. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20251105-002: Artificial Turf Water Quality Considerations WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission received a staff presentation and report from Watershed Protection regarding the impacts of artificial turf grass on water quality, the environment and Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection staff has identified several concerns regarding the use of artificial turf, including: • worsening the urban heat island effect • polluting the environment with micro-plastics, PFAs, and heavy metals • reversal of perceived water conservation due to the need to clean and cool the turf down with water, particularly on sports fields • high installation costs • public health impacts such as increased concussions or injuries, childhood cancer, etc. • negative effects on soil health • • increased stormwater runoff Increased landfill waste • Hidden maintenance costs • increased erosion • Negative effects on overall tree canopy and soil health • Increased impervious cover; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection staff also identified that natural sod requires periodic soil aeration or replacement, irrigation (with or without reclaimed water), and sometimes involves fertilization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Environmental Commission recommends: • The City of Austin ban the use of artificial turf, with the option to make exceptions in special circumstances where mitigating environmental conditions are met, or artificial turf is the only way to address accessibility issues . • • • • The City of Austin initiate a code amendment to define artificial turf as impervious cover in city code The City of Austin explores conducting an analysis of any commercial spaces and residential lots currently using impervious cover, to assess whether they are out of compliance with their allowed impervious cover limits The City of Austin creates a residential and commercial education campaign about the environmental and health impacts of artificial turf grass, and xeric and native planting alternatives that exist, and explore an opt-in buyback program for artificial turf The Environmental Commission creates a working group to further investigate possible regulations around artificial turf. Date of Approval: November 5, 2025 Motioned By: Mariana Krueger Seconded By: Isabella Changsut Vote: 8-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: Justin Fleury Off the dais: None Absent: Martin Luecke and Allison Morriso Attest: __________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol, Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 15, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro and Ganguly were absent. Commissioners Changsut and Morrison were off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection Speakers: Kevin Shunk, Austin Watershed Protection Chris Flores, public comment Danne Williams, Austin Parks and Recreation Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection 1 The proposed ordinance related to drainage easements on parkland with a condition was recommended by Commissioner Qureshi, seconded by Commissioner Krueger’s second. Commissioner Brimer motioned to postpone the item until November 5th. The motion failed with a lack of second. The original motion with an amendment passed on an 8-1 vote. Commissioners Fierro and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: Dave Anderson, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Speakers: Cynthia Hadri, Austin Planning Dave Anderson, applicant Kathy Kuras, President and CEO of Greater Austin YMCA Sharlene Leurig Greg Anderson Larry Spec Walter Moreau Daniele Hahn Barbara Grant Boneta Steve Amos William Osborn Chris Flores Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection Glen Rescalvo, Project Architect Tom Bruson, Civil Engineer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Chair Bristol recessed the meeting at 8:56. Chair Bristol reconvened the meeting at 9:02. Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience Speakers: Zach Baumer, Austin Climate and Resilience Chris Flores Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2 FUTURE AGENDA …
Artificial Turf Water Quality Considerations Austin Watershed Protection | November 5, 2025 Presentation Summary ▪ Overview of Artificial Turf (material description, installation methods, maintenance considerations) ▪ Impervious VS Pervious Cover (hydrologic and policy considerations) ▪ Water Quality/Environmental considerations on artificial turf versus sod ▪ Policy Considerations ▪ Benchmarking ▪ Staff recommendations 2 Artificial Turf Overview ▪ Synthetic fibers designed to look like grass ▪ Uses include athletic fields, playgrounds, parks, commercial, residential, dog areas ▪ Benefits: ▪ Requires no irrigation, fertilization, herbicides ▪ Extended playing time (no mud after rainstorms) ▪ Reduced operating costs (no mowing, but does need cleaning regularly) 3 Artificial Turf Overview Concerns ▪ Heat island effect ▪ No evapotranspiration cooling effect ▪ Can be as hot or hotter than concrete ▪ Infill material contents – PFAS/metals concerns, clothes staining ▪ Water quality concerns ▪ Water conservation limited by need to cool fields down with water ▪ Drainage - Potential to increase run-off ▪ Installation costs high – may be as frequent as every 10 years ▪ Health – more concussions depending, concerns about