M E M O R A N D U M Chair and Members of the Environmental Commission To: From: Date: Subject: Proposed release of approximately 31 acres of Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction Andrei Lubomudrov Housing and Planning Department September 30, 2021 (“ETJ”) to the Village of Webberville The Village of Webberville, at the behest of a property owner, has requested the release of approximately 31 acres of Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to be included in Webberville’s ETJ. The 111-acre property in question is divided between Austin and Webberville’s ETJ, with the latter covering most of the tract at 80 acres. The tract is located in eastern Travis County near Webberville adjacent to the Colorado River. Releasing the proposed area would create a unified set of regulations for the property and streamline the development review process. In accordance with the City Council adopted policy regarding ETJ adjustments, requests for ETJ release are typically reviewed by staff from several city departments and evaluated in terms of: • Annexation potential • Environmental impacts • • Long-term effects of cumulative ETJ releases • Hardship or extenuating circumstances Impact on infrastructure investments Annexation of this tract by the City of Austin is not feasible in the long-term given its location of about 4.5 miles from the full purpose jurisdiction. Generally, Austin City Council looks for equivalent environmental protection to be provided on land released from the City’s jurisdiction. Staff from Watershed Protection has reviewed the submitted documents and identified no cause for concern with this request. The Village of Webberville ETJ Release October 6, 2021 Webberville has similar ETJ regulations to the City of Austin in this case that will protect the environment and floodplain. The area in question for release is fully covered in the Colorado River floodplain and will not be developed. Any development on the site would be subject to Village of Webberville’s ETJ regulations, which includes their Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (to restrict or prohibit uses within the floodplain) and Water Quality Protection Ordinance (Modeled after the SOS ordinance). Finally, releasing this area would not negatively impact any existing or planned City investments in utility or roadway infrastructure. The area is not served by City maintained roads. Further, Austin Water has no concerns with this release. The tract is primarily in the Aqua WSC CCN with a smaller portion in the Manville WSC CCN for water and no wastewater CCNs. Austin's water …
MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF ZONING CASE MANAGER REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA October 6, 2021 305 S. Congress Planned Unit Development, C814-89-0003.02 Richard Suttle Armbrust & Brown, PLLC LOCATION: 305 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 9 Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department WATERSHED: Colorado River Basin To amend the current PUD. Current proposal is not considered environmentally superior and thus not recommended but would be with the following conditions. 1. Except for items listed in the amended ordinance, the PUD will be subject to the code at the time of site plan application. Dedicate by deed the area of approximately 6.53 acres as public parkland located along the Lady Bird Lake frontage; and 1.59 acres of parkland easements. The parkland and easements shall not be restricted. Provide public equitable access from S. Congress ROW to the Hike and Bike trail that does not force visitors through the development. Provide $100 over what is required by current code to build park amenities. 2. 3. 4. 5. Complete a Parkland Improvement Agreement that includes maintenance for the water quality ponds located within the parkland. 6. Move and narrow the proposed pier to a location that does not impact existing 7. 8. 9. trees. Relocate the trail a minimum of 25’ from the edge of the shoreline except at approved shoreline access points and restore the area between the shoreline and trail with riparian or wetland vegetation on the east side. Protect shoreline and vegetation with a split rail fence. Eliminate redundant paths or trails within the critical water quality zone and reduce proposed impervious cover within the CWQZ to 10%, this number will include proposed concrete sidewalks. Preserve or transplant 100% of all Heritage trees and preserve 77% of tree overall on-site. 10. Provide 1000 cubic feet of soil for street trees, can be shared by a maximum of two trees. Proposed trees and shrubs shall be native or adaptive to Central Texas. 11. 12. Provide green stormwater infrastructure for all phases of the PUD project. A. The project shall capture the maximum amount of stormwater within the project through cisterns, use this water within the building per Water Forward goals and rain gardens located along the extension of Barton Springs Road …
