall not exceed 8 feet except for building foundations and storm water control measures and appurtenances, c. Stormwater control facilities will be allowed within the Water Quality Transition Zone, d. LDC 25-8-301 and 25-8-302 does not apply. M E M O R A N D U M TO: Kevin Ramberg, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission FROM: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer Watershed Protection Department DATE: March 28, 2022 SUBJECT: 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment C14-85-288.23(RCA) This summary is being provided to the Environmental Commission for the 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA), a proposed amendment to an existing restrictive covenant from 1985. History Restrictive Covenants are legal documents that can establish site development regulations and use limitations for certain properties. Several such Restrictive Covenants have been recorded for certain properties located within the Oak Hill Study Area. The Restrictive Covenant under consideration today includes two such tracts of land which are located in the full purpose zoning jurisdiction, in the Williamson Creek Watershed, and in the Contributing Zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. However, only the regulations associated with Tract 1 are under discussion at this time. Restrictive Covenants associated with the Oak Hill Study Area frequently lock in older site development regulations that predate current water quality protections for the Barton Springs Zone established by City Code 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative). These properties could develop under the terms of the restrictive covenant without …
RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-85-288.23(RCA) – 7715 ½ West State Highway 71 DISTRICT: 8 ADDRESS: 7715 ½ West State Highway 71 SITE AREA: 13.367 acres EXISTING ZONING: LO-NP PROPERTY OWNER: Stephen Simon, John Simon, Barbara Simon Bierner AGENT: Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) CASE MANAGER: Wendy Rhoades (512-974-7719, wendy.rhoades@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends amending the Restrictive Covenant as outlined in Exhibit D: RCA Redlines. For a summary of the basis of staff’s recommendation, see page 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: April 6, 2022: March 2, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT TO A FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION DATE [K. RAMBERG; J. BRISTOL – 2ND] (8-0) R. SCOTT – ABSENT; TWO VACANCIES ON THE COMMISSION February 16, 2022: APPROVED A JOINT POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND NEIGHBORHOOD TO MARCH 2, 2022 [K. RAMBERG; R. BRIMER – 2ND] (9-0) TWO VACANCIES ON THE COMMISSION February 2, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO FEBRUARY 17, 2022 [K. RAMBERG; BRISTOL – 2ND] (6-0) BARRETT BIXLER, QURESHI, SCOTT – ABSENT; TWO VACANCIES ON THE COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: April 26, 2022: March 8, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO APRIL 26, 2022, BY CONSENT C14-85-288.23(RCA) 2 [R. SCHNEIDER; A. AZHAR – 2ND] (10-0) J. MUSHTALER – NOT PRESENT FOR PASSAGE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA; J. SHIEH, J. THOMPSON – ABSENT CITY COUNCIL ACTION: To be Scheduled ISSUES: The Applicant has entered into a private restrictive covenant with the adjacent property owner to east regarding building height of townhome structures, boundary fencing, emergency access and an impervious cover limit, among other items. Please refer to Exhibit E: Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions at the back of the Staff backup material. Interested parties in the area have raised concerns about the proposed development and increasing the impervious cover currently on the site. This property is located within the Williamson Creek Watershed of the Colorado River Basin, which is classified as a Barton Springs Zone Watershed by Chapter 25-8 of the City’s Land Development Code. Due to the existing 1987 Restrictive Covenant, this property has additional permitted entitlements for development than what would be currently allowed under today’s Land Development Code (LDC). Staff has received comments in opposition of this Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA) request. For all written or emailed comments, please see Exhibit C: Correspondence Received. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The proposed Restrictive Covenant Amendment …
7715 ½ W. SH 71 C 1 4- 8 5- 2 8 8 . 2 3 ( R C A ) R e s t r i c t i v e C o v e n a n t A m e n d m e n t L i z J o h n s t o n , D e p u t y E n v i r o n m e n t a l O f f i c e r E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n S t a f f P r e s e n t a t i o n A p r i l 6 , 2 0 2 2 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Restrictive Covenant Amendments • • Re s t r i c t i ve C o ve n a n t s ( RC s ) a r e l e g a l d o c u m e n t s t h a t c a n s e t f o r t h r e s t r i c t i o n s o n p r o p e r t i e s r e l a t e d t o z o n i n g o r o t h e r l a n d d eve l o p m e n t s t a n d a r d s. C e r t a i n p r o p e r t i e s l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e 1 9 8 5 O a k H i l l A r e a S t u d y h a ve a s s o c i a t e d RC s t h a t s e t f o r t h d eve l o p m e n t s t a n d a …
Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager, Development Services Department TRAVIS COUNTY ESD #4 FIRE STATION PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS 4200 CITY PARK RD SP-2020-0255DS PROJECT LOCATION PROPERTY DATA • Turkey Creek Watershed • Water Supply Rural • Drinking Water Protection Zone • City of Austin Limited Purpose Jurisdiction • No creeks or creek buffers • No Critical Environmental Features • Not located over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District 10 FOUR VARIANCE REQUESTS 1. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to construct a driveway on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8-301(A)(1) 2. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to construct a parking lot on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) 3. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow fill over 4 feet per LDC 25-8-342 4. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow an impervious cover of 27.5% net site area per LDC 25-8-453 BACKGROUND The site is an existing fire station. More parking is required based on increased staffing requirements. and Population development necessitate more staff presence. growth BACKGROUND - CONTINUED Additionally, Travis County signed a contract with COA for City firefighters to staff the fire station. The City of Austin requires a 4 person minimum staffing level. Historically, staffing levels were 2 to 3 people. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED are staff routinely Firefighter parking along the ROW. This is unsafe and does not comply with land development regulations. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED Existing development and site constraints limit the alternatives for providing additional parking. The existing site configuration does not parking allow additional without the requested variances. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED GENERAL LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL PARKING AERIAL PHOTO & APPROXIMATE PROPERTY BOUNDARY BACKGROUND - CONTINUED EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT (PARKING AND DRIVE AISLE) VARIANCE REQUEST 1 To allow a driveway to be constructed on slopes over 15%. PROPOSED DRIVEWAY ON SLOPES > 15% VARIANCE REQUEST 2 To allow a parking lot to be constructed on slopes over 15%. PROPOSED PARKING LOT ON SLOPES > 15% VARIANCE REQUEST 3 To allow fill over 4 feet. FILL >4 FEET VARIANCE REQUEST 4 To exceed the 20% impervious cover limit. Impervious cover is limited to 20%. The proposed development would increase impervious cover to ~27.5%. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff Determination: Staff recommends 3 of the 4 variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met for the following variances: 1. Driveway construction on slopes …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 6, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Travis County ESD #4 Fire Station Parking Lot Improvements NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Travis County ESD #4 LOCATION: 4200 City Park Rd COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager Development Services Department 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST NO. 1: REQUEST NO. 2: REQUEST NO. 3: REQUEST NO. 4: Turkey Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone A Land Use Commission variance is requested to construct a driveway on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8-301(A)(1) A Land Use Commission variance is requested to construct a parking lot on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow fill over 4 feet per LDC 25-8-342 A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow an impervious cover of 27.5% net site area per LDC 25-8-453 STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 2: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 3: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 4: Staff recommends approval of the variance with the conditions Staff recommends approval of the variance with the conditions Staff recommends approval of the variance with the conditions Staff does not recommend approval of the variance Page 2 of 2 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Travis County ESD #4 Fire Station Parking Lot Improvements A Land Use Commission variance is requested to construct a driveway on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8-301(A)(1) Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes – Fire stations must provide sufficient parking for firefighters and other staff. More parking is required based on increased staffing requirements. Population growth and development necessitate more staff. Additionally, Travis County signed a contract with COA for City firefighters to staff the fire station. The City of Austin requires a 4 person minimum staffing level. Historically, staffing levels were 2 to 3 people. The configuration of the existing development does not allow for more parking to be provided without the construction of a driveway on slopes over 15%. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, …
Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager, Development Services Department LOT 1 BLOCK A SRIVATHANAKUL SUBDIVISION PROJECT ASSESSMENT 101 LAGO VERDE DRIVE C8J-2021-0206.0APA PROJECT LOCATION PROPERTY DATA • Lake Austin Watershed and Harrison Hollow Watershed • Water Supply Rural • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Partially City of Austin Limited Purpose Jurisdiction and partially City of Austin ETJ • Not located over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District 10 PROPERTY DATA - CONTINUED Critical Water Quality Zone associated with Lake Austin Water Quality Transition Zone associated with Harrison Hollow Creek • One Critical Water Quality • One Water Quality Transition Zone Zone Proposed lot PROPERTY DATA - CONTINUED • Two Wetland Critical Environmental Features located adjacent to Lake Austin BACKGROUND There is an existing house on the property. The applicant to renovate and expand this existing house. seeks BACKGROUND - CONTINUED City of Austin permits are necessary for the proposed construction. The City the property to be platted requires before permits can be issued. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED The average development density must be 2 acres for each unit (house). BACKGROUND - CONTINUED 2 acres for each unit means: 1 house requires 2 acres 2 houses require 4 acres….et cetera. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED The applicant proposes just one unit but there are only approximately 1.4 acres. This does not comply with the requirement to have 2 acres for each unit. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED The lot is partially within the Lake Austin Critical Water Quality Zone. Code requires that the lot have 2 acres NOT in the Critical Water Quality Zone. The whole lot is less than 2 acres in size. BACKGROUND - CONTINUED To recap, concerns with the proposed plat: there are two compliance • 1 unit is proposed for less than 2 acres • The lot does not have 2 acres outside the Critical Water Quality Zone. TWO VARIANCE REQUESTS 1. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow density to exceed one unit for each two acres with a minimum lot size of ¾ of an acre [LDC 25-8-453(B)(1) & LDC 30-5- 453(B)(1)] 2. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow a lot that lies within a Critical Water Quality Zone to include less than two acres in a Water Quality Transition Zone or uplands [LDC 25-8-452(C)] Code requires at least 2 acres for every unit on average. One unit is proposed, there are less …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 6, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Lot 1 Block A Srivathanakul Subdivision Project Assessment NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Janice Srivathanakul LOCATION: 101 Lago Verde Dr COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 10 and ETJ ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST NO. 1: REQUEST NO. 2: Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager Development Services Department 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Harrison Hollow Watershed and Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow density to exceed one unit for each two acres with a minimum lot size of ¾ of an acre [LDC 25-8-453(B)(1) & LDC 30-5-453(B)(1)] A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow a lot that lies within a Critical Water Quality Zone to include less than two acres in a Water Quality Transition Zone or uplands [LDC 25-8-452(C)] STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 2: Staff recommends approval of the variance with the conditions Staff recommends approval of the variance with the conditions Page 2 of 2 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Lot 1 Block A Srivathanakul Subdivision Project Assessment Request to vary LDC 25-8-453(B)(1) / LDC 30-5-453(B)(1) to allow density to exceed one unit for each two acres with a minimum lot size of ¾ of an acre Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. 2. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes – The property must be platted in order to improve the existing structure. Other nearby owners have been permitted to subdivide tracts and construct homes along Lake Austin. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; b) Yes – The applicant proposes to provide a septic system in accordance with current standards that will be located further from Lake Austin than the current septic system. This would provide greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance. In addition, the applicant will preserve heritage trees (this is not required in the COA ETJ); …
N I T S U A F O Y T I C Watershed Protection Department’s work removing obstructions from creeks Chris Meyer, Julius Ochoa, and Ramesh Swaminathan, P.E. S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 1 B r o w n B a g April 6, 2022 W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Overview • I n t r o d u c t i o n • D e p a r t m e n t B a c k g r o u n d • O b s t r u c t i o n s i n c r e e k s , c o n v e y a n c e , a n d f l o o d i n g • C h a l l e n g e s / O p p o r t u n i t i e s • Q u e s t i o n s N I T S U A F O Y T I C Watershed Protection Mission To protect lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flood, erosion, and water pollution. W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T WPD Updates 3 N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 4 N I T S U A F O Y T I C WPD Managed Assets • O v e r 1 2 0 0 m i l e s o f t h e s t o r m c o n v e y a n c e p i p e • O v e r 6 0 0 m i l e s o f e n g i n e e r e d c h a n n e l s • 1 0 8 3 ( + / - …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220406 003a Date: April 6, 2022 Subject: C14-85-288.23(RCA) – 7715 1⁄2 West State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment Seconded by: Perry Bedford Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend the Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA) which is approximately 13.367 acres and is part of a larger tract currently being requested to be rezoned to GO-MU-NP; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the property is located within the Williamson Creek Watershed in the Barton Springs Contributing Zone. