ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 16, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Perry Bedford Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Commissioners Absent: Katie Coyne Staff in Attendance: Eric Brown Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Liz Johnston Atha Phillips CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. Speakers Zenobia C. Joseph 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 2, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the June 2, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes were approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Ramberg abstained. Commissioner Coyne was absent. 1 2. 3. 4. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES a. Watershed Protection Department staffing updates (15 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on 2020 State of Our Environment Report—Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (45 minutes) Speakers Ana Aguirre Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: 3800 Island Way, SP-2021-0021D Applicant: Janis Smith, PE, Janis Smith Consulting, LLC Location: 3800 Island Way, Austin, Texas 78746 (Council District #10) Staff: Eric Brown, Senior Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(B) to allow construction within 150-feet of Critical Environmental Feature (Rimrock) Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Creel’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coyne was absent. A motion to approve the variance request with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coyne was absent. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Rick Brimer, and Linda Guerrero Chris Herrington gave an update on the Urban Forestry Committee. b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Kevin Ramberg d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental …
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting June 2, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held June 2, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (June 1, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 2, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission FECHA de la reunion (2 de junio de 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (1 de junio de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
Palm District Planning Initiative Environmental Commission June 2, 2021 Content Project Background Study Area Project Scope Project Team How to Get Involved Project Background Engage stakeholders and the public to develop a shared vision for a complex, culturally rich, and rapidly transforming part of downtown Austin that includes: Palm School Palm Park Convention Center Waller Creek Red River Cultural District ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center Proposed Mexican American Heritage Corridor And more…. 4 Resolution 20190523-029 Palm School Negotiations Rainey Street District Fund Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Convention Center Expansion District Planning Process Improved Connectivity 5 Recent Planning History Waller Creek Master Plan (2010) Downtown Austin Plan (2011) Imagine Austin (2012) Waller Creek Design Plan (2012) Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life ESB-MACC Master Plan (2018) Project Connect Vision (2019) Brush Square Master Plan (2019) UT Analysis of Convention Center Expansion (2019) Convention Center Master Plan (2013) (2015) Downtown Austin Wayfinding Update (2020) Master Plan (2013) Urban Land Institute Study of IH 35 Convention Center Master Plan (2020) …and more 6 Study Area 8 History of Study Area Long, layered history Palm School dates back to the 1890s Palm District originally part of East Austin Mexican-Americans, African- Americans and German Immigrants called Palm district home 9 PICA 21043 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Historic Connection To East Austin 10 CO3746 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Sir Swante Palm School 11 Sir Swante Palm School 12 waterloogreenway.org Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park 13 Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park 14 PICA 04088 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Waller Creek 15 Waller Creek Tunnel 16 waterloogreenway.org Waterloo Greenway/Waterloo Park 17 texasfreeways.com I-35 18 texasfreeways.com I-35 19 texasfreeways.com I-35 20 I-35 21 statesman.com: Photo Credit, Jay Jannier Project Connect and Downtown Transit Station 22 Neil Kocurek Memorial Austin Convention Center 23 Brush Square/O. Henry Museum 24 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) 25 Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 26 lostinaustin.org: Photo Credit, Will Taylor Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 27 Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 28 Sixth Street Historic and Entertainment District 29 lostinaustin.org: Photo Credit, Will Taylor Red River Cultural District 30 Innovation District 31 KXAN.com m o c . N A X K Mexican American …
