Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2018-0122 DISTRICT AREA: 2 ADDRESS: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard ZONING FROM: I-RR TO: PUD SITE AREA: 1,153 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Circuit of the Americas, LLC AGENT: Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams, LLP (Michele Rogerson Lynch) Big Red Dog Engineering/Consulting (Bailey Harrington) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis PHONE: 512-974-3057 sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommendation is to approve the Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development (PUD) subject to the following conditions: 1. The conditions of the PUD shall be established in - a) b) c) the proposed Land Use Plan (Exhibit F) that includes a breakdown of: the planning area layout and size/acreages, the open space chart and the land use summary chart the Site Development Regulations, Tables and Notes (Exhibit G) that includes the parking and off-street loading requirements, the site development regulations per planning area and specific development notes the Zoning Use Summary Table (Exhibit E), which lists the permitted, not permitted and conditional land uses by planning area 2. The PUD shall comply with the Environmental staff recommendations that include: a) Water quality for all new development shall consist of 100% green storm water infrastructure b) Impervious cover limited to 68% c) Dedicate 11.38 gross acres of parkland d) Provide 298 acres of Open Space e) Restore 14.36 acres of wetlands f) Re-permit and construct US Army Corps of Engineers creek restoration g) Install 400 native trees minimum size 2" caliper and water trees for establishment. Trees shall not count towards any other landscape requirement h) Provide .88 acres of water quality treatment to mitigate asphalt trail i) Restore vegetation along asphalt trail per Exhibit L j) Requirements outlined in conditions e), f), g), h), and i) shall be constructed with the first site plan requiring a building permit and only a site plan for the recreation fields associated with PA 4 shall proceed these requirements. C814-2018-0122 Page 2 k) The development of the PUD shall comply with the conditions stipulated in the Parks and Open Space Plan (Exhibit I). 3. The development of the PUD site will be subject to the attached TIA memorandum from the Austin Transportation Department (ATD) dated June 19, 2020 – Exhibit P. The TIA memo limits the site development to uses and intensities that will not exceed or vary from the projected traffic conditions assumed in the final TIA [prepared by WGI, dated June 18, …
PERSIMMONS 7051 MEADOW LAKE BOULEVARD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78744 SP-2018-0579C.SH Jonathan Garner Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • 14.65 acres (gross site area) • Full-purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 2 • Desired Development Zone • Onion Creek Watershed (Suburban classification) • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Current code regulations apply 2 Persimmons SP-2018-0579C.SH Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 3 VICINITY EXHIBIT 4 AERIAL EXHIBIT 5 EXISTING CONDITIONS 6 PROPOSED SITE PLAN • 18 buildings, 126 SMART Housing units; • Proposed 33% impervious cover (gross site area); • All proposed impervious cover is on slopes 0-15%. 7 VARIANCE REQUEST 2. To allow cut over four feet on slopes in excess of 15 percent [LDC 25-8-341] 8 PROPOSED SITE PLAN Area of site plan requesting variance 9 SLOPE EXHIBIT CUT EXHIBIT Max. 12.5 feet of cut 10 DETENTION POND ENLARGEMENT POND SECTION Max. 12.5 feet of cut 11 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 12 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 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. • Staff determination: Yes. The project proposes a multi-family, affordable housing project in an area conducive to such a development. All of the proposed impervious cover with this project is situated on the portion of the property within the 0-15 percent slope category. The proposed water quality and detention pond are required by the Land Development Code, and the project intends to incorporate an amphitheater amenity into the design of the detention pond in order to foster community engagement by hosting events for the multi-family development. 13 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2a: The variance is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance: • Staff determination: Yes. The proposed layout provides greater overall environmental protection by achieving the following: • All of the proposed cut is located outside the 500-year floodplain; • No Protected Class trees (>19” diameter) will be removed for the construction of the ponds; • The pond design will make a vertical cut in the slopes and reinforce the cut side with a concrete trapezoidal wall with stone veneer; and, • The pond …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: July 15, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: Persimmons (SP-2018-0579C.SH) Mike Mullone, Dunaway & Associates 7051 Meadow Lake Boulevard, Austin, TX 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District #2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department, (512) 974-1665, Jonathan.Garner@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut of more than four feet on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Revegetate the top and backside of the detention pond berm with native, deep-rooted bunch grasses, and provide additional tree protection for trees 4-8” in diameter located along the steeper slopes. Staff Findings of Fact Variance to LDC 25-8-341 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Persimmons (SP-2018-0579C.SH) Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut of more than four feet on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient. 