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the request to amend the Restrictive Covenant Agreement with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. This application completes the project established by the Restrictive Covenant such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. This project shall comply with current code, including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment, except for the following exceptions: a. 50% impervious cover on a gross site area calculation shall be allowed rather than the 65% currently b. Cut and fill shall not exceed 8 feet except for building foundations and stormwater control measures allowed, 2. and appurtenances, c. Stormwater control facilities will be allowed within the Water Quality Transition Zone, d. LDC 25-8-301 and 25-8-302 related to construction on slopes does not apply. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. The road will have gated access for emergency use only. 2. Vehicular access to Little Deer Crossing shall be limited to emergency vehicles entering and exiting the facility, and that entry will be gated. 1 VOTE 9-1 For: Qureshi, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer, Bedford Abstain: None Recuse: None Against: Thompson Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220406 003b Date: April 6, 2022 Subject: Travis County ESD #4 Fire Station Parking Lot Improvements, SP-2020-0255DS Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: Seconded by: Perry Bedford 1. A Land Use Commission variance to construct a driveway on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8- 2. A Land Use Commission variance to construct a parking lot on slopes over 15% per LDC 25-8- 3. A Land Use Commission variance to allow fill over 4 feet per LDC 25-8-342 4. A Land Use Commission variance to allow an impervious cover of 27.5% net site area per LDC 25-8- 301(A)(1) 302(A)(2) 453; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Turkey Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends approval of three of the four requested variances with staff conditions. having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. Staff does not recommend a variance to allow an impervious cover of 27.5% net site area per LDC 25-8-453; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff cannot recommend the variance to increase the impervious cover from 20% to 27.5%. However, we support the variance change on this individual project. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance requests with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. The applicant will provide vegetative filter strips downslope of the development that will provide a diffuse flow to avoid creating downslope erosion. 2. The applicant will provide structural fill to contain the fill during construction. 3. The applicant will decompact and revegetate the area adjacent to the ROW that has been used for parking. 4. The site will provide a 40% downstream natural area to treat runoff from impervious cover. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: The Environmental Commission recommends that staff expedite this request to get it on the Land Use Commission agenda quickly to respect public safety. VOTE 10-0 For: Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer, Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220406 003c Date: April 6, 2022 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: Subject: Lot 1 Block A Srivathanakul Subdivision Project Assessment, C8J-2021-0206.0APA Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: 1. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow density to exceed one unit for each two acres with a minimum lot size of 3⁄4 of an acre [LDC 25-8-453(B)(1) & LDC 30-5-453(B)(1)] 2. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow a lot that lies within a Critical Water Quality Zone to include less than two acres in a Water Quality Transition Zone or uplands [LDC 25-8-452(C) & LDC 30-5- 452(C)]; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Harrison Hollow Watershed and the Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, (with staff conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Natural revegetation within Critical Water Quality Zone disturbed areas will be provided in accordance with COA specification 609S native seeding and planting. 2. Preserve 100% of the heritage trees within the proposed subdivision. 3. The applicant will provide a rainwater collection system with the residential building permit application. The collection system will capture roof runoff from the proposed structure. 4. The proposed new construction will minimize disturbance to the Critical Water Quality Zone associated with Lake Austin. Specifically, the proposed addition to the existing house will be located to the northwest of the existing house to minimize disturbance to the Critical Water Quality Zone. 5. An upgraded septic system will be provided and will be located further away from lake than the existing septic system. VOTE 9-1 For: Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Bedford Against: Brimer Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 30, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. 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 by 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. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@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). COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Ana Aguirre (D-9) Colin Nickells (D-6) Richard Brimer (D-10) Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) _________________________________________________________________________________ Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Agenda CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 1. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Erin Wood, Planner, and Annie Van Zandt, Capital Program Consultant, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) b. Development Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Financial Forecast— Denise Lucas, Director; Angela Means, Assistant Director; Eric Ugalde, Financial Manager; David Hillers, Financial Manager; and Amy Hunter, Financial Manager, Development Services Department (1 hour) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, …