The Lady Bird Lake Harmful Algal Proliferation - Update B r e n t B e l l i n g e r, P h . D . b r e n t . b e l l i n g e r @ a u s t i n t e x a s . g o v 5 1 2 - 9 7 4 - 2 7 1 7 J u n e 2 n d , 2 0 2 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 About Cyanobacteria “ B l u e - g r e e n A l g a e ” i s a b i t o f m i s n o m e r – t h e s e o r g a n i s m s a r e p h o t o s y n t h e t i c B a c t e r i a • Prokaryotic – loose nuclear material, organelles not bound • Can still find cyanobacteria genetic material within the chloroplasts of other algae and plants P r i m i t i v e ! • Over 3 billion years old F i r s t p h o t o s y n t h e t i c o r g a n i s m s ; c h a n g e d E a r t h ’ s a t m o s p h e r e l e a d i n g t o t h e f i r s t m a j o r e x t i n c t i o n T h e G R E AT O X Y G E N AT I O N E V E N T P r o d u c e a v a r i e t y o f s e c o n d a r y m e t a b o l i t e s i n c l u d i n g a s u i t e o f …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 2, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Katie Coyne Perry Bedford Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Commissioners Absent: Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Staff in Attendance: Brent Bellinger Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Liz Johnston Stevie Greathouse Mark Walters CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the May 19, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the May 19, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Guerrero and Ramberg were absent. 1 2. 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Palm District Planning Initiative—Stevie Greathouse and Mark Walters, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Update on Lady Bird Lake Harmful Algal Proliferation—Brent Bellinger, Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, Richard Brimer Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, gave an update on the Urban Forestry Committee. b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne Katie Coyne gave an update on the Joint Sustainability Committee. c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Kevin Ramberg d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Linda Guerrero and Pam Thompson e. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Linda Guerrero FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discuss Environmental Commission retreat scheduling and agenda items Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chair Coyne adjourned the meeting at 7:47 P.M. 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 …
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting May 19, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held May 19, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (May 18, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 19, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission FECHA de la reunion (19 de mayo de 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (18 de mayo de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Program Overview Environmental Commission | 04/19/2021 1 1 Background & Structure 2 ACCC Background The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps helps Austinites who have been economically impacted by COVID-19 earn income, serve their community, and gain skills that can lead to strong new careers in conservation and sustainability fields. Key points ● Created by Council Resolution 20200507-061 (May 2020). Happy 1 year anniversary! ● COVID-19 recovery workforce development program focused on green jobs, modeled (in spirit) after 1930s CCC program ● Focused on creating equitable access to low-barrier programs that provide income, support, and pathways to additional jobs/careers/training ● Run by a program team with representatives from eight departments ● Authorized to seek $2.5M - $500K from GFR and $2M from departments 2 Where We Are Now 4 Current Programs and Funding Program Area Parks, Preserves, & Wildfire Green Building and Solar Cultural Arts Community Co-creation Green Pathways COA Departments PARD, WPD, DSD, AWD, AFD Sustainability, Innovation EDD Cultural Arts, PARD Innovation PARD, WPD Partner Organizations American Youthworks, GAVA, TOOF Raasin in the Sun, Creative Action MEASURE, Build with Humanity Internal to COA Gulf Coast Carpenters and Millwrights, Community 1st Village Participants 54 Funding Level $2.81M 9 $39K 41 $143K 20+ $40K 4 $200K 108 positions | $3.232M | 2 years 5 Potential Future ACCC Programs Program Funding Partner Depts Begins Participants City positions? Greenspace and Parks Conservation - $1.598M Greenspace and Preserves Crew year two $450K PARD Stream Cleanup and Restoration Crew year two $223K WPD Green infrastructure crew Tree health team $400K WPD, PWD $450K PARD, DSD, APL Forestry/Landscaping individual placements $75K PARD, APL Wildfire Mitigation - $150K Wildfire Crew full funding year two $150K AFD, AWD FY22 Green Building and Renewable Energy - $570K Green Building & Solar Installation (2 cohorts) $70k Sustainability Residential green building and repair crew $500K HPD, DSD Circular Economy and Resource Recovery - $2.08M Circular economy apprenticeship program $550K ARR, EDD Community PC Repair Program expansion $670K Digital Inclusion COA office and equipment repair team $750K ARR (possibly BSD) FY21 Scale the Building Services Surplus Program $110K BSD Community Engagement and Preparedness - $700K Climate emergency and mutual aid corps $500K EDD, Sustainability Environmental project info community outreach $200K WPD FY22 FY22 FY21 Fy21 FY22 FY21 FY21 FY21 FY21 FY21 FY21 FY21 8-10 8-10 8-10 7 3 8-10 18 8-10 50 40 5 1 100 15 Y (1) Y …
Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Greg Meszaros, Director, Austin Water Date: May 4, 2021 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). This ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and as part of the 2021 annual budget process, AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised 2013 Financial Policy No. 8 reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) will be identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, Environmental Board, Planning Commission, and the Zoning and Platting Commission. These Boards and Commissions will review growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, obtain Board and Commission and citizen input, review consistency with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, review effect on growth within the DWPZ, and make recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending plans. This summer, AW representatives will be distributing a brief report to the Commissions on the CIP projects located