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 …
Highway 71 and Mountain Shadows RCA • Site Area for RCA: • Tract 1: 1.676 acres • Tract 2: 3.92 acres • Site Total: 5.596 acres • Related Rezoning Case: C14-2020-0023 • RR-NP to MF-1-NP (area not part of RCA) • LR-NP and GR-NP to LR-MU-NP • Non-Environmental Amendments by TxDOT; • Mountain Shadow extension no longer required to be built before permits may be issued. • Max. FAR to be same as current code; • Curb cuts (to SH 71) shall be determined RCA Area C14-85-288.56(RCA) TRACT 2 Rezoning Area Additional area combined with RCA Area TRACT 1
Ledgestone Multifamily Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622 Request Summary • 77.78 acres • 2‐Mile ETJ • Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) SER #4622 SER #4622 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Site Location Devils Pen Creek Devils Pen Creek SER #4622 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #4622 Summary Alternative Wastewater Service: • The applicant has stated that the site could develop with a similar density with decentralized service with a Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP). Water: • The site is located in West Travis County Public Utility Agency (PUA) for water service. SER Review & Evaluation • Watershed Protection Department and Austin Water Utility developed a set of criteria for evalua(cid:415)ng SERs. • Staff have developed a method for quantitatively evaluating SER applications using a scoring matrix. • The evaluation includes deductions related to environmental conditions on the site and credits for improvements to existing problems the SER could provide. SER Scoring Matrix SERs recommended for approval SERs not recommended for approval Project points ≥ 1 Project points ≤ 0 Ledgestone Multifamily Score: 10 Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval. Basis for recommendation: Staff review determined that there were no significant environmental risks to extend service to the site. Contact Information Kaela Champlin Watershed Protection Department City of Austin (512) 974‐3443 kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov
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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200603-006a Date: June 3, 2020 Subject: Springdale Farms, SP-2019-0253C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-261 to allow development in a critical water quality zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff does not recommend this variance, having determined that the findings of fact have not been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends denial of the requested variance from LDC 25- 8-261 to allow development in a critical water quality zone. VOTE 8-1 For: Smith, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: Thompson Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200603-006b Date: June 3, 2020 Subject: C14-85-288.56(RCA) - HWY 71 and Mountain Shadows Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Pam Thompson RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant wishes to conduct a public hearing and seeks approval of a restrictive covenant amendment on property locally known as 8732, 8624 and 8722 W. State Highway 71. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends granting an amendment to the restrictive covenant. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends granting an amendment to the restrictive covenant on the property noted above with the following: Environmental Commission Conditions: That the applicant seeks to balance cut and fill onsite in coordination with City of Austin environmental staff. Staff Conditions 1. This application completes the project established by the Restrictive Covenant such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. 2. This project shall comply with current code except for the following exceptions: a. 65% impervious cover on a gross site area shall be allowed for Tracts 1 and 2 as established by the current Restrictive Covenant. b. A 1.25 acre area of Tract 2 shall comply with the Code of 1985 (Rivers, Lakes, and Watercourses) section 9-10-192(g) for construction on slopes as established by the current Restrictive Covenant. The remainder of Tract 2 shall comply with current code for construction on slopes. c. Cut and fill shall not exceed 8 feet for a 1.25 acre area of Tract 2. The remainder of Tract 2 shall comply with current code for cut and fill. 3. All impervious cover shall be treated for water quality under the non-degradation standards of the Save Our Springs Initiative, City Code 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), including sizing water quality treatment volumes to account for the future extension of Mountain Shadows Road. 4. The Mountain Shadows Road right-of-way shall be included in the calculation of allowable impervious cover. 1 5. A water quality control for the treatment of development on Tracts 1 and 2 shall be allowed to be located on Tract 1. 6. Restrictions on curb cuts along State Highway 71 for Tract 1 established by the current Restrictive Covenant shall be removed, as access to State Highway 71 is determined by the Texas Department of Transportation. 7. The restrictions on issuance of building permits for Tract 2 contingent upon construction of Mountain Shadows …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200603-006c Date: June 3, 2020 Subject: Ledgestone Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Wendy Gordon RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant wishes to conduct a public hearing and seeks approval of a wastewater service extension request on property locally known as 9021 W US 290 Hwy. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff review determined that there are no significant environmental risks to extend service to the site and therefore recommends approval of Service Extension Request #4622. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of Service Extension Request #4622. VOTE 8-0 For: Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Nill, Gordon Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
3. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 3, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Mary Ann Neely Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Perry Bedford Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Ryan Nill Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Kate Clark Chris Herrington Kristy Nguyen Colleen Kirk Atha Phillips CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 3:02 P.M. 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 2. Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the March 4, 2020, April 15, 2020, and May 20, 2020 Environmental Commission Meetings were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Creel and Nill were absent. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None 1 4. 5. 6. STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None 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: Boggy Creek Watershed, Urban Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in a critical water quality zone Staff Recommendation: Staff do not recommend this variance, having determined that the findings of fact have not been met. (15 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Gordon’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Nill were absent. A motion to recommend denial of the requested variance was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 8-1 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Smith, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford. Commissioner Thompson voted nay. Commissioners Creel and Nill were absent. b. Name: C14-85-288.56(RCA) - HWY 71 and Mountain Shadows Applicant: THT Holdings LLC (Senthil Rangaswamy and Prithiviraj Loganathan). Agent: Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams LLP (Michele Rogerson Lynch) Location: 8732, 8624 and 8722 W. State Highway 71 (District 8) Staff: Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Planning and Zoning Department and Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Watershed: Williamson Creek …
Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 20, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held May 20, 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, May 19, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 20, 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. Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 20, 2020 1:00 P.M. To 2:30 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. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. None 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. Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8—Aurora Pizano, Financial Manager II, Austin Water (15 minutes) 2 6. b. Update on Austin Community Climate Plan—Zach Baumer, Climate Protection Manager, Celine Rendon, Community …
Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Greg Meszaros, Director, Austin Water Date: March 25, 2020 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Waters (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). This ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and as part of the 2020 annual budget process, AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised 2013 Financial Policy No. 8 reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) will be identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, Environmental Board, Planning Commission, and the Zoning and Platting Commission. These Boards and Commissions will review growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, obtain Board and Commission and citizen input, review consistency with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, review effect on growth within the DWPZ, and make recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending plans. This summer, AW representatives will be distributing a brief report to the Commissions on the CIP projects located in the DWPZ related to the financial policy. Attachments: CIP Projects Summary CIP Projects Supplemental Information and Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Austin Water Infrastructure Management Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary Financial Policy No. 8 FY21-25 CIP Plan Development Each year, as part of the City of Austin Budget approval process, Austin Water submits a plan for the capital improvements program (CIP) spending for the upcoming five-year period. Austin Water’s FY21- 25 CIP Plan includes projects located across the Austin metropolitan area, including the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). In compliance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8, the capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth related projects that are located in the DWPZ are presented below for consideration by City of Austin …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360 SP-2019-0417D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Gray Engineering, Inc. LOCATION: 5418-1/2 Buckman Mountain Road, Austin, TX 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: N/a ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services, 512-974-2067, hank.marley@austintexas.gov Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow for cut that exceeds four in depth and not more than 8 feet. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: SP-2019-0417D Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360 Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: For cut (LDC 25-8-341) exceeding 4 feet in depth in the Drinking Water Protection Zone 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 Many water supply corporations, municipal utility districts and public utility districts in the area are obligated to expand water storage capacity to meet the needs of their customer base in a known geographical region that they are mandated by the state to service. Therefore, not granting the variance would deprive the owner a privilege available to owners of similarly situated properties. 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 Loop 360 Water Supply Corporation is required to provide an additional 300,000 gallons of storage to its customers. The proposed water storage tank is designed to be connected to and support the existing tank that sits on the adjacent easement. The adjacent tank has an overflow elevation of 870 feet. Therefore, the proposed tank will also have an overflow elevation of 870 feet as it will be filled simultaneously by the same water pumps used for the existing tank. The cut in excess of four feet is needed so that the required 300,000 gallons of water storage is contained under …