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 project proposes a multi-family, affordable housing project in an area conducive to such a development. All along the East William Cannon Dr. corridor, there are a number of multi-family developments that are constructed on slopes within the 0-15 percent category. All of the proposed impervious cover with this project is similarly situated on the portion of the property within the 0-15 percent slope category. The proposed water quality and detention pond are required by the Land Development Code, and the project intends to incorporate an amphitheater amenity into the design of the detention pond in order to foster community engagement by hosting events for the multi-family development. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. The variance request is necessitated by the layout of the site plan, but to the degree that …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 07/15/2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 3002 Scenic Drive Boat Dock Replacement SP-2020-1025D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Rick Rasberry, Lake Austin Boat Docks and Shoreline Permits LOCATION: 3002 Scenic Drive, Austin, TX 78703 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 10 PROJECT FILING DATE: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Dec 27, 2019 Radmon Rice, Environmental Scientist; Watershed Protection Department, 512.974.3429, radmon.rice@austintexas.gov Lake Austin watershed, Water Supply Rural Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: All construction activities to be completed by barge. Staff Findings of Fact Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name & Case Number: 3002 Scenic Dr Boat Dock Replacement SP-2020-1025D Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) - To allow construction within 150 feet of a Rimrock and Seep Critical Environmental Features (CEF) . 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. A variance from 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) allowing for construction of a boat dock, shoreline access, and stabilization, has been granted for similarly situated properties with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. An existing noncompliant boat dock is proposed to be brought into compliance. No disturbance of the rimrock or seep CEF is proposed, all proposed construction activities are to occur downgradient of the rimrock/seep CEFs, and construction is to occur from the lakeside by barge. The proposed construction to be performed from a barge provides greater overall environmental protection. Additionally, the applicant is providing wetland plantings along the shoreline that will reduce shoreline erosion and sediment-laden surface runoff from discharging into the lake. b) Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; Yes. The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement to allow …
3002 SCENIC DRIVE – BOAT DOCK REPLACEMENT SP-2020-1025D Radmon Rice Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department PROPERTY DATA • LAKE AUSTIN WATERSHED • WATER SUPPLY RURAL CLASSIFICATION • CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES ON SITE • COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 BACKGROUND • • • • BOAT DOCK ON THE LAKE NEAR RIMROCK AND SEEP BRINGING EXISTING NON-COMPLIANT DOCK INTO COMPLIANCE ADDING SECOND STORY CODE REFERENCE •TITLE 25 – LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 25-8-281(C)(2)(B). VARIANCE REQUEST REQUEST TO VARY FROM LDC 25-8- 281(C)(2)(B) TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION WITHIN 150-FOOT OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE (CEF) BUFFERS. SEEP VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION FINDING OF FACTS HAVE BEEN MET. STAFF RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THIS VARIANCE WITH THE CONDITION THAT ALL CONSTRUCTION BE COMPLETED BY BARGE. QUESTIONS?
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200715-003a Date: July 15, 2020 Subject: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development, C814-2018-0122 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant wishes to create a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the 1,153-acre site at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends the approval of the PUD with recommendations. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the creation of the COTA PUD with the following; Staff Conditions 1. Water quality for all new development shall consist of 100% green storm water infrastructure; 2. Impervious cover limited to 68%; 3. Dedicate 11.38 gross acres of parkland; 4. Provide 298 acres of Open Space; 5. Restore 14.36 acres of wetlands; 6. Re-permit and construct US Army Corps of Engineers creek restoration; 7. Install 400 native trees minimum size 2" caliper and water trees for establishment. Trees shall not count towards any other landscape requirement; 8. Provide 0.88 acre of water quality treatment to mitigate asphalt trail; 9. Restore vegetation along asphalt trail per Exhibit L; and, 10. Requirements outlined in conditions #5, #6, #7, #8, and #9 shall be constructed with the first site plan requiring a building permit and only a site plan for the recreation fields associated with PA 4 shall proceed these requirements. Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Applicant will hire a certified arborist to oversee the maintenance of (i.e. plan for watering, pruning, mulching, etc.) the planted trees for three years. 1 VOTE 11-0 For: Bedford, Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200715-003b Date: July 15, 2020 Subject: Persimmons, SP-2018-0579C.