C814-89-0003.02 1 ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-89-0003.02 – 305 S. Congress PUD DISTRICT: 9 ZONING FROM: PUD-NP TO: PUD-NP, to change conditions of zoning ADDRESSES: 227 S. Congress, 227 ½ S. Congress, 301 S. Congress, 305 S. Congress, 305 ½ S. Congress, 307 ½ S. Congress and 313 S. Congress SITE AREA: 18.86 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Richard T. Suttle Jr. (Trustee) AGENT: Armbrust & Brown PLLC (Richard Suttle) CASE MANAGER: Kate Clark (512-974-1237, kate.clark@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends rezoning to planned unit development-neighborhood plan (PUD-NP) combining district zoning to amend the planned unit development to modify the permitted land uses and site development regulations along with the additional conditions for superiority found on Pages 11-14. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD ACTION/RECOMMENDATION: September 28, 2021 Voted to not recommend the PUD amendment as superior and directed staff to continue working with the applicant to negotiate unresolved superiority items and Board concerns. Vote: 6-1. [Board Member Cottam Sajbel – 1st, Chair Lewis – 2nd, with Vice Chair DePalma and Board Members Barnard, Di Carlo and Faust voting in favor; Board Member Rinaldi voted nay; Board Member Taylor abstained; Board Member Hugman was absent; two vacancies]. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION/RECOMMENDATION: October 6, 2021 Scheduled for Environmental Commission SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD ACTION/RECOMMENDATION: October 18, 2021 Scheduled for South Central Waterfront Advisory Board C814-89-0003.02 2 SMALL AREA PLANNING JOINT COMMITTEE ACTION/RECOMMENDATION: October 2021 To be Scheduled for Small Area Planning Joint Committee PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION/RECOMMENDATION: October 26, 2021 To be Scheduled for Planning Commission October 26, 2020 Approved an indefinite postponement request by staff. Vote: 11-0. [Vice Chair Hempel – 1st, Commissioner Azhar – 2nd; Commissioner Shieh was absent]. May 26, 2020 Approved an indefinite postponement request by staff on the consent agenda. Vote: 12-0. [Vice Chair Hempel – 1st, Commissioner Schneider – 2nd; Commissioner Llanes Pulido was off the dais]. December 17, 2019 Approved an indefinite postponement request by staff on the consent agenda. Vote: 10-0. [Commissioner Howard – 1st, Commissioner Flores – 2nd; Commissioners Anderson, Llanes Pulido and Chair Shaw were off the dais]. CITY COUNCIL ACTION: To be Scheduled for City Council ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES On September 28, 2021 this rezoning case was heard by the Parks and Recreation Board. Board Members expressed concerns about the number of remaining details left to be finalized regarding park superiority. They asked staff to continue working with the applicant on unresolved superiority items. On …
Existing Site Survey EXISTING HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL 1 / 8 Submitted: July 24, 2019Updated: June 26, 2020Updated: July 9, 2021Updated: April 14, 2021305 S. CONGRESS PUDCASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02Updated: October 12, 2020 Existing Zoning Map PUD-NP E U N E V S A S E R G N O H C T U O S T E E R T T S H 1S PUD-NP T U O S CS-1-V-NP P-NP B A R T O N S P R I N G S R O A D CS-1-V-NP CS-1-V-NP LI-NP CS-NP CS-1-NP W E S T R I V CS-1-V-NP E R S I D E D R I V E CS-V-NP L-NP 0 150’ 300’ 450’ 600’ Site Boundary (821,517 sf/18.86 acre) PUD-NP LADY BIRD LAKE P E 1ST STREET DRISKILL STEET DAVIS STREET CBD CBD T E E R T Y S AIN E R RIVER STREET 2 / 8 Submitted: July 24, 2019Updated: June 26, 2020Updated: July 9, 2021Updated: April 14, 2021305 S. CONGRESS PUDCASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02Updated: October 12, 2020 Property Boundary and Right of Way Map S O U T H C O N G R E S S A V E N U E B A RT O N S P RIN G S R O A D 0 100’ 200’ 300’ Site Boundary (821,517 sf/18.86 acre) Area 2: Future Barton Springs R.O.W. (85,816 sf/1.97 acre) BOUNDARY LINE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN CITY OF AUSTIN AND MILLER AND TRUSTEE VOL. 2221, PG. 69 VOL. 4297, PG. 439 VOL. 4439, PG. 1203 VOL. 4435, PG. 1744 APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF SHORELINE 429’ ELEVATION LADY BIRD LAKE 3 / 8 Submitted: July 24, 2019Updated: June 26, 2020Updated: July 9, 2021Updated: April 14, 2021305 S. CONGRESS PUDCASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02Updated: October 12, 2020 Barton Springs Rd PUD Congress Avenue Barton Springs Rd PUD Street Sections and Internal Private Driveway Typical Sections A A’ E’ E C B’ B D’ C’ D C C’ STREET SECTION A-A’ SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE EDGE CONDITION INTERNAL PVT DRIVEWAY SECTION C-C’ ENTRY STREET TYPICAL SECTION 66' WIDE i e n L y t r e p o r P 66' 56' 11' 67' e n i l b r u C s e n i l b r u C Active Ground Floor Active Ground Floor Active Ground Floor 30' PEDESTRIAN + LANDSCAPE PEDESTRIAN VEHICULAR LANE EXISTING BIKE LANE SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE 11' 7' 14' 10' …
