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20210519-003a: Recommendation re. AW's Capital Improvement Projects in the drinking water protection zone — original pdf
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
Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …
Agenda — original pdf
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 …
20210505-002a: PM and Emission Reductions presentation — original pdf
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 …
20210505-003a: 13213 Villa Park Road risk assessment of 20 inch tree — original pdf
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 …
20210505-003a: Patrick Fulker appeal backup materials — original pdf
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 …
20210505-003a: Patrick Fulker appeal presentation — original pdf
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 …
20210505-003a: Staff memorandum re. Denial of Request to remove 20-inch Cottonwood in Right-of-Way located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas — original pdf
Environmental Commission City of Austin Public Works Department ISA Certified Arborist, TX 3735‐A Tree Risk Assessment Qualified To: From: Lisa Killander Date: May 5, 2021 Re: Denial of request to remove –20‐inch Cottonwood in the Right‐of‐Way (ROW) located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas Posting Language: Consider a request from a private property owner, Patrick Fulker to appeal the Urban Forester’s denial of application for an administrative approval, as provided for in City Code Section 6‐3‐91, to remove public trees located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas 78729. City’s Determination: Denial of request to remove the following Public Tree: 20” COTTONWOOD TREE LOCATED WITHIN CITY ROW 13213 VILLA PARK DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78729 Right of appeal: A person may appeal a denial to remove a Public Tree to the Environmental Commission under City Code Section 6‐3‐91. Action required of this Commission on appeal: The Commission may overrule, sustain, or modify the determination. City Code Section 6‐3‐93. Summary of the Title 6 Process: Prior to removing a tree on public property, a person must obtain approval from the Urban Forester. The Urban Forester will review the request and either approve or deny the request in accordance with City Code 6‐3‐73. If the Urban Forester denies the request to remove a public tree, a person may appeal the denial to the Environmental Commission. During the hearing on the appeal, both staff and the person appealing the Urban Forester’s decision may present written information and address the Commission. Following the hearing on the appeal, City Code 6‐3‐91 requires that the Environmental Commission sustain, modify, or overrule the Urban Forester’s decision regarding the tree/s in question. Background and Discussion In January 2020, Patrick Fulker, homeowner at 13213 Villa Park Dr, applied to the Development Services Department (DSD) for a permit to remove two protected Cottonwood trees, sizes 34 and 20 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). DSD forwarded the request to Public Works Forestry (PWF) to make a determination of ownership. On January 24, 2020 the site was visited by a Forestry Inspector who is also an ISA Certified Arborist. PWF informed DSD that the trees were in the ROW and should be preserved. DSD denied the permit as the trees were located in the City ROW and PWF determined the trees should remain. On August 26, 2020 the Program Manager visited the site with another PWF Arborist. A conditional assessment was …
20210505-004a: C814-20-0132 Central Health PUD — original pdf
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2020-0132 – Central Health PUD ZONING FROM: P ADDRESS: 601 East 15th Street SITE AREA: 14.343 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Travis County Healthcare District dba Central Health DISTRICT: 1 TO: PUD (Mike Geeslin, President and CEO) AGENT AND CASE MANAGER: City of Austin – Housing and Planning Department Jerry Rusthoven, 512-974-3207, jerry.rusthoven@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant planned unit development (PUD) district zoning, with the waivers of certain threshold requirements, and established site development standards, land uses, and Code modifications as outlined on pages 2 – 4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: May 5, 2021: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: April 27, 2021: May 11, 2021: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: May 20, 2021: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: On December 11, 2014, Council adopted a Resolution directing Staff to create an innovation zone and initiated a Code amendment to establish land use regulations and land uses for the Travis County Healthcare District dba Central Health (formerly known as the Brackenridge Hospital campus). The purpose of the Code amendment was to: 1) establish land use regulations for the innovation district that considers higher density via the maximum floor-to- area (FAR) requirement and no maximum building height limitation, 2) negotiate interlocal agreements as necessary to implement the Code amendment and support dense development on the property, and 3) work with Central Health to establish a set of land uses for the Property. Please refer to Exhibit B. C814-2020-0132 Page 2 On November 20, 2019, a code amendment was initiated and reviewed by the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee (C20-2014-0130 – Central Health). On December 10, 2019, the Planning Commission recommended the code amendment with an additional condition that 100 residential units be affordable if multifamily residences are built on the property. The code amendment was scheduled for Council review in 2020, but withdrawn from the September 17, 2020 agenda. Planned unit development (PUD) zoning was determined to be the best way to accomplish the intent of the Code amendment and directed by Council Resolution No. 20201001-062. Please refer to Exhibit C. An application for PUD zoning was filed on November 12, 2020. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The proposed Central Health PUD is located at the southeast corner of the southbound IH 35 frontage road and East 15th Street, and extends to the terminus of Sabine Street to the south and Red River Street to the west. The property is zoned P, public, and …
