URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Thursday, October 10, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 11:06 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 27, 2024 The minutes from the regular meeting on June 27th, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 4–0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation on 2024 Tree Preservation Report – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Staff presentation on Tree Smarts: An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations (Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual) – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, and Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr., Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair A motion to table the item passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was off dais. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 12:41 p.m. without objection.
Austin's Tree Canopy Presentation for the Urban Forestry Committee J u n e 2 0 2 5 Presentation Overview • Austin's urban forest stats • Urban forest management • Canopy cover • Additional tools Significant Benefits https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/urbanforeststats/assets/standard/AustinTX2022.pdf Urban Forest Management Development Services Parks & Recreation Public Works Austin Energy Austin Fire • Parks Forestry • PWD Forestry • Utility Forestry • Wildfire Division • Urban Forest Program • City Arborist Program Watershed Protection • Env. Resource Mgmt • Policy & Planning • Field Operations Canopy Cover Heading 41% Canopy Cover 39K Acres of new canopy needed to meet 50% canopy cover goal. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d9ba0b99c60b4b8395414a09c4533949 The City of Austin measures tree canopy every 4 years using the calculation: tree canopy area divided by land area. The canopy cover number uses the City of Austin's boundary, inclusive of full purpose, limited purpose, and extraterritorial jurisdictions in May 2023. Analysis provided by Alan Halter, IT Geospatial Analyst Senior, Development Services Department, Urban Forest Program Additional tools My City's Trees • Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis data • • Inventory statistics Summary Reports https://mct.tfs.tamu.edu/app Additional tools Tree Canopy • National tree canopy database • View tree canopy cover and land cover classes • Planning tool built-in https://hub.treesatwork.org/ Emily King Urban Forester Emily.King@AustinTexas.gov Follow Nature in the City for events, updates, job postings, and more! facebook.com/NatureCityATX instagram.com/NatureCityATX
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting June 2nd, 2025 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection 4 Land Development Code 25-8.B.1 • Prohibits removal of Protected or Heritage trees without a permit • 8"+ trees – preserve "to extent feasible" on site plan applications • Defines removal - physical removal, over pruning, or excessive root disturbance • Approval criteria for removal: • Reasonable use • Reasonable access • Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard • Variances and appeals • • Administrative rules – preservation criteria, protection Creates position of City Arborist to implement tree regulations requirements, mitigation Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design Criteria Protection (3.5.2) Mitigation (3.5.4) 3.6 - Tree Protection Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 Regulated Trees in Austin Preserved Removed/ Mitigated Must meet criteria in ECM 3.5.2 Must fall under LDC 25-8-624 Regulated Trees in Austin • Includes hackberry, Ashe juniper, invasives, hazardous trees, etc. • Certain species are designated as Heritage Trees when they reach 24” diameter (LDC 25-8-602) • Palm trees are not regulated under the COA tree ordinance. Hackberry Ash Juniper Heritage Trees in Austin • Is a tree that has a diameter of 24 inches or more, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade, and is one of the following species: • Texas Ash, Bald Cypress, American elm ,Cedar elm, Texas madrone, Bigtooth maple, All oaks, Pecan, Arizona walnut, and Eastern Black walnut • 25-8-641 – Prohibits removal unless a permit is issued and is only issued if a variance is approved under Section 25-8-642 (Administrative Variance) or 25- 8-643 (Land Use Commission Variance). • The requirements apply to trees on private and public property. • Without a variance, a damaged heritage tree may be removed that is an imminent hazard to life or property if removed within seven days of being damaged. The …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 21, 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 Hanna Cofer, Secretary 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 May 7, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.01 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) Location: 6505 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730 Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Amend a Planned Unit Development Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Austin Resource Recovery’s Road to Zero Waste – Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery 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, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi, Martin Luecke Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro Commissioners Absent: David Sullivan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Johnathon Coons, Camelback PUD update APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 23, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 23, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the 2024 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Discussion of the 2024 State of Our Environment Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. 5. Name: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH Applicant: 3423 Tillery LLC Location: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 Council District: District 3 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Applicant request: The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Staff Recommendation: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Speakers: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD Conor Kenny, Developer of the site Liz Schoenfeld, Lifeworks (applicant) Nhat Ho, Civilitude, Civil Engineer with the project A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Lueke’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. Chair Bristol called for a recess at 7:53. Chair Bristol reconvened the meeting at 8:01. A motion to recommend the heritage tree removal request with conditions passed on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted against. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. Name: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Applicant: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC Location: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 Council District: Not applicable Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Water and Wastewater Service Extension …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: May 21st, 2025 Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.03 Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) LOCATION: 6505 Bridge Point Pkwy, Austin, TX 78730 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Water Supply Rural, Lake Austin and Coldwater Creek Watersheds REQUEST: Amend a Planned Unit Development STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommended with conditions. 1. This project shall comply with current PUD requirements, except for the following exceptions as proposed in the amendment: a. PUD amendment allows for an alternative access cart path to the dock district in exchange for the mechanized access (funicular). PUD notes will be added to clarify that once the cart path is constructed no other access will be permissible, including the previously approved funicular. b. The cart path will not impact critical environmental comply with and otherwise features (CEFs) environmental regulations. c. No additional cut will be allowed other than what is already provided by the approved PUD d. Changes to the allotments and allowable depths of fill will be allowed as proposed by this amendment. ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-86-023.03 – Camelback PUD Amendment #3 DISTRICT: 10 ZONING FROM / TO: PUD, to amend a previously approved land use plan, allowable uses, site development regulations, and request modifications to cut and fill requirements. ADDRESS: 6505, 6511 ½ and 6915 Bridge Point Parkway SITE AREA (Total): 143.04 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Loop 360 Land LP (Jonathan Coon) AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Nancy Estrada (512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant the third amendment to planned unit development (PUD) district zoning, as shown in the Proposed PUD Amendment summary on page 3 of this report and as referenced in the replacement Exhibits C, D2, E, and G. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: May 21, 2025: ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: June 3, 2025: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: June 5, 2025: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The Shepherd Mountain Neighborhood Association, Lake Austin Collective, and the 2222 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations have submitted correspondence in support of the proposed Camelback PUD amendment. All correspondence is provided at the end of this report. C814-86-023.03 Page 2 On May 9, 2025, the applicant submitted a letter to modify the …
Camelback PUD Amendment #3 6505 Bridgepoint Parkway C814-86-023.03 Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection 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 Camelback Planned Unit Development (PUD) C814-86-023.03 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 1 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 2 Background • 1 4 3 . 0 6 7 6 a c r e s o f l a n d , u p t o 2 8 9 r e s i d e n t i a l u n i t s • Wa t e r S u p p l y Ru r a l , Au s t i n F u l l P u r p o s e J u r i s d i c t i o n • L a ke Au s t i n a n d C o l d C r e e k Wa t e r s h e d s • D r i n k i n g Wa t e r P ro t e c t i o n Z o n e • P ro p o s e d r ev i s i o n t o a n ex i s t i n g P U D w i t h 6 4 s i n g l e f a m i l y h o m e s • N u m e ro u s C E F s ex i s t o n s i t e • C o u n c i l D i s t r i c t 1 0 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R …
Austin Resource Recovery Road to Zero Waste Assistant Director Ron Romero About Austin Resource Recovery Our Mission We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. Our Vision Driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Curbside Collection for Trash, Recyclables and Compost Brush, Bulk and HHW On Demand Services Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) Residential Services Citywide Services • Litter Abatement • Street sweeping is provided for major roads, residential streets and bike lanes • Circular Business Services • Commercial Compliance Unit • Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance • Special Events Ordinance • Universal Recycling Ordinance • Zero Waste Business Rebate Business Services Community Programs • Austin Reuse Directory • Fix-It Austin • Generation Zero • MoveOut ATX • Zero Waste Block Leaders Questions
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250521-002 Date: May 21, 2025 Subject: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.03 Location: 6505 Bridge Point Pkwy, Austin, TX 78730 Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend a Planned Unit Development to provide an option for a Cart Path and Off-site Surface Access in lieu of the funicular (mechanized access) to reach the Dock (D) District. The 15-foot-wide cart path would run from the Mixed Residential (MR) District, across the Preserve Open Space (P-OS), to a connecting point on the adjacent property to the south as depicted on the proposed PUD Land Use Plan; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Water Supply Rural, Lake Austin and Coldwater Creek Watersheds; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: This project shall comply with current PUD requirements, except for the following exceptions as proposed in the amendment: a. PUD amendment allows for an alternative access cart path to the dock district in exchange for the mechanized access (funicular). PUD notes will be added to clarify that once the cart path is constructed no other access will be permissible, including the previously approved funicular. b. The cart path will not impact critical environmental features (CEFs) and otherwise comply with environmental regulations. c. No additional cut will be allowed other than what is already provided by the approved PUD. d. Changes to the allotments and allowable depths of fill will be allowed as proposed by this amendment. e. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Dark skies/ bird friendly lighting is used throughout the property including along the cart path and dock space. 2. All areas disturbed in the construction of the cart path shall be replanted with native plants with a management plan. VOTE 8-0 1 For: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury Approved By: Attest: Elizabeth Funk, Environmental Commission Liaison 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury were absent. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.01 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) Location: 6505 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730 Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Amend a Planned Unit Development Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions 1 Speakers: Sean Watson, WPD Johnathon Coons, Applicant Leslie Lilly, WPD Allison __ , Kimley-Horn Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury was absent. A motion to recommend the Camelback PUD Amendment #3 with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 8–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Austin Resource Recovery’s Road to Zero Waste – Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Krueger adjourned the meeting at 7:51 pm without objection. The minutes were approved at the June 4, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Ganguly were absent. 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 7, 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 Hanna Cofer, Secretary 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 April 16, 2025 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the 2024 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Discussion of the 2024 State of Our Environment Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. 5. Name: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH Applicant: 3423 Tillery LLC Location: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 Council District: District 3 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Applicant request: The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Staff Recommendation: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Name: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Applicant: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC Location: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 Council District: Not applicable Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 16, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Cofer called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Simmons, Buried power lines APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 2, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 2, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. Commissioner Bristol was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Applicant: Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) Location: 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Austin, TX 78724 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%; b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut, and c) LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. 1 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions Speakers: David Michael, DSD Ted McConaghy, speaking on behalf of the applicant Arthur Walts Mike McDougal, DSD A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Bedford was absent. A motion to recommend Flatz-130 with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on Environmental Commission committee membership The commission nominated Commissioner Luecke as a member of the Urban Forestry Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Qureshi mentioned a development related to Tesla. Liz Johnston (WPD) clarified they are not within the City of Austin. Commissioner Brimer asked for an update on the request to hear about CAMPO. Elizabeth Funk (WPD) said the request was emailed and will follow up. Changsut requested a discussion and action item regarding a planting and harvesting rare earth elements research related to the coal power plant; Commissioner …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E.,CFM, Director, Watershed Protection Department DATE: April 11, 2025 SUBJECT: Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report The purpose of this memorandum is to share the Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. The report can be found online at https://wpdatx.my.canva.site/2024. The report highlights our efforts to further the City’s strategic plan priorities, including: Public Safety: Established the Watershed Protection Department Incident Management Team, trained 74% of employees in FEMA's Incident Command System, conducted five emergency response exercises, tested 14 continuities of operations plans, and issued 50 emergency action recommendations to protect the public during flood events. Community Health & Sustainability: Updated the Environmental Integrity Index Program integrating hydrological modelling with field data collection, and nine new monitoring stations will provide water quality data for the development of new models to estimate water quality characteristics for the entire city. Mobility & Critical Infrastructure: Cleared 12.4 miles of creeks, channels, and ditches of debris, inspected 19.3 miles of stormwater pipeline, cleaned 14.3 miles of pipeline, and installed or replaced 3,616 feet of storm drain infrastructure. I hope you take a moment to reflect on 2024 with us. Should you have any questions or concerns, Jorge Morales, Director of please contact at jorge.morales@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3438. the Watershed Protection Department cc: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager CMO Executive Team
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E., CFM, Director, Watershed Protection Department DATE: April 17, 2025 SUBJECT: 2024 State of Our Environment Report The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the 2024 State of Our Environment Report, in accordance with City Code Chapter 25-1-45(C) which requires the environmental officer to deliver a report on the Austin’s environment each April. Since 2018, the report has been accessible to the public as a virtual document and includes information about the current condition of Austin’s natural resources and the City’s efforts to protect them. The report can be found in English and Spanish at the following link: www.austintexas.gov/environment Staff from multiple departments collaborated on this effort to include metrics across many departmental disciplines, such as: • Lakes, Creeks, and Aquifers • Urban Forest • Public Open Space • Wildlands • Climate Change • Air Quality We appreciate the support and commitment from the following contributing departments who are dedicated to providing valuable and accessible data to our community: • Parks and Recreation Department’s Park Planning Division, • Development Services Department Community Tree Preservation Division, • Austin Water Wildlands Division, • Watershed Protection Department Applied Watershed Science section, • Office of Climate Action and Resiliency, and • Office of Equity and Inclusion. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department, at Liz.Johnston@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2619. cc: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 2 April 17, 2025 2024 State of Our Environment Report Myrna Rios, City Clerk Corrie Stokes, City Auditor Mary Jane Grubb, Municipal Court Clerk Judge Sherry Statman, Municipal Court CMO Executive Team Department Directors