Village of Webberville request for 31 acres of Austin ETJ Environmental Commission October 6, 2021 ETJ release area is fully within Colorado River floodplain Whole property is about 111 acres; majority is already in Webberville ETJ (80 acres) Access to site is through Webberville No development is planned for portion of site with City of Austin ETJ Subject Tract 2 Background In accordance with the City Council adopted policy regarding ETJ adjustments, requests for ETJ release are typically reviewed by staff from several city departments and evaluated in terms of: Annexation potential Environmental impacts Impact on infrastructure investments Long-term effects of cumulative ETJ releases Hardship or extenuating circumstances Environmental Impact Review Generally, the Austin City Council looks for equivalent environmental protection to be provided on land released from the City’s jurisdiction City staff assessed the area in terms of its environmental sensitivity, and evaluated regulations that would apply should the release be granted 6 Proposed Release Area 6 Summary ETJ Release Request Request from property owner, supported by Village of Webberville, for release of 31 acres of ETJ in east Travis County Webberville regulations for this site were found to be comparable to Austin in terms of environment and floodplain Location 4.5 miles from Austin full purpose jurisdiction makes annexation not feasible in long term Release would accommodate streamlined development review regulations The Environmental Commission is asked to make a recommendation to support the ETJ release request 7
MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF ZONING CASE MANAGER REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA October 6, 2021 305 S. Congress Planned Unit Development, C814-89-0003.02 Richard Suttle Armbrust & Brown, PLLC LOCATION: 305 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 9 Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department WATERSHED: Colorado River Basin To amend the current PUD. Current proposal is not considered environmentally superior and thus not recommended but would be with the following conditions. 1. Except for items listed in the amended ordinance, the PUD will be subject to the code at the time of site plan application. Dedicate by deed the area of approximately 6.53 acres as public parkland located along the Lady Bird Lake frontage; and 1.59 acres of parkland easements. The parkland and easements shall not be restricted. Provide public equitable access from S. Congress ROW to the Hike and Bike trail that does not force visitors through the development. Provide $100 over what is required by current code to build park amenities. 2. 3. 4. 5. Complete a Parkland Improvement Agreement that includes maintenance for the water quality ponds located within the parkland. 6. Move and narrow the proposed pier to a location that does not impact existing 7. 8. 9. trees. Relocate the trail a minimum of 25’ from the crest of the slope along the shoreline except at approved shoreline access points and restore the area between the shoreline and trail with riparian or wetland vegetation on the east side. Protect shoreline and vegetation with a split rail fence. Eliminate redundant paths or trails within the critical water quality zone and reduce proposed impervious cover within the CWQZ to 10%, this number will include proposed concrete sidewalks. Preserve or transplant 100% of all Heritage trees and preserve 77% of tree overall on-site. 10. Provide 1000 cubic feet of soil for street trees, can be shared by a maximum of two trees. Proposed trees and shrubs shall be native or adaptive to Central Texas. 11. 12. Provide green stormwater infrastructure for all phases of the PUD project. A. The project shall capture the maximum amount of stormwater within the project through cisterns, use this water within the building per Water Forward goals and rain gardens located along the extension of …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211006 002b Date: October 6, 2021 Subject: Village of Webberville request for release of Austin ETJ Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Village of Webberville, at the request of a property owner, has requested the release of approximately 31 acres of the City of Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to be included in Webberville’s ETJ; WHEREAS, the proposed release area is fully in the Colorado River floodplain and the environmental protections for the area would be comparable to the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the release will place the whole property under Webberville regulations and in so doing would streamline and simplify the development review process; and WHEREAS, the release area is not feasible for long-term annexation, being 4.5 miles from the City’s full purpose jurisdiction. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the release of approximately 31 acres of Austin ETJ to the Village of Webberville. For: Bedford, Qureshi, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Ramberg, Coyne, Bristol, and Guerrero Against: Brimer Abstain: Scott Recuse: None Absent: None VOTE 8-0 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211006 003a Date: October 6, 2021 Seconded by: Rick Brimer Subject: 305 South Congress Planned Unit Development, C814-89-0003.02 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting amendment to existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) from 1989; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the proposed PUD would require six environmental code modifications as noted in the staff presentation; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission also recognizes that staff considers the current proposal as not environmentally superior and thus not recommended. However, staff would recommend the PUD amendment, if fifteen staff conditions were met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission does not recommend the requested amendment to the existing PUD at this time. However, the Commission recommends staff continue to work with the applicant to negotiate unresolved superiority items, Environmental Commission concerns and staff concerns. In the future, the Environmental Commission may recommend the PUD amendment with the following: 1. Section 25-2-1176(A)(1) is modified to allow construction of the pier and boardwalk to extend up to 70' from the shoreline. Section 25-2-1176(A)(4) is modified to exceed the allowed 20% of the shoreline. 2. 3. Section 25-8-63(11)(a)(IV) is modified to allow the project to exceed 15% of site area allowed by code. 4. Section 25-8-261 and the ECM is modified to allow development within the Critical Water Quality Zone that is in accordance with the PUD Land Use Plan and Open Space Plan. This includes vegetation filter strips, rain gardens, bio-filtration ponds, stormwater outfall structures, park improvements including hard surface trails, bicycle trails, picnic facilities, playscapes, concessions including food and beverage vendors, bicycle rentals, sports equipment rentals, boat rentals, dining facilities, performance and special event facilities, boardwalks, sidewalks, pavilions, gazeboes, restrooms, exercise equipment and courses, beach lawn with steps into the water, boat landings, piers, rail station, stream bank stabilization and other similar facilities. Capping impervious cover at 24.5%. Only 5% allowed by code for development within the CWQZ and only 15% is allowed by the Waterfront Overlay. 5. Section 25-8-261(H) is modified to allow green stormwater quality controls (as defined by ECM) within 50 feet of the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake and within the 100-year floodplain. 6. Section 25-8-367 is modified to allow the administrative approval of the steps on the shoreline as opposed to seeking Council approval as required by code. Staff Conditions: 1. Except for items listed in the amended ordinance, the PUD will …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211006 002b Date: October 6, 2021 Subject: Village of Webberville request for release of Austin ETJ Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Village of Webberville, at the request of a property owner, has requested the release of approximately 31 acres of the City of Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to be included in Webberville’s ETJ; WHEREAS, the proposed release area is fully in the Colorado River floodplain and the environmental protections for the area would be comparable to the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the release will place the whole property under Webberville regulations and in so doing would streamline and simplify the development review process; and WHEREAS, the release area is not feasible for long-term annexation, being 4.5 miles from the City’s full purpose jurisdiction. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the release of approximately 31 acres of Austin ETJ to the Village of Webberville. For: Bedford, Qureshi, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Ramberg, Coyne, Bristol, and Guerrero Against: Brimer Abstain: Scott Recuse: None Absent: None VOTE 8-1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
1. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 6, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at City Hall in Council Chambers at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Commissioners attending in person: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Jennifer Bristol Linda Guerrero Rachel Scott Commissioner attending remotely: Audrey Barrett Bixler Pam Thompson Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Kate Clark Sara Hartley Scott Grantham Liz Johnston Andrei Lubmudrov Atha Phillips Jerry Rusthoven CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. Speakers Paul Barnes APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the September 15, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, 1 2. Commissioner Bristol’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Barret Bixler, Guerrero, and Scott were off the dais. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Introduction with Councilwoman Fuentes and flood resilience priorities (25 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Briefing on the Village of Webberville’s request to release approximately 31 acres of Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to be included in Webberville's ETJ— Andrei Lubomudrov, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) Speakers Richard Mathias A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion and Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 10-0 vote. A motion to approve the ETJ release was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-1 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Bedford, Qureshi, Thompson, Barret Bixler, Guerrero, Ramberg, and Bristol. Commissioner Brimer voted nay. Commissioner Scott abstained. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: 305 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD), C814-89-0003.02 Applicant: Richard Suttle, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Location: 305 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 Council District: District 9 Environmental Review Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Zoning Case Manager: Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department Watershed: Colorado River Basin Request: To amend the current PUD Staff Recommendation: Current proposal is not recommended but staff recommend with the conditions attached in backup materials. (1 hour) Commissioner Coyne recused on Item …
2. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 15, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Environmental Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Katie Coyne (D-4) Vice Chair Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Richard Brimer (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER 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. 1. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION UPDATES a. Update on Brodie Oaks Planned Unit Development (PUD)—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting Minutes and the September 1, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) 1 3. BRIEFINGS a. Update on the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan—Andrea Bates, Watershed Planning Manager and Sari Albornoz, Community Engagement Planner, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS and Linda Guerrero a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, Audrey Barrett Bixler, 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 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 ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443. * A member of the public may not address a board or commission at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing, per City Code Section 2-1-144(E). …
Watershed Protection Strategic Plan Environmental Commission September 15, 2021 N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Watershed Protection Department 2 MISSION The Watershed Protection Department (WPD) protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3 Watershed Protection Strategic Plan N I T S U A F O Y T I C GUIDING BLUEPRINT FOR DEPARTMENT – Sets goals and objectives – Establishes method to prioritize problems – Creates a process for evaluating solutions EVALUATION FRAMEWORK Provides framework for evaluating future programs, projects, and regulations and measuring success of current portfolio COMMUNICATION TOOL Helps explain WPD’s work and priorities to staff, City executives, policymakers, and Austin community 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 N I T S U A F O Y T I C 4 Plan History & Update • Watershed Protection Master Plan adopted in 2001 – Gathered public input via Citizen’s Advisory Group, phone survey, and public meetings • • Last major update completed in 2014 – Updated data/methods used for prioritizing problems – No new updates to public input or goals/objectives It's time for an update to: – Learn about the community's values – Re-evaluate the plan's guiding principles – Update goals, objectives, & prioritization methods – Set targets and create systems to track progress • Build on what we’ve heard – Watershed Protection Ordinance – Green Infrastructure Working Group – Flood Mitigation Task Force 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 5 Goals for Update REFLECT COMMUNITY VALUES • Reflect goals, priorities, knowledge, and experience of community, staff, and stakeholders INCORPORATE EQUITY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE • Advance racial equity in all department operations, resulting in …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 15, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners attending in person: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Commissioners attending remotely: Jennifer Bristol Linda Guerrero Pam Thompson Commissioners Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Sari Albornoz Andrea Bates Kaela Champlin Sara Hartley Matt Hollon Liz Johnston Jorge Morales Erin Wood CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:04 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 Craig Nazor 1 1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION UPDATES a. Update on Brodie Oaks Planned Unit Development (PUD)—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting Minutes and the September 1, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting Minutes and the September 1, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Barrett Bixler’s second on a 10-0 vote. 3. BRIEFINGS a. Update on the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan—Andrea Bates, Watershed Planning Manager and Sari Albornoz, Community Engagement Planner, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS and Linda Guerrero a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, Audrey Barrett Bixler, 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 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 Commissioner Guerrero requested a briefing about the issues raised by Dr. Craig Nazor regarding the McKalla site and Little Walnut Creek. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Coyne adjourned the meeting at 8:12 P.M. 2 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 …
2. 3. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 1, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Environmental Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Katie Coyne (D-4) Vice Chair Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Richard Brimer (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER 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. 1. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION UPDATES a. Update on Climate Equity Plan—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 18, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) BRIEFINGS a. Update on Northwest Park Dam Maintenance and Modernization project—Annabell Ulary, Engineer B and Pam Kearfott, Supervising Engineer, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) 1 4. b. Update on Watershed Protection Department Equity Initiative—Nikki Fowler, Kelly Gagnon, Victor Nelms, Jorge Morales, Janna Renfro, and Ramesh Swaminathan, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Update and request for recommendation of support for the Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta Project—Diana Wang, Project Manager, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS and Linda Guerrero a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, Audrey Barrett Bixler, 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 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 ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please …
Shoal Creek – Northwest Park Dam Maintenance and Modernization Project Environmental Commission September 1, 2021 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 Pam Kearfott, PE, CFM Annabell Ulary, PE, CFM Dam Safety: Program Overview 3 3 d a m s i n Au s t i n r e g u l a t e d by TC E Q * Height Volume Downstream Risk TC E Q s a f e t y r e q u i r e m e n t s Structural stability Ability to safely pass % of PMF (Probable Maximum Flood) • W P D m a n a g e s D a m S a f e t y P ro g r a m Inspections Emergency Action Plans Routine maintenance and repairs CIP projects for modernization & large repairs • • • • • • • • • • • 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 * Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Northwest Park Dam and Regional Detention Facility 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 Northwest Park Dam and Regional Detention Facility: How it Works * 100-year Floodplain Shoal Creek Top of Dam Inflow Spillway 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 Northwest Park Dam and Regional Detention Facility: How it Works Creek side 100-year Floodplain Shoal Creek Top of Dam Inflow Spillway Outfall Pipe 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 …
Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta Project Update City of Austin Environmental Commission Meeting September 1, 2021 1 Agenda 1. Waterloo Greenway Program Overview 2. Creek Delta Project Update 3. Gain feedback and request recommendation of support for the Creek Delta Project 2 Program Overview Sponsoring City Departments: Watershed Protection Department & Parks and Recreation Department Private Non-Profit Partner: Waterloo Greenway Conservancy 4 Waterloo Park Opened August 14, 2021 6 7 Creek Delta • • • • Located along Waller Creek between Lady Bird Lake and 4th Street Identified in Council- approved Waller Creek Design Plan Approximate 10-acre project area. Creek restoration, 1 mile of new trails, pedestrian bridges, water quality and utility improvements Preparing 100% construction documents, anticipated by December 2021 9 10 Functional Assessment of Ecosystems 11 Environmental Goals Functional Assessment (Environmental Criteria Manual) Sustainable SITES Certification • • • Water Quality - Biofiltration Pond and Inline Stormwater Treatment • Trees o Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones o Enhanced tree mitigation and planting 12 13 Elevated Walkway + Bridges 2 3 1 *Lattice Bridge 3 is currently an add/bid alternate. * 14 Elevated Walkway + Bridges 15 Elevated Walkway + Bridges 16 Elevated Walkway + Bridges 17 The Spring 18 The Spring 19 Cypress Grove + Trailhead Plaza 20 Cypress Grove + Trailhead Plaza Creek Delta Schedule Design Phase Briefings: ESB-MACC Board, EV Commission, PARB, Design Commission, Waller Creek LGC. Seek conditional use approval from Planning Commission Bidding & Construction Complete 100% construction documents by end of 2021 January-November 2021 Bid project early 2022 Construction begins summer 2022 Funding Sources • Waller Creek Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #17 • Watershed Protection - Drainage Utility Fund Riparian Mitigation Zone Fund - - Urban Structural Control Fund Parks & Recreation - - • 2012 General Obligation Bond Parkland Dedication and Mitigation Fees • Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Private Donations • Developer Agreementsloper Agreements • Other COA Department Contributions: • Austin Energy • Austin Water • Austin Convention Center 23 THANK YOU! Parks & Recreation Lana Denkeler: lana.denkeler@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Diana Wang: diana.wang@austintexas.gov (512) 974-7168 Waterloo Greenway Chris Perkes: cperkes@waterloogreenway.org
Watershed Protection Department Equity Initiative Update September 1, 2021 Nikki Fowler, Kelly Gagnon, Jorge Morales, Victor Nelms, Janna Renfro, Ramesh Swaminathan Definitions • City of Austin Equity Initiative: Why we lead with race • How equity applies to Watershed operations 1992 photo of petroleum storage tank farm and adjacent homes in East Austin Photo credit: Osbourne, Heather. Austin American Statesman. Source: City of Austin State of Our Environment Report, 2021 2 A Strategic Approach • Racial Equity Tools • Data to develop strategies & drive results • Shared analysis & definitions • Urgency/Prioritize • Names the history • Dedication to transformation • • Partnerships: Internal & External Internal Infrastructure Source: Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), Communications Guide, 2018 3 Normalize • Shared analysis & definitions • Urgency/Prioritize • Name the history • Analyzing Power • Gatekeeping • • • Networking Learning from History Identifying Manifestations of Racism • DATA • PRIORITIZATION • ENGAGEMENT • INTERNAL EQUITY 4 Organize • Dedication to transformation • • Partnerships: Internal & External Internal Infrastructure Watershed Protection Department Employee Demographics Source: WPD Department Demographic Data, Jan 2021 49% 48% 29% 13% 7% 2% 29% 13% 4% 5% 28% 47% 19% 1% 5% Asian 65% 14% 8% 7% 5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% City of Austin (US Census) Watershed Protection Department 332 staff Field Operations Division 150 staff (45%) Other Divisions 182 staff (55%) White Hispanic/Latinx Black or African American All Other Categories 5 Operationalize: Informal 6 Operationalize: Formal • Hiring practices • New FTE to lead Equity Initiative in FY22 • Budget for equity-related trainings • Core curriculum for department leadership Photo source: https://pisab.org/undoing-racism-community-organizing-workshop/ 7 Listen, Learn, and Repeat: Internal Watershed Protection Department Citywide 84% 73% 72% 67% 62% 68% 65% 63% 59% 59% 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 45% 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 45% 2018 2019 2018 2019 65.72% 60.45% 56.16% 52.52% 49.95% 67.35% 63.69% 55.77% 55.68% 53.68% Valuable to Discuss Impacts of Race Leadership Supports Discussion of Race Dept. Committed to Racial Equity Dept. Taken Steps to Reduce Racial Inequity Comfortable Talking About Race Source: Listening to the Workforce Survey Results, City of Austin Equity Action Team Dashboard, 2020 https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=abc25cbc68c041249aa79dab1d9253ae 8 Listen, Learn, and Repeat: External Apply framework to how we work with the community Expanding community engagement networks Updating the Watershed Protection …