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Pam Thompson RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant requests a variance from LDC 25-8- 341 to allow cut of more than four feet on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located at 7051 Meadow Lake Boulevard, Austin, TX 78744; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends, with conditions, the variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut of more than four feet on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient. Staff Conditions 1. Revegetate the top and backside of the detention pond berm with native, deep-rooted bunch grasses, and provide additional tree protection for trees 4-8” in diameter located east of the proposed pond along the steeper slopes. VOTE 11-0 For: Bedford, Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200715-003c Date: July 15, 2020 Subject: 3002 Scenic Drive Boat Dock Replacement, SP-2020-1025D Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant requests a variance from LDC 25-8- 281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. THEREFORE, the variance from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). Staff Conditions 1. All construction activities to be completed by barge. VOTE 11-0 For: Bedford, Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 15, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Ryan Nill Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Mary Ann Neely Commissioners Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Jonathan Garner Chris Herrington Atha Phillips Radmon Rice Sherri Sirwaitis CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 3:02 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 17, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the June 17, 2020 Environmental Commission regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Gordon’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Neely was off the dais. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Update on the Environmental Commission Annual Internal Review—Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development, C814-2018-0122 Applicant: Michele Rogerson-Lynch Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas (District 2) Watershed: Dry Creek East and Maha Creek Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Request: To create a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 11-0 vote. A motion to recommend the creation of the COTA PUD with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 11-0 vote. b. Name: Persimmons, SP-2018-0579C.SH Applicant: Mike Mullone, Dunaway & Associates Location: 7051 Meadow Lake Boulevard, Austin, TX 78744 (District 2) Staff: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut of more than four feet on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Guerrero’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 11-0 vote. A motion to recommend the variance from LDC 25-8-341 with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 11-0 vote. c. Name: 3002 Scenic Drive Boat Dock Replacement, SP-2020-1025D Applicant: Rick Rasberry, Lake Austin Boat Docks and …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 17, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held June 17, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, June 16, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 17, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 1. 2. 3. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 17, 2020 3:00 P.M. To 4:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Katie Coyne (D-6) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mayor) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary CALL TO ORDER Agenda APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 3, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Consider Watershed Protection Department’s FY 21 Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager III, Erin Wood, Principle Planner, and Kelly Gagnon, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – Peggy Maceo, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, and …
Watershed Protection Department FY21 Budget 1 FY21 Operating Budget Significant Items • No rate increase in FY21 and FY22 • 15 new FTEs to support the operations • Capital investment of $35M per year for 5 years • Increased investment in Homeless Encampment Cleanup services • Increased investment in equity training for department staff • No reduction in programmatic services 2 FY21 Staffing Details Activity Data Management Local Flood Floodplain Office Downtown Operations Pond Maintenance Pond Maintenance Stream Restoration Human Resources Finance PIO Administration Water Quality Total Position Type Sr. GIS Analyst CAD engineer Supervising Engineer Supervisor Supervisor Crew CAD Analyst Performance Consultant Procurement Specialist Community Engagement Consultant Business Process Consultant Env. Scientists - Development Review # of Positions 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 15 3 Stream Restoration & Watershed Education Env. Information Specialist Five-Year Revenue Projection 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 FY20 Budget FY20 Est FY21 Prop. FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 DUF Revenue Other Revenue In $ Millions DUF Revenue Other Revnue Total Revenue Median Rate FY20 Bgt 95.7 4.6 100.3 $11.80 FY20 Est 96.5 3.9 100.4 $11.80 FY21 97.1 4.1 101.2 $11.80 FY22 97.4 4.1 101.5 $11.80 FY23 104.6 4.1 108.7 $12.62 FY24 107.9 4.1 112.0 $12.98 FY25 108.4 4.1 112.5 $13.00 4 FY21 Fund Summary FY19 Actual FY20 Budget FY20 FY21 Estimated Proposed Beginning Balance Revenue Expenditures Excess/(Deficit) Ending Balance FTEs Budget $ 18.8 100.5 98.0 2.5 21.3 347 $ 15.2 100.3 103.8 (3.5) 11.7 362 $ 21.3 100.4 101.7 (1.3) 20.0 362 $20.0 101.2 107.1 (5.9) 14.1 377 5 FY21 Operating Budget by Category $107.1M Other Transfers 16% Personnel 36% Transfer to CIP 33% Other Program Exp. 15% 6 FY21 Operating Budget by Programs $55M Capital program Stream Restoration 2% 2% Flood Risk Reduction 12% Watershed Policy 4% Support Services 17% Data Mgmt 5% Water Quality Protection 13% Infrastructure & Waterway Maint. 