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: May 7th, 2025 PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH APPLICANT NAME: 3423 Tillery LLC LOCATION: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 3 STAFF: ORDINANCE: REQUEST: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Heritage Tree Ordinance (LDC 25-8-641; LDC 25-8-643) The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Page 2 of 2 TO: FROM: DATE: MEMORANDUM City of Austin Environmental Commission Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Development Services Department May 7th, 2025 CASE FOLDER: SP-2025-0031C.SH REQUEST: The applicant is requesting removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Project Description 819 Tillery Street . The entire lot is 13 acres and is zoned CS-MU-CO-MP: General The property is located at Commercial Services, Mixed-Use Combining District, Conditional Overlay, and Neighborhood Plan Combining District. The property is located within the Boggy Creek watershed, classified as an urban watershed regulation area. The site is currently partially developed with a few commercial and retail buildings on the Tillery Street side of the property. The proposed development on the Tillery side will consist of two multifamily residential buildings and a few adjacent retail buildings along with one major driveway entry to the site from Tillery Street. The proposed development along Lyons Road will consist of one mixed use residential building with a sub-surface parking garage. The applicant requested a predevelopment site consultation in September 2024 with the City Arborist and staff to evaluate the conditions of all the Heritage trees on site and to confirm the survey measurements. Within the one- acre area leased for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) — part of the larger 13-acre lease located in the back east corner of the lot — there is one (1) Land Use Commission Heritage Pecan tree that is not either dead, diseased, or imminent hazard. This tree, identified as tree #3510, has a single stem with a diameter of 32 inches and is centrally located within the PSH lease area. Its removal has been requested. Tree Evaluation Tree #3510 Measurements The subject tree is one Heritage 32-inch Pecan ( Canopy Conditions Carya illinoinensis) Fair condition with several large (4-8”) limb failures throughout the lower and upper …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 7, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC LOCATION: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Not applicable PROJECT FILING DATE: WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Lake Travis Watershed, Water Supply Rural, North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Water and Wastewater Service Extension Revision Not Recommended 1 TO: Jennifer Bristol, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission MEMORANDUM FROM: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department DATE: May 7, 2025 SUBJECT: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Service Extension Requests (SERs) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require City Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. The Watershed Protection Department (WPD) staff have completed the review for McLemore Tract Multifamily SER #6139 & 6140 and do not recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 10 acres, located at 10656 N FM 620. The site is located outside of the City of Austin’s jurisdiction within Travis County in the Lake Travis Watershed and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. It is also within the North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This site opted to remove itself from the City of Austin’s ETJ in September 2024. Request Summary The applicant is proposing 300 multifamily units with 150 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). The conceptual plan indicates the proposed 10-acre development would propose approximately 59% impervious cover. The proposed development includes parking that covers approximately 34% of the property. If the applicant were required to comply with City of Austin environmental standards, the impervious cover would be limited to 20% of the net site area and would be required to leave 40% of the downstream portion of the site as natural area. Impacts from SER improvements Wastewater: The applicant is proposing to construct 1,300 feet of 8-inch gravity wastewater main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in N FM 620 to the subject tract, as shown on the attached map. 2 The applicant is also proposing to construct an appropriately sized upgrade to the existing Volente Lift station, which …
PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery SP-2025-0031C.SH Environmental Commission May 7, 2025 Heritage Tree Variance Request COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 7th, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH APPLICANT NAME: 3423 Tillery LLC LOCATION: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 3 STAFF: ORDINANCE: REQUEST: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Heritage Tree Ordinance (LDC 25-8-641; LDC 25-8-643) The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Levels of Tree Ordinance Protection Land Development Code Approval Criteria Site and Project Description Site: • Zoned CS-MU-CO-MP: General Commercial Services, Mixed-Use Combining District, Conditional Overlay, and Neighborhood Plan Combining District • Located within the Boggy Creek watershed, classified as an urban watershed regulation area • The entire lot is 13 acres Project: • The site will be developed in three phases • The proposed development will consist of: • 120 SMART Housing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units on a one-acre lease • 240 Units at or below 80% Median Family Income (MFI) • 240 additional units • Two multifamily residential buildings and a few adjacent retail buildings along with one major driveway entry to the site from Tillery Street • Mixed use residential building with a sub-surface parking garage along Lyons Road Land Use Commission Variance Request Lease Area Phase 1 – Permanent Supportive Housing • One (1) Land Use Commission Heritage Pecan tree that is not either dead, diseased, or imminent hazard. • Tree #3510 has a single stem with a diameter of 32 inches and is centrally located within the PSH lease area. Alternative Layouts Preserving Tree 3510 Preservation of 34 Heritage Trees Phase I, II, &III • Commitment to meet preservation criteria in Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM 3.5.2) of 34 Heritage Trees • One Heritage tree transplant Administrative Variances • Six trees deemed dead, diseased, or imminent hazard (DDI) by five City Arborist staff • Four trees in poor condition • Two trees in fair and good condition Heritage Tree #3510 • Existing unpermitted impacts and soil compaction Limb failure and multiple attachments • • Structural defects • Fair to poor condition Heritage Tree #3510 • Cavity at load-bearing attachment of several scaffold limbs Tree #3510 Previously failed large limbs 4-8”diameter throughout the canopy …