in the DWPZ related to the financial policy. Attachments: CIP Projects Summary CIP Projects Supplemental Information and Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Austin Water Infrastructure Management Financial Policy No. 8 Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary FY22-26 CIP Plan Development Each year, as part of the City of Austin Budget approval process, Austin Water submits a plan for the capital improvements program (CIP) spending for the upcoming five-year period. Austin Water’s FY22-26 CIP Plan includes projects located across the Austin metropolitan area, including the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). In compliance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8, the capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth related projects that are located in the DWPZ are presented below for consideration by City of Austin Boards …
BYLAWS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the commission is Environmental Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the Environmental Commission is to: (A) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city, to act as an advisory commission to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment, protect and preserve public and private trees, promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness and advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (B) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply. (C) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City’s jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. (D) advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste materials management; (12) revegetation and landscaping; (13) air quality; (14) noise abatement; and (15) all matters pertaining to the City’s urban forest, including public and private …
M E T R O P O L I TA N V I S I O N P L A N ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MAY 19, 2021 AGENDA 1. Introduction 2. Site Analysis and Needs Assessment Report Overview 3. Discussion 4. Goals and Guiding Principals | 1 Site Analysis and Needs Assessment INTRODUCTION TEAM OVERVIEW City of Austin Design Workshop Prime Consultant Landscape Architecture/Urban Planning Community & Key Stakeholders Engagement & Equity Economics Environmental, Ecology & Land Use Historical Preservation & Cultural Resources Infrastructure CD&P Buie & Co. Kardia Advisory Group HR&A Charlie McCabe Consulting Majestic Services, Inc Siglo Group Drenner Group MuseWork Limbacher & Godfrey Nelson/Nygaard GarzaEMC Encotech Altura Solutions | 3 Site Analysis and Needs Assessment CLIENT/TAG OVERVIEW Client Group Technical Advisory Group Parks and Recreation Department City of Austin Ricardo Soliz Gregory Montes Megan Eckard Justin Schneider Kasey Corpus PARD ATD Public Works Watershed Protection Office of Real Estate Services Marketing and Communications Office Austin Water Austin Energy Management Services Austin Resource Recovery Cap Metro TXDOT | 4 Site Analysis and Needs Assessment SCHEDULE SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS PROJECT KICK-OFF FEB 1ST COMMUNITY MEETING #1 INTRO TO THE PROJECT COMMUNITY MEETING #3 ALTERNATIVES COMMUNITY MEETING #5 (IF NEEDED) FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR TAG KICK-OFF MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING #2 PROGRAMMING COMMUNITY MEETING #4 DRAFT PLAN FINAL VISION PLAN Strategic Kick-Off and Project Initiation Site and Contextural Analysis and Data Project Meetings Stakeholder/Community Participation City Staff, Public Review/Boards, Commissions, Council Review Vision Plan Report Preparation Project Work Plan Kick-Off Meeting Site Analysis and Needs Assessment Report Project Meetings Materials Community Outreach and Draft Vision Plan Presentation of the Site Analysis and Stakeholder Contract Engagement Plan Final Draft Vision Plan Document Technical Advisory Group Meetings Needs Assessment Report List Meeting Minutes and Summaries Community Engagement and Outreach Presentation of Final Draft Vision Plan Document to City Commission, Progress Reports Presentation of the Site Analysis and Needs Boards, City Manager and City Council Provide a Needs Assessment Report Preliminary Vision Plan Concepts Final Vision Plan Document Assessment Report to City Commission, Boards, City Manager and City Council Community Wide Survey | 5 Site Analysis and Needs Assessment SITE ANALYSIS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT REGIONAL CONTEXT RED BUD ISLE C O L O R A D O R I V E R UT AUSTIN K E E R C L A O …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210519-003a Date: May 19, 2021 Subject: Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water (AW) Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in AW’s 5-year capital spending plan as required by AW Financial Policy #8. Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Water Utility presented and updated the Environmental Commission on new growth-related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Austin Water Utility provides adequate drinking water and reliable systems for current and future customers. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the request for inclusion of the CIP projects in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending budget. VOTE 7-0 For: Thompson, Coyne, Barrett Bixler, Ramberg, Guerrero, Brimer, Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel and Bristol Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 19, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Pam Thompson Katie Coyne Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Jennifer Bristol Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Liz Johnston Jerry Rusthoven Lisa Killander Keith Mars CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the May 5, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2021 was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol and Creel were absent. 