Fiscal Year 2023 – 2027 Financial Forecast Environmental Commission March 30, 2022 Presentation Overview • Development Services • Budget Process • Funding Sources • Revenue Outlook • Fee Methodology • Proposed Operating Budget • Forecasts and Measures Department and Budget Process Development Services Mission: To support a vibrant community through responsible development. Goal/ Indicator Conduct timely plan reviews and inspections Percent of DSD controlled activities on-time Protect and renew Austin’s tree canopy Percentage of Austin’s total land area covered by the tree canopy 425 Full-Time Employees 36 Temporary Employees Properly steward financial resources Percent of operating expenses held in reserve Fiscal Year 2021 Budget: $64.2M Provide excellent customer service Percentage of customers reporting satisfied or very satisfied on Customer Satisfaction Poll Development Services Office of the Director • Equity & Inclusion • Executive functions Customer & Employee Experience • Customer Experience • Finance • Human Resources • • Stakeholder & Community Engagement Information Technology Building Plan Review • Austin Center for Events • Building Plan Review Land Development Review Construction & Environmental Inspections • Community Tree Preservation • Land Use Review • Public Projects Review • Regulatory Policy & Administration • Transportation & General Permit Review • Building Inspections • Environmental Inspections • Gen. Permit, Telecom & Excvtn Inspections • Site & Subdivision Inspections Budget Process • Required by City Charter • Ensures proper spending and monitoring of taxes and fees paid by public Budget Kick-off January 2022 Budget Engagement Mar – Apr 2022 Budget Public Hearings August 2022 Budget Development Jan – Mar 2022 Budget Submitted May 2022 Budget Adoption August 2022 Funding Sources, Revenue & Fee Methodology Funding Sources FY 2022 Forecast $69.62M FY 2023 Forecast $69.59M $9.81 General Fund $7.35 Other $23.55 Development Fees $28.91 Building Safety $9.27 General Fund $6.27 Other $24.81 Development Fees $29.23 Building Safety Revenue Outlook Five-Year Revenue Forecast 3.5% 3.2% $72.03 3.3% $74.32 3.4% $76.76 $79.35 $84.00 $78.00 $72.00 $66.00 $60.00 $54.00 $69.35 $69.62 $69.59 0.4% FY21 0.0% FY22 Actuals FY20 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.5% 0.0% -0.5% FY23 FY24 FY25 Revenue Growth in % FY26 FY27 Forecast Five-Year Forecast Program FY19 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Building Safety $27.16M $27.22M $30.24M $28.91M $29.23M $30.11M $31.01M $31.95M $32.90M Development Fees $24.95M $20.92M $23.19M $23.55M $24.81M $25.91M $26.82M $27.83M $28.95M Other General Fund $5.36M $5.81M $6.88M $7.35M $6.27M $6.46M $6.65M $6.85M $7.06M $16.55M $7.54M $9.03M $9.81M $9.27M $9.55M …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220330 001a Date: March 30, 2022 Plan Subject: Watershed Protection Department FY 2023 Forecast and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Seconded by: Pam Thompson Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual Financial Forecast and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan; WHEREAS, the proposed FY23 Financial Forecast is estimated to be $108.3M, which reflects a 2% budget reduction from FY 2022; and WHEREAS, the FY22-FY27 Capital Improvement Program outlines WPD’s projected major improvements during the next five years based on existing funds and anticipated revenues; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection Department has provided a PowerPoint presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the FY23 operating budget and FY23-27 CIP which is included in the backup for this agenda item; and WHEREAS, the WPD has made significant strides to address its primary objectives and has critical goals and initiatives for future improvements. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Watershed Protection Department’s FY 2023 Financial Forecast and Five-Year CIP program with the following: VOTE 9-0 For: Bedford, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi 1 Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220330 001b Date: March 30, 2022 Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Subject: Development Services Department FY 2023-2027 Financial Forecast Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Development Services Department (DSD) forecast and annual operating budget; and WHEREAS, the Development Services Department operating budget for FY 2022 is proposed at $69.62M and 69.59M for FY 2023; and WHEREAS, the Development Services Department has provided a presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the funding forecast for FY 2023 through FY 2027 which is included in the backup for this agenda item. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Development Services Department’s FY 2023 through 2027 Operating Budget and Five-Year Revenue Financial Forecast. VOTE 8-1 For: Bedford, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer Against: Thompson Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 1