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20210505-002a: PM2.5 Emissions Reduction Plan Recommendation — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210505 002a Date: May 5, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: PM2.5 Emissions Reduction Plan Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) currently maintains the 2019-2023 Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Regional Air Quality Plan; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the plan currently focuses on ozone pollution as the region has been close to violating ozone NAAQS levels for several years; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition (CAC) has decided to update the region’s voluntary air quality plan to include additional measures targeted at reducing regional PM2.5 air pollution and enhancing awareness of PM air pollution. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends updating the region’s voluntary air quality plan to include additional measures targeted at reducing regional PM2.5 air pollution and enhancing awareness of PM air pollution. Additionally, the Environmental Commission recommends the City of Austin implement PM2.5 emission reduction best management practices for City of Austin construction projects. VOTE 8-0 For: Bedford, Thompson, Brimer, Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, and Guerrero Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
20210505-003a: Appeal from Patrick Fulker at 13213 Villa Park Drive Recommendation — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210505 003a Seconded by: Richard Brimer Date: May 5, 2021 Subject: Appeal request from Patrick Fulker at 13213 Villa Park Drive Motion by: Pam Thompson The Environmental Commission grants the request to remove the 20 inch Cottonwood tree located within the City of Austin Right-of-Way at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas 78729, at the owner’s expense with mitigation as determined by staff that would be satisfied either with planting at the owner’s expense or fiscal payment to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund in lieu of planting. VOTE 6-2 For: Brimer, Thompson, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Bedford, and Bristol Against: Coyne, Guerrero Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
20210505-003b:Central Health Planned Unit Development, C814-2020-0132 Recommendation — original pdf
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210505 003b Date: May 5, 2021 Seconded by: Katie Coyne Subject: Central Health Planned Unit Development, C814-2020-0132 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a to change zoning from P to PUD. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends granting the requested planned unit development (PUD) district zoning, with waivers of certain threshold requirements, established site development standards, land uses, and Code modifications as outlined on backup information provided for this meeting. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends granting PUD district zoning for the site in accordance with the waivers and conditions provided in backup with the following Environmental Commission Condition: 1. The Environmental Commission requests the applicant increase, to the maximum extent practicable, their Austin Energy Green Building Rating to 3 or greater and integrate Functional Green principles where available. VOTE 8-0 Approved By: For: Bedford, Thompson, Brimer, Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, and Guerrero Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
Approved Minutes — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 5, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 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 Jennifer Bristol Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel 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 6:02 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. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the April 21, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the April 21, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was absent. Commissioner Thompson was off the dais. 1 2. 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. PM2.5 Emissions Reduction Plan—Phoebe Romero, Environmental Program Coordinator, Office of Sustainability and Christiane Alepuz, Capital Area Council of Governments Regional Planning and Services Program Coordinator (30 minutes) A motion to recommend updating the region’s voluntary air quality plan to include additional measures targeted at reducing regional PM2.5 air pollution and enhancing awareness of PM air pollution was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Consider a request from a private property owner, Patrick Fulker to appeal the Urban Forester’s denial of application for an administrative approval, as provided for in City Code Section 6-3-91, to remove public trees located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas 78729 (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 8-0 vote. A motion to deny Patrick Fulker’s appeal failed on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 4-2 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Coyne, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, and Guerrero. Those voting nay were Commissioners Thompson and Brimer. Those abstaining were Commissioners Bristol and Bedford. Commissioner Creel was absent. A motion to reopen the public hearing was approved unanimously on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion. A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Guerrero’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s …
Agenda — original pdf
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting April 21, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held April 21, 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 (April 20, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 21, 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 (21 de abril 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 (20 de abril 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 …
20210421-002b: Committee Chair Responsibilities — original pdf