1 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Program Overview—Daniel Culotta, Innovation Office (20 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Update on Country Club West at Roy G. Guerrero Park—Janna Renfro, Engineer, Watershed Protection Department (20 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8—Aurora Pizano, Financial Manager II, Austin Water (15 minutes) A motion to recommend approval of Austin Water’s CIPs located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Bristol were absent. b. Briefing of the Zilker Park Vision Plan Site Analysis and Existing Conditions Report, including the Guiding Principles—Gregory Montes, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation, Jonathan Ogren, Siglo Group, and Haley Wagoner, Siglo Group (20 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. c. Approve proposed changes to the Environmental Commission Bylaws—Kaela Champlin, Environmental Commission Liaison, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Chair Guerrero made a motion to accept the proposed changes to the bylaws as written in the backup materials. The Environmental Commission unanimously supported the motion on a vote of 7-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and …
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting May 5, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held May 5, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (May 4, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 5, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission FECHA de la reunion (5 de mayo de 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (4 de mayo de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
PARTICULATE MATTER AND EMISSION REDUCTIONS City of Austin Environmental Commission May 5, 2021 CAPCOG – Regional Planning Commission • Emergency Communications 9-1-1 in Statute; more often called a COG. • Area Agency on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Center • Homeland Security Planning & Training • Regional Law Enforcement Academy • Air Quality Planning • Solid Waste Planning • Economic Development Analysis & Technical Assistance • Transportation Planning 5/5/2021 Capital Area Council of Governments 2 Ten – county service area; State of Texas planning region 12 5/5/2021 Capital Area Council of Governments 3 State Representative John Cyrier State Representative Celia Israel State Representative Terry Wilson State Representative Erin Zwiener Commissioner Brigid Shea Travis County Judge Joe Weber Fayette County Council Member Andrea Willott City of Bee Cave Chair Judge Paul Pape Bastrop County CAPCOG Executive Committee Council Member Christine Sederquist City of Leander Council Member Matthew Baker City of Round Rock Commissioner Ann Howard Travis County Commissioner Russ Boles Williamson County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe Hays County Judge Brett Bray Blanco County Mayor Sandy Cox City of Lakeway Council Member Mackenzie Kelly City of Austin Commissioner Steven Knobloch Lee County Commissioner Joe Don Dockery Burnet County Commissioner Cynthia Long Williamson County Judge Hoppy Haden Caldwell County Mayor Pro Tem Lyle Nelson City of Bastrop Council Member Mike Heath City of Pflugerville Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Pitts City of Georgetown First Vice Chair Mayor Brandt Rydell City of Taylor Second Vice Chair Judge James Oakley Burnet County Secretary Mayor Lew White City of Lockhart Parliamentarian Judge Ron Cunningham Llano County Immediate Past Chair Mayor Jane Hughson City of San Marcos 5/5/2021 Capital Area Council of Governments 4 • PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): What is particulate matter? the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. • PM includes: – PM10/“Coarse PM”: inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller – PM2.5 /“Fine PM”: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller Source: EPA, https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics#PM 5/5/2021 Capital Area Council of Governments 5 PM2.5 Pollution • PM2.5 is both a primary pollutant (i.e., directly emitted from different sources) and a secondary pollutant (i.e., formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions and processes from other direct emissions). Sources of PM2.5 include: – Crustal PM2.5 – particles from dust/soil – Elemental carbon (EC) PM2.5 – particles that contain the …
Killander, Lisa Wednesday, March 17, 2021 10:50 AM Patrick Fulker Mars, Keith RE: Request to remove 20" Cottonwood tree in ROW of 13213 Villa Park Dr 13213 Villa Park Road risk assessment of 20 inch tree.pdf From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Mr. Fulker, Good morning. I did an on‐site assessment of the now 21” diameter cottonwood in the City of Austin right of way adjacent to your property on March 15, 2021. I made note of the tree’s condition as the growing season is beginning. I observed the canopy full of catkins and noted of the number and size of the broken branches within the canopy. This tree is in very good condition and assessed to be a low risk tree. My assessment worksheet is attached so that you can see how a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified arborist systematically comes to this conclusion. This system is recognized worldwide as a means to assess a tree’s risk to pedestrians, vehicles and stationary structures like houses. I measured the distance from the water meter (red box next to drive) to the trunk of the 21”diameter tree, circled in purple, as approximately 28 feet. The invoice that you provided from your contractor made no mention of the break in the pipe resulting from a tree root. I have no photos to document your claim that a root caused the break. Hence, I cannot conclude