PFAS 4 Typical Installation Methods Turf Blades and Infill Shock Absorbing Pad Levelling Layer Base Gravel/Rock Layer Compacted Native Soil 5 Turf Material Considerations Infill ▪ Was typically crumb rubber (ground up tires) ▪ Source of PFAS & heavy metals ▪ Not used as often – still used in playgrounds due to shock absorbing qualities ▪ Alternative materials include: ▪ Acrylic coated sand ▪ Cork ▪ Nutshells ▪ Coconut fibers ▪ Migrates off-site easily ▪ Potential to accumulate environmental pollutants over time. Blades ▪ Microplastics – degrade over time ▪ Another source of PFAS (lubricants used in manufacturing) 6 Photo credit (Maxine Wallace/The Washington Post) https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate- environment/2025/08/05/artificial-turf-heat-health-environment-cost/ Turf Material Considerations Need for Replacement – breaks down over time due to heat/sun and mechanical wear ▪ Old material to landfill ▪ Periodic cleaning necessary with detergents that run off ▪ HOT: Athletic fields are often sprayed with water during hot weather to bring the temperature down ▪ Failure to maintain correctly with special equipment may void warranty 7 Natural Turf Maintenance Considerations Natural sod ▪ Soil aeriation – twice a year ▪ Irrigation needed to keep sod alive (can use reclaimed water if available) ▪ Periodic sod replacement adds cost ▪ Fertilizing/Herbicide – applied as needed ▪ Challenging to maintain under intense use ▪ Rain makes natural sod fields unplayable until dry 8 Impervious …
89th State Legislature Post Session Briefing Austin Watershed Protection | November 5, 2025 Overview Austin Watershed Protection (APW) legislative overview Major topics & bill outcomes for Austin Watershed Protection during: 89th Regular Legislative Session First 89th Special Session Second 89th Special Session Questions 2 89th Legislative session overview 9,014 total bills & joint resolutions 1,231 bills signed by Governor 1,499 bills monitored by the City of Austin 247 bills monitored by Austin Watershed Protection 30 bills were signed or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature 3 Austin Watershed Protection Legislative review & outcomes AWP legislative review Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Land use Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Disannexation Climate & environmental fees 5 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Bills aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, policies, governmental positions, and hiring practices for governmental entities. All DEI bills tracked by AWP failed to pass SB 689 HB 167 HB 436 HB 1521 HB 2770 6 Land Use Passed legislation SB 15 – Requires a city to allow 3,000 square foot lots on unplatted land of five or more acres. SB 840 – Allows residential by right in non-residential base zones. Failed to pass HB 23 & SB 2354 – Would have allowed developers to bypass city review process by hiring licensed 3rd party professionals to review & approve development documents & conduct inspections. HB 3798 & SB 1927 – Would have prohibited cities from restricting or imposing mitigation fees on the removal of Ashe juniper trees from residential properties. SB 673 - Would have prohibited local governments from regulating accessory dwelling units. 7 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction & Disannexation Passed legislation HB 2512 – Limits areas that can be released from the ETJ of certain Texas cities (bracketed to only apply to Fort Worth). Limits election petitions to those property owners who reside in the area that is proposed to be released & allows property owners to opt out of being released from the ETJ SB 1844 – Allows property owners to disannex from a city if: the property is located adjacent to a navigable waterway, the property was not annexed between 2017 & 2019, and Most of the properties in the area do not receive …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 5, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Bristol Commissioners Absent: Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Anne Oitzinger, 360 expansion and heritage trees Kimery Duda, Exposition School 2025 Public Benefit APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 15, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 15, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Luecke and Morrison were absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the 2025 Texas Legislative Session. Presentation by Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding Artificial Turf water quality considerations. Presentation by Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Austin Watershed Protection. Speakers: Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer Bobby Levinski, Save Our Springs Roy Waley, Sierra Club A recommendation related to Artificial Turf water quality considerations, including creating a working group with Commissioners Bristol, Fleury, Krueger, Moretta-Urdiales, and Sullivan, passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Changsut’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Fleury abstained. Commissioners Luecke and Morrison were absent. Approve the creation of a working group to develop recommendations for the 2026- 2027 City of Austin Budget. A motion to create a working group on the 2027 city budget as it relates to the Environmental Commission purview with Commissioners Changsut, Brimer, Qureshi, and Sullivan, passed on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Luecke and Morrison were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Fierro requested a staff presentation on the renovations at Northwest Park duck pond and the short and long term solutions. Commissioner Brimer seconded. Commissioner Fleury requested a presentation on noise pollution, particularly as related to roadways. Commissioner Krueger seconded. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:21 pm without objection. The minutes from the November 5, 2025 regular meeting were approved at the December 3, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on an 8-0 …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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 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, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 October 1, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: Richard T. Suttle, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 (48 hours) before …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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 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, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut AGENDA REVISED CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: David Anderson, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 (48 hours) before the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 1, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 17th, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 17, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Green Infrastructure in the Right of Way – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. Speakers: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Election of the Environmental Commission Secretary for a term ending on April 30, 2026. Commissioner Qureshi was elected as secretary on Commissioner Brisol’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. 4. Discussion and action on Urban Forestry committee membership The commission nominated Commissioners Justin Fleury and Annie Fierro to the Urban Forestry Committee. 5. Approve the 2026 Environmental Commission Meeting Schedule The draft 2026 meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. 6. Discussion and action on the Travis County Landfill permit #684 leakage – Commissioners Sullivan and Brimer Speakers: Corbin Graham A motion to postpone the item passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Changsut requested a presentation from Austin Youth River Watch on December 3. Commissioner Bristol seconded. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 7:52 pm without objection. 2
C20-2025-009 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-009 City of Austin parkland drainage easements LDC 25-7 code amendment Description: Amends 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance to not require drainage easements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Proposed Language: Approve an ordinance amending 25-7-152 (E): to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Background: Current code requires that property owners dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Additionally, 25-7-152 (E) includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances as described in that section. The purpose of the drainage easement is to alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property. There are limitations on the use of the drainage easement and floodplain areas on the property. These uses are regulated by the floodplain regulations. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement requirement does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. The proposed amendment would only apply to the dedication of a drainage easement on City of Austin parkland. Additionally, if parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process and voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. The process for the sale of public parkland must follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas statues which serve as a protection for public parks and recreational lands from programs or projects that would change their use or require taking of public land. A benefit of this proposed code change is to reduce the fiscal and administrative burden on new parkland projects by improving efficiency during the permit review process. Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection are in agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must apply for a variance and be approved on a case-by-case basis. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Additionally, there will be no impact or change on maintenance or operational responsibilities as a result of the code amendment. Staff Recommendation: Staff …
