Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 _Environmental Commission __ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act 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; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. Annual Review and Work Plan 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 Page 2 (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste …
Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch Environmental Commission Meeting Charles Mabry, Associate Project Manager, PARD David Malda, Principal, GGN August 5, 2020 • 330 acres of former ranch 5 I-3 Walter E. Long Metro Park Park Context • 2003: Purchased by PARD • 2006: Named after John Treviño Jr., former Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem • 5,000 feet of Colorado River frontage • 2/3 of the site lies in the 100-year floodplain and TX-130 • Located at 9501 FM-969 between US-183 Ladybird Lake 3 8 1 S U e r o R i v d o l o r a C Decker Ln F M 9 6 9 Treviño Park M 973 F 0 R 13 S US 71 Austin-Bergstrom Intl Airport John Treviño Jr. at City of Austin park dedication in 2016 (Image credit: BetoATX) 2 MONTOPOLISDEL VALLECENTRAL EAST AUSTINDOWNTOWN AUSTIN Vision Plan Schedule 2019 MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC FEB MAR APR 2020 JAN Discovery Site Analysis Existing Conditions, Opportunities, and Challenges Report Develop Shared Vision Story Gathering Community Meeting #1 Summary What We’ve Heard: Vision & Values Community Meeting #2 Summary Focused Engagement Phases Ongoing Community Engagement Explore Concepts Preliminary Concepts Community Meeting #3 Summary Develop Vision Plan Preferred Vision Plan Community Meeting #4 Summary Document and Refine Draft (cid:55)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79) Plan Report Boards and Commisions Review and Adopt City Council Final Vision Plan Report 3 Public Engagement: Approach Meetings and Events • 4 community meetings (two on-site at Treviño Park) • 11 Small Group Discussions • 3 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meetings Surveys • 3 community surveys (digital and print in English and Spanish) Individual outreach • Engagement with individuals, 16+ organizations, 3 neighborhood associations, and 5 local schools • In-person outreach in East Austin: 3 school events, 5 neighborhood/organization events, and 5 church services July 8 community meeting nature talk + hike December 7 community meeting with organization partners 4 Public Engagement: Listening 1) Site, parks, and your story • Connection to place • Notes & postcards • Oral histories • Survey: 398 respondents (41% responses from neighboring zip codes*) Community Priorities: 2) What we heard • Park Vision and Values • Opportunity to share feedback to date and confirm understanding of community goals Nature Stewardship + Education 3) An ideal day at Treviño Park • Site character, activities, design concepts • Survey: 222 respondents …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000805-003b Date: August 5, 2020 Subject: Recommendation to Name Tributary in Battle Bend Park Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Wendy Gordon RATIONALE: WHEREAS, Nicholas “Nick” Down was born on June 5, 1992 in Houston, Texas; and WHEREAS, while earning his bachelor’s degree at Texas State University, Nick served on the Bobcat Build Student Planning Committee, enthusiastically and effectively helping organize one of the largest, one-day community service projects in the State of Texas; and WHEREAS upon graduation, Nick joined the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department in May 2014, drawn by his great love of our natural environment and passion for public service; and WHEREAS Nick has put his irrepressible energy and talent into his work by creating maps and analyses used to understand and protect Austin's environmental and water resources, including our streams, trees, and open spaces; and WHEREAS one of Nick’s most memorable contributions was to the beautiful City of Creeks poster beloved by Watershed staff and shared widely with the public; and WHEREAS Nick and his wife Stephanie lived near Battle Bend Park and visited the park with their dog Otis, being attracted by their love of the outdoors; and WHEREAS the Watershed Protection Department completed a project in 2020 to daylight and restore a small, unnamed tributary in Battle Bend Park, which helped restore natural health and beauty to this community gem; Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the newly-daylighted and previously unnamed tributary of Williamson Creek within Battle Bend Park will be known as “Down Stream” in commemoration of the lifework of Nick Down to the betterment of Austin. 1 VOTE 10-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000805-003c Date: August 5, 2020 Subject: Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the need to develop and implement a vision plan for the John Treviño Metropolitan park at Morrison Ranch; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the unique environmental setting of the site along the Colorado River; and WHERAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Parks and Recreation Board recommended adoption of the Vision Plan; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the adoption of the Vision Plan for the John Treviño Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch with the following Environmental Commission condition: As the Master Plan continues to develop, the Parks and Recreation Department will re-present the plan to the Environmental Commission and seek the Environmental Commission’s input. 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, August 5, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 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 3:03 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the July 15, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the July 15, 2020 Environmental Commission regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 11-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Green Infrastructure web portal—Erin Wood, Planner Principal, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 3. 4. 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. b. Discuss and consider a recommendation to name an unnamed tributary in Battle Bend Neighborhood Park in memory of Watershed Protection Department employee Nick Down—Chris Herrington, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was off the dais. A motion to support a recommendation to name an unnamed tributary in Battle Bend Neighborhood Park in memory of Watershed Protection Department employee Nick Down as approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Gordons’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was off the dais. c. Discuss and consider a recommendation for the Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch—Charles Mabry, Associate Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department and David Malda, Principal, GGN (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 11-0 vote. A motion to approve a recommendation for the adoption of the Vision Plan for the John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 11-0 vote. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 15, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held July 15, 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, July 14, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 15, 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. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 15, 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 Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. (5 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 17, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Update on the Environmental Commission Annual Internal Review—Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair (5 minutes) 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 …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2018 to 6/30/2019 ___Environmental Commission____ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act 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; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. Annual Review and Work Plan Year 2019 Page 2 (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste materials management; …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING DATE: July 15, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: PUD: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) C814-2018-0122 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Michele Rogerson-Lynch LOCATION: 9201Circuit of the Americas COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 WATERSHED: Dry Creek East and Maha Creek REQUEST: To create a Planned Unit Development (PUD) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: Staff recommended with 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 .88 acres of water quality treatment to mitigate asphalt trail 9. Restore vegetation along asphalt trail per Sheet 9 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 Circuit of the Americas (COTA) C814-2018-0122 Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Coordinator Environmental Officer’s Office Downtown Austin Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone North HWY 71 ABIA Site Location North Site Location North Site Data: • 1153 acres • Full-Purpose Jurisdiction • Watersheds: Dry Creek East and Maha Creek • Council District: 2 Critical Water Quality Zone Wetlands (typical) 100-year Floodplain Project History: • Resolution 201220629-002: Allowed the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Circuit of the Americas • On July 31, 2011, the City entered into an agreement with Circuit of the Americas • The agreement had several requirements that have been tracked by the Economic Development Department. Some of the requirements include: • Air quality and emissions standards • Recycling program • Transportation management strategies • Renewable energy requirements • Land preservation and restoration • Locate a 5-acre community garden • Follow Environmental Board recommendations • Plant at least 800 trees • Protect existing wetlands and critical environmental features • Buildings shall meet AEGB 2-star rating or LEED Silver Environmental Board recommendations: Comply with commercial landscape standards Comply with parking lot shading requirements Investigate the restoration of riparian of Dry Creek Demonstrate …
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 …