that this tree 28 feet away is the reason for the break in the pipe next to your water meter. I am sorry for the inconvenience this leak caused but the tree will not be removed based on my findings. Kind regards, 1 Lisa Killander Program Manager Public Works Forestry Office of the City Engineer Certified Arborist TX 3735‐A Tree Risk Assessment Qualified 512‐974‐9198 From: Patrick Fulker <patrick.fulker@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2021 3:02 PM To: Killander, Lisa <Lisa.Killander@austintexas.gov>; Mars, Keith <Keith.Mars@austintexas.gov> Subject: Request to remove 20" Cottonwood tree in ROW of 13213 Villa Park Dr *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Lisa, I am writing because I have had to incur another costly pipe repair near the roots of these trees. This pipe issue occurred after removal of the 34" tree. I am requesting administrative approval to remove this 20" cottonwood tree located in the right of way of my property. The repeated damage of my pipes is preventing reasonable use of my property and placing …
Appeal Regarding the Urban Forester’s decision on the removal of a Cottonwood tree 20” Tree Located in the Right of Way on Crown Ct, Austin TX 1 INTENDED PURPOSE OF APPEAL: • To communicate and demonstrate the serious issues that these trees cause to the City and property owners of Crown Ct. • To demonstrate that removal of this tree is necessary and warranted. • To seek a modified opinion on the removal of this 20” Cottonwood tree. 2 SUBJECT TREE & LOCATION – Crown Ct, Austin TX A/C Unit 20” 3 Background Information on Cottonwood Trees • It is well documented that cottonwood trees are hazardous trees that are prone to rot from the inside out, with no visible signs of this decay on the outside of the tree. Trunk analysis is necessary to determine the extent of decay. • Their roots are known to damage pipes and other infrastructure. • Their “cotton fuzz” seeds are a serious fire hazard and nuisance for municipalities and property owners. • Hundreds, if not thousands, of municipalities in the US have banned these trees for the above reasons. 4 “The Dirt Doctor” Article on Cottonwood Trees: • The author, Howard Garret is: • Nationally syndicated Organic Gardening talk show host • Arborist and specialist in natural organic tree care • Columnist for the Dallas Morning News • Author of 15 books on organic gardening, landscaping and pest control • Chairman of Texas Organic Research Center (TORC) • Organic Advisory Board Texas Department of Agriculture • https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Cottonwood_vq924.htm 5 The Dirt Doctor – Cottonwood Trees • FINAL SPACING: Do not plant • IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION: Cottonwood is a very fast growing, upright messy tree. It sends out cotton all over the place in the spring, has brittle wood and it has large limbs. Its root system is extremely shallow, ravenous and destructive. It normally will have quite a bit of dead wood in the tree. • PROBLEMS: Cottonwood is short lived, has a destructive root system and the cottony seed from the female plant is a nuisance and damaging to electrical appliances. Stressed trees are commonly attacked by borers. The root system is susceptible to cotton root rot and other root diseases. This is a dangerous tree because large limbs or the entire tree can fall on cars, structures and even people. This is one tree that should be removed from most residential property. 6 …
Request for a Modified Opinion on the Urban Forester’s decision for removal of a cottonwood tree 20” Tree Located in the Right of Way on Crown Ct, Austin TX 1 PROPERTY OWNER SEEKS A MODIFIED OPINION ON THE TREE’S REMOVAL: ‐ Remove tree at property owner’s expense. ‐ Plant at least one heritage species tree on owner’s property (or pay mitigation fee). ‐ No more damage to City or property owner’s infrastructure. ‐ No cost to the City of Austin. 2 What Complications Arise from Cottonwood Trees? Joshua Wilke | July 1, 2019 Cottonwoods are a trouble-making tree for many reasons. They have those irritating seeds that float into every nook and cranny, and sticky buds that fall off everywhere. These buds are troublesome to get off of cars and will stain carpets yellow if tracked inside. Even though they can practically grow all over the United States and in many environments, cottonwoods are not as resilient as they seem. They are a fast-growing species. In fact, they are the fastest growing trees in North America, growing 6 feet or more in height per year. This puts them at risk for having weaker, more porous wood than other types of trees. They have a propensity to be penetrated by infestations, to rot, and to break more easily. Because their weak wood is more likely than other trees to be diseased, rotten, or bug infested, they are more likely to die, break, and fall. The summer season is especially dangerous as it is a time when cottonwoods are growing too fast for their own good, thus making them more vulnerable to breakage. Because they grow so easily and quickly in many places, their root systems are likely to spread where they shouldn’t and tear underground things, like pipes, apart. They also are a major culprit in the destruction of wetlands and retaining ponds. https://www.skyhightreeremoval.com/2019/07/01/what‐complications‐arise‐from‐cottonwood‐trees/ 6 SUBJECT TREE & LOCATION Crown Ct, Austin TX 34” 20” 7 34” Tree and 20” Tree damaging property owner’s pipes • Property owner provided repair documents and pictures of pipe damage caused by these trees and their roots to the Urban Forester. • Large roots from both trees are on my water line. My pipes have been damaged multiple times. • Urban Forester was immediately dismissive of these facts. 8 9 10 11 12 13 URBAN FORESTER RE‐ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION: • Property owner had to seek …