Committee Chair Responsibilities Ensure compliance with City Code Ensure compliance with Texas Open Meetings Act Coordinate with staff liaison to post agendas 72 hours in advance A quorum must be present to conduct committee meetings o A quorum of the committee is at least three committee members. o No more than five commission members may attend a meeting. The EC Bylaws include all established committees and their duties. These duties must be approved by the Council Audit and Finance Committee. The Committee Chair is responsible for completing and presenting annual reports to the full Commission and filing the report with the Office of Chief Clerk and the Watershed Protection Department on or before January 31st each year. o It is the full responsibility of the Committee Chair to complete this report. The report must include the following: (1) a statement of the board’s mission and a description of the board’s actions in furtherance of that mission during the previous calendar year; and (2) the board’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year. After a meeting has been held, it is the responsibility of the committee chair to provide a report on the issues the committee is working on during the Environmental Commission Committee Reports each meeting. Meeting requirements Per City Code, committees must meet on a regularly scheduled basis at least quarterly. It is the responsibility of the Committee Chair to request these meetings to be scheduled. In order to provide adequate scheduling time and posting requirements, please comply with the following deadlines: o 3 weeks in advance, contact the liaison to schedule the meeting & notify liaison o At least 10 days before the meeting, review and approve the final agenda with of draft agenda items. the staff liaison. Committee Recommendations If a recommendation is passed during a committee meeting, provide the completed motion form to the staff liaison before the end of the committee meeting. o Writing must be complete and legible & recommendations must be read into the record during the meeting. It is important that recommendations are uploaded to the Environmental Commission website as soon as possible. Within 24 hours, the liaison will email a draft copy of the typed recommendation to the committee Chair. Respond with corrections &/signature within 24 hours if possible. Purview of Commission Chair The Environmental Commission Chair …
20210421-002b: Environmental Commission Committee membership — original pdf
Updated April 2021 Environmental Commission Committee Members Committee Name Urban Growth Policy & Water Quality Protection Committee Chair Pam Thompson Urban Forestry Committee Vacant Members Perry Bedford Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Vacant position 4 Vacant position 5 Pam Thompson Linda Guerrero Vacant position 3 Vacant position 4 Vacant position 5 Other Committee Memberships Committee Name Joint Environmental/Parks Board Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee Joint Sustainability Committee* South Central Waterfront Advisory Board* Members Linda Guerrero Pam Thompson Vacant position 3 Vacant position 4 Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Linda Guerrero * Member is elected by Council to serve a 2 year or 4 year term membership.
20210421-003a: Braker Valley C8-2020-0112 staff presentation — original pdf
Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department BRAKER VALLEY SUBDIVISION 4806 BLUE GOOSE RD. C8-2020-0112 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 1 PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 2 0510Miles[ PROPERTY DATA • Walnut Creek Watershed • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Critical Water Quality • Wetland Critical Environmental Feature • Council District: 1 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 3 [ DEVELOPMENT DATA • Minor CWQZ buffer 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 4 [ DEVELOPMENT DATA • Intermediate CWQZ buffer • Minimal slopes over 15% 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 5 [ DEVELOPMENT DATA • Intermediate CWQZ buffer • Minimal slopes over 15% • Wetland CEF Wetlands 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 6 [ BUFFER AVERAGING 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 7 BUFFER AVERAGING 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 8 SLOPES & GRADING 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 9 VARIANCE REQUEST 1 • Variance to 25-8-341 to cut over 4 feet to 11.26 feet. 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 10 VARIANCE REQUEST 2 • Variance to 25-8-342 to fill over 4 feet to 16.73 feet. 4/21/2021 BRAKER VALLEY C8-2020-0112 11
20210421-003a: Braker Valley C8-2020-0112 variance packet 1 of 2 — original pdf
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 21, 20121 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Braker Valley Subdivision C8-2020-0112 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Chris Rawls BGE, Inc. LOCATION: 4806 Blue Goose Rd., Austin, TX 78754 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District #1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512.974.1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov. Walnut Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone REQUEST: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut over four feet STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over four feet to to 11.5 feet. 17 feet. Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. In the two locations where roadways cross the Critical Water Quality Zone, culverts will be provided for the entire width of the half-Critical Water Quality Zone. This avoids the flow pinch-point of the single, narrow culvert originally proposed. Revegetation for all areas of the stormwater pond that are not covered by dam safety regulations will be with Standard Specifications Manual 609S Native Seeding and Planting for Restoration, using a selection of low- growing, non-woody vegetation that can be mowed. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Braker Valley Subdivision 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut over four 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over four feet to 11.5 feet. feet to 17 feet. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes The proposed grading is of a scope that is typical in uplands areas for the construction of required stormwater control ponds. The Land Development Code does not allow grading for stormwater control measures within 100’ of a classified waterway [25-8-341(A)(4)(c) & 25-8-342(A)(4)(c)]. However, in-line wet ponds, such as the one proposed, are allowed in the CWQZ per 25-8-261(F) if designed according to the Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM). However, the Environmental Criteria Manual requires wet ponds to have a permanent pool depth of six (6) to eight (8) feet. Unless the channel has steep slopes, it is difficult to design …