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 …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210901 004a Date: September 1, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta Project Motion by: Katie Coyne RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin and Waterloo Conservancy’s work to enhance the Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta; which will improve both the local ecological function of the delta, as well as provide more opportunities for people to connect with nature in downtown Austin. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this project will pursue and attain a Sustainable SITES Certification. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends City Council’s approval of the Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta Project. VOTE 8-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Coyne, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Ramberg Absent: Bristol Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 1, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Linda Guerrero Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Nikki Fowler Kelly Gagnon Liz Johnston Pam Kearfott Mike Kelly Jorge Morales Victor Nelms Darcy Nuffer Janna Renfro Mateo Scoggins Lee Shermann Lisa Storer Ramesh Swaminathan Annabell Ulary Diana Wang CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. 1 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. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION UPDATES a. Update on Climate Equity Plan—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 18, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting was approved on Commissioner Guerrero’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 7-0 vote. Bedford abstained. Commissioner Qureshi was off the dais. Commissioner Bristol was absent. 3. 4. 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) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 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) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Commissioner Coyne called a recess at 8:12 P.M. Commissioner called the meeting back to order at 8:23 PM 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) A motion to recommend support for the Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta Project was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Ramberg recused on Item 4a. Commissioner Bristol was absent. a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, Audrey Barrett Bixler, 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – …
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held August 25, 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 (August 24, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 25, 2021 Environmental Commission Special Called 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 (25 de agosto 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 (24 de agosto 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 …
Environmental Code and Common Variances E nv i ro n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n Re t r e a t Au g u s t 2 5 , 2 0 2 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T A t h a P h i l l i p s E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o g r a m C o o r d i n a t o r 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 Land Development Code 25-8 Environment and the Environmental Criteria Manual C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 25-8 Environment S U B C H A P T E R A – WAT E R Q UA L I T Y Development Services Department: Land Use Review – Environmental Review Watershed Protection Department CEF and Floodplain Modification Review S U B C H A P T E R B – T R E E A N D N AT U R A L A R E A P ROT E C T I O N ; E N DA N G E R E D S P E C I E S Development Services Department: Community Tree Division Land Use Review – Environmental Review (notification of Endangered Species only) 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 3 25-8 Environment SUB CHAPTER A – WATE R QUAL ITY • 25- 8- 211 Water Qual i ty Control Re qui rem ent • 25- 8- 261 Cri ti cal Water Qual i ty Zone D eve l …
City of Austin 2021 Environmental Commission Retreat City of Austin Tree Regulations Overview August 25, 2021 Keith Mars, AICP,CA Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Overview • History and Values – The Austin Way • Policy and Governance – Tree Preservation Ordinances Work • Government that Works – Process and Due Diligence Matters • Austin’s Future Urban Forest The Community Tree Preservation Division: Urban Forest Program (A Healthy Urban Forest for All) Click here to see all the great work The Community Tree Preservation Division: City Arborist Program (Nationally recognized tree preservation ordinances) Tree Ordinances in Austin • First adopted in 1983 • Public health, safety, and welfare (Home Rule & Discretionary) • Preserve first then replenish • Alignment with council strategic outcomes Preserve the character of Austin’s urban forest, protect its current health, and increase it’s longevity The Value of Trees in the Urban Environment • Trees are foundational to multiple public policy objects • Trees are a $16 billion asset • Trees reduce energy cost by ~$20M/year • Trees are critical to climate and equity outcomes Our Community Values Trees • Home Rule—Tree protection is an expression of our values • Continued public support for trees and tree preservation is crucial to the future of our urban forest Does the Heritage Tree Ordinance Work? - Ordinance adopted in February 2010 - ~16 Commission variances - Over 5,000 reviews by City Arborist staff - More than 70,000 inches of Heritage Trees reviewed - 95% preservation rate. National model. Administering the Tree Ordinances (Process matters-Government that Works for All) The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection Review Criteria for Protected and Heritage Trees Code Criteria for Removal Rules for Protecting Trees 1. Prevents a reasonable use 2. Prevents reasonable access 3. Dead, diseased, or imminent hazard Due Process for Administering Heritage Tree Ordinance Due Diligence for Reasonable Use (Reveal the real and perceived constraints, protect more trees) Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? • Use based, form based, or both? Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? • Use based, form based, or both? • Do you know the setbacks? • Parking standards. • Know your Fire Code! It has a big impact on land use and trees. • Know your driveway alignment options. Transportation Austin’s Future Urban Forest (Opportunities and challenges abound) Thank You. Questions? SETBACKS - 15' ALLOWS …
Boards & Commissions Hybrid Meeting Pilot Program Hybrid Meeting Pilot Program rules • Presiding officer & second officer must be physically present at City Hall (Chair, Vice Chair, &/Secretary) • A quorum (6 members) must be physically present • Public testimony must be in person • Staff liaisons (Kaela & Liz) will be physically present Technical requirements for remote participation • Must be clearly visible & have two-way communication throughout the entire meeting • If audio or video communication is lost for any portion of the meeting, the remote participant is considered absent during that time. COVID-19 Safety Protocols • Only 7 commission members physically present • Empty dais seats between each member when possible • Staff and visitors are required to wear masks while on City property • Disposable masks will be provided to anyone who is not wearing proper face coverings • Public attendees will be socially distanced • To limit the number of people physically present, staff presenters will attend remotely • Hand sanitizer stations throughout Council Chamber • Lysol wipes for members Preparing for Hybrid Meetings • Communication is key. Please let liaison know as soon as possible if you cannot attend a meeting, need to recuse, etc. • Fill out survey • Seven members in person • Up to four members may participate remotely • Number will change depending on absences, recusals, etc.
Refresher on Boards & Commissions rules Attendance requirements What constitutes an excused absence? • Injury or illness of a member • Illness or injury to an immediate family member • Active military service • Birth/adoption of a child (for up to 90s days after) • Must be reported in advance of the next meeting Late/partial attendance • Notify liaison in advance if you will be late or need to recuse on an item • Must be present for ¾ of the meeting & not cause the commission to break quorum on any action items • New rules require remote participants to be visible & have 2-way communication the entire meeting. Any technical issues/visibility issues may result in an unexcused absence. Meeting cancellations • If a meeting is cancelled due to lack of a quorum, unexcused absences are still counted. • A cancellation notice will be posted including: • Members that planned to attend • Absent members Attendance violations • Unexcused absences for three consecutive meetings • Missing 1/3 (seven) of all regular meetings in a 12- month timeframe • Violations are reported to the Clerk’s Office • BC Coordinator notifies the nominating Council Member of their options: • Provide an attendance waiver; or • An automatic vacancy occurs that requires a new appointment. Citizen Communication • Residents may sign up to speak on general items for three minutes discussion. • General citizen communication is not posted for • Members may ask clarifying questions only • May ask staff to report back Citizen Communication • Residents may sign up to speak on all agenda items except for Staff Briefings. • No public testimony can be made after the public hearing is closed. • Example: hearing” • Member 1: “Chair, I move to close the public • Member 2: “Second” • Chair: “All in favor, say aye (or raise your hand)” New business – Future Agenda Items • Members may include an item if: • Sponsorship is received from two or more members • Outside of a meeting, members may also request the Chair to include an item on a future agenda • Approval is at the Chair’s discretion • Copy Kaela on all requests • Will be placed on next available agenda Things to know • The City Code prohibits boards and commissions from meeting in closed session unless they have received prior approval from the city attorney. Things to know …
Purview of the Environmental Commission August 25, 2021 Retreat City Code 2-1-144: Environmental Commission The commission is empowered to: REVIEW & ANALYZE ACT PROMOTE the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness ADVISE & RECOMMEND on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. 