45% 7 Capital Improvement Program Stream Restoration Project on Tannehill Branch 8 Five-Year CIP Plan: Overview • Outlines WPD’s projected major capital improvements during the next five years based on existing funds and anticipated revenues (e.g., DUF, bonds, development fees, TIF) ➢ $337 million of total project funding for FY21-25 • Projects are identified using Watershed Master Plan problem scoring and prioritization • Appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year are adopted in the annual budget • Allows the department to plan ahead for funding …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200617 002a Date: June 17, 2020 Program Program Subject: Watershed Protection Department FY21 Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual operating budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget includes no rate increase for FY21 and does not anticipate a rate increase for FY 22; and WHEREAS, the proposed FY21 operating budget is estimated to be $107.1M; and WHEREAS, the FY21-FY25 Capital Improvement Program outlines WPD’s projected major improvements during the next five years based on existing funds and anticipated revenues; and WHEREAS, the FY21-FY25 Capital Improvement Program is estimated to total approximately $337 MM; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection Department has provided a power point presentation detailing the totals and breakdown of the FY21 operating budget and FY21-25 CIP which is included in the backup for this agenda item; and WHEREAS, the WPD has made significant strides to address their primary objectives and have critical goals and initiatives for future improvements. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Watershed Protection Department’s FY 2021 Operating Budget and Five-Year CIP program with the following Environmental Commission conditions: For future annual budgets, the Environmental Commission is provided detailed budget documentation including tracking anticipated future rate increases in FY23 or FY24 and current and future projects broken out by district prior to the request for Environmental Commission action on the budget. VOTE 7-0 For: Creel, Thompson, Nill, Ramberg, Guerrero, Neely, Gordon Against: None Abstain: Bedford, Smith Recuse: None Absent: Coyne, Maceo Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 17, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Ryan Nill Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Mary Ann Neely Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Perry Bedford Commissioners Absent: Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Kelly Gagnon Anupa Gharpurey Chris Herrington Erin Wood CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 3:04 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 3, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the June 3, 2020 Environmental Commission regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Neely were off the dais. Commissioners Coyne and Maceo were absent. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Consider Watershed Protection Department’s FY 21 Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager III, Erin Wood, Principle Planner, and Kelly Gagnon, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) 1 3. A motion to approve the Watershed Protection Department’s FY 21 Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program Plan with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Smith and Bedford abstained. Commissioners Coyne and Maceo were absent. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – Peggy Maceo, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, and Mary Ann Neely c. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne d. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Mary Ann Neely e. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Mary Ann Neely, Peggy Maceo, Linda Guerrero, and Pam Thompson f. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Linda Guerrero ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Guerrero adjourned the meeting at 3:50 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. For additional information, please call Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 3, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held June 3, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, June 2, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 3, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 2. 3. 4. 5. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 3, 2020 3:00 P.M. To 4:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Katie Coyne (D-6) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mayor) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Agenda COMMISSIONERS: CALL TO ORDER 1. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the March 4, 2020, April 15, 2020, and May 20, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None 2 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Springdale Farms, SP-2019-0253C Applicant: Casey Giles, P.E., Storybuilt Location: 755 Springdale Road, Austin, Texas 78702 (District 3) Staff: Kristy Nguyen, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 3, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Ledgestone Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Daniel Ryan, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc. LOCATION: 9021 W US 290 Hwy, Austin, TX 78737 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: October 17, 2019 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Officer’s Office (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Wastewater Service Extension Recommended 1 MEMORANDUM May 21, 2020 Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Officer’s Office Watershed Protection Department TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Ledgestone Wastewater SER #4622 Service Extension Requests (SER) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review for Ledgestone Wastewater SER #4622 and recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 77.78 acres, located at 9021 W US 290 Hwy. The site is in the City of Austin’s Limited Purpose Jurisdiction, the Slaughter Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. The site is also within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone and is subject to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance. An Environmental Resource Inventory submitted by