Code Amendment C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easements Austin Watershed Protection | October 15, 2025 Intent of Current Code: Drainage Easements LDC 25-7-152(A) The owner of real property proposed to be developed shall dedicate to the public an easement for stormwater flow to the limits of the 100-year floodplain ▪ Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risk exists on their property ▪ Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property 2 Austin PARD Project Impacts Under Current Code ▪ Requires solicitation and contract negotiation ▪ Requires multiple rounds of staff review ▪ A Declaration of Use (DOU) requires Real Estate and Legal review ▪ Final approval requires multiple levels of executive review, signatures and recording with associated County fees ▪ Overall process cost: ▪ Consultant for survey (increased significantly over time) ▪ Cost of staff time charged to the project (reducing available money for construction) ▪ Adds cost/time to the site plan review process ▪ Park property remains city-owned unless voter approved for sale through a Chapter 26 process 3 Proposed Code ▪ Add public parkland owned by the City of Austin to the list of options for a variance. ▪ Would not exempt parkland from following all code requirements for development in the floodplain. ▪ If a property is approved for sale, the new owner would be required to dedicate the easement once a subdivision or site plan application is submitted. 4 Proposed Code Language § 25-7-152 - DEDICATION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY E. For property in the full-purpose limits of the city, the director may grant a variance to Subsection (A) if the director determines: 1) development with the variance does not result in additional adverse flooding of other 2) property; and the development: a) is permitted by a variance granted under Section 25-7-92(C) (Encroachments on Floodplain Prohibited); is permitted in a floodplain under Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions), Section 25-7- 94 (Exceptions in Central Business Area), Section 25-7-95 (Exceptions for Parking Areas), or Section 25-7-96 (Exceptions in the 25-Year Floodplain); is not a building or parking area; is a non-conforming use, as defined by Chapter 25-12, Article 3 (Flood Hazard Areas); or is on parkland owned by the City of Austin. b) c) d) e) 5 Boards and Commissions Review Schedule Meeting Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee: Initiation Recommendation (approved) Date July 16, 2025 Planning Commission: Initiation Recommendation (approved, initiated) August 12, 2025 Parks …
DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2025-0003 BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA Planned Unit Development (PUD), located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard - within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed - Urban Watershed in District Area 9. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The applicant has submitted a development assessment for a 4.8 acre mixed use project generally located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street; 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard (see Case Map – Exhibit A). The PUD will consist of a mixed-use development of up to 750 condominium homes, a minimum of 90 affordable housing units, 110, 000 square feet of civic and office uses and approximately 35, 000 square feet of pedestrian oriented uses on the ground floor of the project. Approximately 10, 000 square feet of ground floor pedestrian oriented space will be for a restaurant use. The parking for the development will be achieved through parking structures (see Development Assessment Application Letter – Exhibit B). The applicant is proposing the LI, Limited Industrial Services District, as the baseline zoning district for the PUD. The property in question is zoned Limited Industrial Services – Conditional Overlay – Neighborhood Plan (LI-CO-NP). It is designated as “Civic” on the Land Use Map in the Old West Austin Neighborhood Plan that was adopted on June 29, 2000. The property is located within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed, which is classified as an Urban Watershed, and is part of the Lamar Waterfront District. The applicant has stated in the submittal materials that the project will meet all of the applicable Tier One PUD development standards, two Tier One Additional Requirements and offer elements of superiority in eleven Tier 2 categories (Open Space/Parkland; Environmental/Drainage; Austin Greener Builder Program; Art; Community Amenities; Transportation; Building Design; Parking Structure Frontage; Affordable Housing; Accessibility; Local Small Business). Therefore, they have stated that the proposed PUD will result in a superior development to that which could be developed under conventional zoning standards (see Basis of Superiority Table – Exhibit C). In the PUD Development Assessment submittal letter, the applicant states that they are seeking LI, Limited Industrial Services District zoning and site development regulations for the PUD. The staff will provide a review of the proposed site development standards, including the applicant’s request for an increase in height up to 425 feet and a …