2-1-144 – Section G assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply. 2-1-144 – Section H The commission shall advise on… Beautification Recreation resources Public education on environmental matters Construction controls for erosion & sedimentation Hazardous waste materials management City environmental policies re. monitoring & enforcement Revegetation & landscaping Solid waste disposal plan alternatives Air quality Water quality Growth management Land use planning Watershed protection Roadway planning Noise abatement All matters pertaining to the City’s urban forest, including public & private trees 2-1-144 – Section (I) The commission shall review: variances to requirements for water quality protection Monitoring of storm water runoff in developed & undeveloped areas Efficiency of existing and proposed structural & nonstructural water quality controls Effectiveness of Chapter 25-4 (Subdivision) Waste treatment permits within city’s ETJ Policies & programs for flood control, erosion control, & water quality Capital improvement projects Municipal utility district proposals & amendments Roadway plan amendments Recommend urban runoff standards Environmental elements of planned unit developments (PUDs) 2-1-144 – Section J & K The commission may recommend & initiate, with the advice and consent of city council, specific project studies concerning any matters described in Subsections (H) and (I), or any other related environmental or urban forestry issue. The commission shall make reports and recommendations for standards and criteria concerning any of these matters as well. 2-1-144 – Section L The commission shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private residents, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting natural resource, environmental activities, so that …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 25, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Katie Coyne Audrey Barrett Bixler Linda Guerrero Kevin Ramberg Rick Brimer Commissioners Absent: Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Sara Hartley Liz Johnston Keith Mars Atha Phillips Naomi Rotramel CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero 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. None 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Review of key watershed regulations in City Code Chapter 25-8—Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Heritage Tree Ordinance 101—Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department and Keith Mars, Community Tree Preservation Division Manager, Development Services Department 1 2. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION a. Discuss returning to in-person meetings in September and pilot program for hybrid meetings Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Refresher on boards and commissions rules Item conducted as posted. No action taken. c. Review the purview of the Environmental Commission Item conducted as posted. No action taken. d. Discuss the Environmental Commission’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Chair Guerrero adjourned the meeting at 9:04 P.M. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed 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). 2
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting August 18, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held August 18, 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 (August 17, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 18, 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 (18 de agosto 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 (17 de agosto 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 …
Updating the TCEQ TMDL Implementation Plan for • Waller, • Walnut, • Taylor Slough South, and • Spicewood Trib of Shoal Julie White Environmental Program Coordinator Julie.White@austintexas.gov 512-974-3527 Andrew Clamann Environmental Scientist Senior Andrew.Clamann@austintexas.gov 512-974-2694 This is not my beautiful creek! You may ask yourself: How did we get here? Water quality monitoring data submitted to the State If data indicates impairment, then the stream is placed on the "303(d)* list" * Clean Water Act Section 303(d) requires states to regularly identify water bodies that do not meet water quality standards ** TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load): a program to analyze data with goal to resolve issue State develops a TMDL** with an Implementation Plan aka "IPlan" You may ask yourself: My God, what's an IPLAN? • A set of strategies to achieve the goal of pollution reduction outlined in the TMDL • Facilitated by TCEQ staff • Developed by stakeholders • 5year implementation period (+ revisions) An I-plan outlines: • What the community will do over the next five years • Who will do it • When they will do it • How we will gauge improvement Currently there are 5 Austin watersheds with IPlans (due to bacteria impairment) IPlan approved in 2011, revised 2017 Gilleland Waller Walnut Taylor Slough South Spicewood Trib of Shoal IPlan for 4 urban watersheds approved in 2015, expired* in 2020, now require revision *IPlans have 5-year approval periods after which they are reviewed and revised (if necessary) The 2015-2020 IPlan for 4 Austin urban creeks 5 primary voluntary strategies • Protect and restore riparian areas • Maintain wastewater infrastructure – includes OSSF, adding public toilets • Improve domestic pet waste management • Education/ public outreach to engage citizens • Improve management of stormwater MS4 Permit & Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) • Population triggered regulatory permit designed to reduce pollutant discharges into city stormwater conveyances. • Develop and implement a plan and submit accomplishments to the TCEQ annually • Periodic audits by TCEQ or EPA Measures to reduce stormwater pollution aka Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) 1. MS4 Maintenance Activities 2. Post-Construction Storm Water Control Measures 3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 4. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations 5. Industrial and High Risk Runoff 6. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff 7. Public Education and Involvement 8. Monitoring Programs I thought we were talking about I-plans? TMDL measures (previously voluntary) are now required to be …