the applicant identified no critical environmental features within the property. The applicant is proposing to develop a 550-unit multi-family development. A site plan has not yet been submitted to the City of Austin. Development Impacts Water: The site is located in the water service area of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency (PUA). Wastewater: The applicant shall construct approximately 1,000 feet of 8-inch gravity wastewater main in Circle Dr and extend south along Circle Dr and then west along US 290 to the highest point that can be served by the proposed gravity wastewater main, as approximately shown on the attached map. Applicant shall also construct an appropriately sized public lift station at the approximate location shown on the attached map. Applicant shall construct approximately 6,150 feet of 2 appropriately sized force main from the proposed lift station and extend north through the subject tract and northeast along US 290 Hwy to the proposed 8-inch gravity wastewater main in US 290 Hwy. Applicant shall …
SPRINGDALE FARMS 755 SPRINGDALE RD. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702 SP-2019-0253C Kristy Nguyen Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 PROPERTY DATA • 4.85 acres (gross site area) • Full Purpose • Desired Development Zone • Boggy Creek (Urban classification) • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Current code regulations apply 2 SP-2019-0253C Springdale Farms Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone N 3 EXISTING CONDITIONS 4 OVERALL PROPOSED SITE PLAN 5 VARIANCE REQUEST 1. To allow development in a CWQZ (LDC 25-8-261) 6 VARIANCE REQUEST Hammerhead Building overhang Hammerhead 7 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 8 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) …the Land Use Commission may grant a variance after determining that: • 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. • Staff determination: No. Approximately 3.2 acres of the 4.85 acre property are uplands and can be developed without the need for a variance from the Land Development Code. The Land Development Code does not provide an allowance for non- complying development within the CWQZ to maximize the amount of development that can occur on the property. 9 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) …the Land Use Commission may grant a variance after determining that: • 2a: The variance is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance: • Staff determination: No. Due to the scale of the project to maximize development, the applicant has made a design choice to make use of the CWQZ to address Austin Fire’s code requirement for the hammerheads, which are not allowed by the Land Development Code. Moreover, to increase building square footage, there will be building overhangs over the CWQZ, creating rain shadow effect that would deprive the CWQZ of necessary rainfall and sunlight. The scale and design decisions do not provide greater overall environmental protection. 10 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) …the Land Use Commission may grant a variance after determining that: • 2b: The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property: • Staff determination: No. In addition to the building overhangs within the CWQZ, …
C14-85-288.56(RCA) 1 RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-85-288.56(RCA) – Highway 71 & Mountain Shadows DISTRICT: 8 EXISTING ZONING: GR-NP (Tract 1) and LR-NP (Tract 2) ADDRESS: 8732, 8624 and 8722 W. State Highway 71 TOTAL SITE AREA: 1.676 acres (Tract 1) and 3.92 acres (Tract 2) PROPERTY OWNER: THT Holdings LLC, (Senthil Rangaswamy and Prithiviraj Loganathan) AGENT: Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams LLP (Michele Rogerson Lynch) CASE MANAGER: Kate Clark (512-974-1237, kate.clark@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends amending the Restrictive Covenant as outlined in the Staff Conditions section in Exhibit C: Environmental Officer’s Review. For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, see case manager comments on Page 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: June 3, 2020 Scheduled for Environmental Commission PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: June 23, 2020 Scheduled for Planning Commission CITY COUNCIL ACTION: July 30, 2020 Scheduled for City Council RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT RECORDING NUMBER: C14-85-288.56(RCA) 2 ISSUES Neighbors in the area are concerned about the project connecting to Mountain Shadows Drive per the current Restrictive Covenant (RC) requirements. Because this project site is over the Barton Springs Contributing Zone, the Applicant, the Austin Transportation Department (ATD) and the Office of the Environmental Officer have been working closely to come to an agreement on how and when this road should be developed. Mountain Shadows Drive is shown on the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) to be extended from its current terminus to State Highway 71. At this time, ATD is recommending removing the current language in the RC and to defer ROW dedication for this road until submittal of the first subdivision or site plan application. The Applicant has agreed to not take access to any of the existing neighborhood roads for this development project. Therefore, they will be constructing a part of Mountain Shadows Drive from State Highway 71 to their project entrance for their access. They have agreed to only build the portion of the road that will be necessary to provide access for their development and dedicate the remaining ROW to be constructed at a later date. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The proposed Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA) area is approximately 5.596 acres and is currently undeveloped. It was zoned to GR and LR in 1987. The zoning case included a public Restrictive Covenant (RC) that dictated development standards and permitted land uses for these tracts of land. The applicant is requesting to amend …