Overview: Austin Climate Action & Resilience Austin Environmental Commission | October 2025 Today’s Agenda Overview • Timeline & History • Climate Team • Resilience Team • Food Team • Urban Forestry Team • Communications Team 2 Timeline & History 2010 2014 2022 2024 2025 Office of Sustainability created with AE Climate Team Food Policy Manager hired Office of Resilience created Resilience joins Sustainability, renamed Climate Action & Resilience Urban Forestry joins Climate Action & Resilience We are the Liaison to the Joint Sustainability Committee and the Food Policy Board 3 What we do ● Lead cross-departmental initiatives and collaborations ● Coordinate responses to new challenges with pilots and research partnerships ● Advise larger departments with specific expertise related to climate, resilience, trees, and food issues ● Respond to community and Council requests on big-picture questions What we don’t do ● Create or enforce regulations ● Own, operate, or manage any major assets ● Respond to disasters and emergencies 4 Climate Equity & Resilience Framework Climate Equity Plan — Mitigation Resilience & Climate Adaptation Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Actions that increase our ability to prepare for and recover from shocks and stressors related to a changing climate. Sustainable Buildings, Energy Generation, and Water Demand Natural Systems Regional Collaboration & Green Jobs Climate and Environmental Data, Research, & Modeling Long Range Planning Recovery & Economic Resilience Transportation Electrification Materials, Purchasing, Food and Product Consumption Mass Transit, Planning, Land Use, and Housing Social Infrastructure and Community Preparedness Green Infrastructure (creeks, rivers, trees, landscape) Utility Infrastructure (water, power, drainage) Equity and Affordability 5 Austin Climate Equity Plan Overview ● Adopted by City Council in September 2021 ● Goal: Net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 ● 5 Sections: ○ Sustainable Buildings ○ Transportation and Land Use ○ Transportation Electrification ○ Food and Product Consumption ○ Natural Systems ● 17 Goals: To be accomplished by 2030 ● 75 Strategies: Progress in next 5 years 6 Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program ● Achievable in a two-year timeframe ● Filterable by various criteria ○ 4 Action Types: Project, Policy, Program, Foundational ○ Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential over 15 years ○ Two-year cost ○ Cost per ton of GHG reduced ○ Co-Benefits ○ Funding status and type ○ Departmental leads View the full Climate Implementation Plan, including interactive action tables 7 CCIP: Cost / Ton Summary If all actions …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 15, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro and Ganguly were absent. Commissioners Changsut and Morrison were off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection Speakers: Kevin Shunk, Austin Watershed Protection Chris Flores, public comment Danne Williams, Austin Parks and Recreation Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection 1 The proposed ordinance related to drainage easements on parkland with a condition was recommended by Commissioner Qureshi, seconded by Commissioner Krueger’s second. Commissioner Brimer motioned to postpone the item until November 5th. The motion failed with a lack of second. The original motion with an amendment passed on an 8-1 vote. Commissioners Fierro and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: Dave Anderson, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Speakers: Cynthia Hadri, Austin Planning Dave Anderson, applicant Kathy Kuras, President and CEO of Greater Austin YMCA Sharlene Leurig Greg Anderson Larry Spec Walter Moreau Daniele Hahn Barbara Grant Boneta Steve Amos William Osborn Chris Flores Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection Glen Rescalvo, Project Architect Tom Bruson, Civil Engineer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Chair Bristol recessed the meeting at 8:56. Chair Bristol reconvened the meeting at 9:02. Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience Speakers: Zach Baumer, Austin Climate and Resilience Chris Flores Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2 FUTURE AGENDA …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM 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 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, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 17, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Green Infrastructure in the Right of Way – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Election of the Environmental Commission Secretary for a term ending on April 30, 2026. Discussion and action on Urban Forestry committee membership Approve the 2026 Environmental Commission Meeting Schedule Discussion and action on the Travis County Landfill permit #684 leakage – Commissioners Sullivan and Brimer FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 17, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Haris Qureshi Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Craig Nazor, on mowing of Grow Zones Corbin Graham, Travis County Landfill concerns APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3rd, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were absent. Commissioner Qureshi and Luecke were off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Thank Commissioner Cofer for her service to the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 1404 East Riverside Drive, located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0002 (District 3). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group. Staff: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Department, and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department 1 Speakers: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Amanda Swor, speaking on behalf if the applicant Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer (WPD) Cliff Schaefer, KW, Landscape architect Sam Pheiffer, Kimley-Horn, Civil Engineer Axel Weisheit, Ziegler Cooper Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and possible recommendation on Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073, related to Bird-Friendly design – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Craig Nazor, Sierra Club Roy Wayley Garrett Jaynes, Austin Energy Green Building A motion to recommend staff’s recommendations with an additional recommendation passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8–0 vote. Commissioners Ganguly and Changsut were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing on Austin Water’s Wildlands – Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Justin Bates, Environmental Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 6. Staff briefing on a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin Parks and Recreation Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Sullivan requested an …
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 25 • March 4 • April 1 (first day of Passover) • April 15 • May 6 • May 20 • June 3 • June 17 • July 1 • July 15: tentative, hold for EVC retreat • August 5 • August 19 • September 2 • September 16 • October 7 • October 21 • November 4 • November 18 • December 2
Technical Advisory Review Panel | Green Infrastructure Working Group Austin Roadmap for Advancing Green Infrastructure in the Right-of-Way This report is a product of the Technical Advisory Review Panel (TARP) – Green Infrastructure Working Group Facilitated by Austin Transportation & Public WorksSeptember 2025 WHY Street Trees Matter in Austin Austin’s streets are critical public spaces that must balance safety, utility reliability, and climate resilience. Street trees are vital infrastructure to achieving that balance. This initiative reframes trees as essential public infrastructure and integrates them into planning, utility coordination, permitting, and design from the outset so that tree needs are consistently addressed to deliver safer, healthier, and more resilient streets for all Austinites. Benefits of Street Trees Council Resolution No 20240321-039 Heat Mitigation Safety Air Quality Public & Mental Health Climate Resilience Review and identify barriers to installation and maintenance of green infrastructure Develop recommendations for modifying existing codes, criteria manuals, and regulations Coordinate with relevant departments to align standard and practices with the goal of enhancing green infrastructure Work with the Technical Advisory Review Panel Economic & Public Resource Value Water Quality & Flood Management (TARP) Ecosystem Benefits Process Process These recommendations are a product of the Technical Advisory Review Panel (TARP) TARP Stakeholder recommended actions for facilitating street trees within Austin's rights-of- way CITY AND DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP * *Staff review and evaluation of TARP recommendations are ongoing Technical Advisory Review Panel Green Infrastructure Working Group Department Staff: Austin Development Services Austin Energy Austin Parks and Recreation Austin Planning Austin Transit Partnership Austin Transportation and Public Works Austin Water Austin Watershed Protection Development Professionals: Arborholic Bartlett Coleman and Associates Entellus HNTB Lionheart McCann Adams Studio Nora Engineering Stanley Studios TBG Partners Consultant Team: AECOM Urbinden 1 2 3 Involve the rules, codes, and standardsthat restrict or complicate greeninfrastructure in the right-of-wayInvolve challenges in securingapprovals, permits, and meetingrequirementsRelate to institutional challenges suchas coordination, structure, andresource allocationREGULATORY FOUNDATIONSPolicy and manual updates to removeobstacles and support right-of-waydesign frameworksStreamline permits and procedures foreasier green infrastructureimplementationPROCESS IMPROVEMENTSIntegrate green infrastructure intocapital projects and improvement plansCAPITAL PLANNING &PROJECTSEstablish funding, tools, andprocedures for ongoing managementof assetsMAINTENANCEBARRIER IDENTIFICATIONPRECEDENTS & BEST PRACTICES RECOMMENDED ACTIONSAssessed the main challenges toplanting and maintaining streettrees in Austin’s right-of-wayReviewed how other citiesovercame similar challengesthrough policy, permitting,and funding strategiesThe final phase findings intoactionable recommendationstailored to Austin, organizedinto four categoriesREGULATORY BARRIERSPERMITTING BARRIERSPROGRAMMATIC BARRIERS REGULATORY FOUNDATIONS PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS MAINTENANCE CAPITAL PLANNING & PROJECTS TARP-RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE Regulatory Foundations Transportation/Right-of-Way …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20251001-006 Date: October 01, 2025 Subject: Travis County Landfill permit #684 leakage Motion by: David Sullivan Second by: Whereas, a Travis County Landfill in NE Austin has been shown to be leaking into Walnut Creek, THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission requests that the Watershed Protection Dept. and Travis County conduct water quality monitoring upstream and downstream of the point of leakage so as to gauge the extent of contamination and communicate the findings to the City Council and County Commissioners; furthermore, if contamination is found and not addressed, then the monitoring results will be released to the local TV stations, newspapers, and online news outlets. . Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: 1 of 1
