Spatially Displaying Water Quality Compliance Pollution Data Thain Maurer Environmental Compliance Supervisor Watershed Protection Department “Pollutant Locations” GIS Viewer Why am I presenting here today? Why did we create this tool? What does this new tool do? Context and cautions. Some ideas for future applications. Why am I Presenting Here Today? WQC is starting to use this viewer for reports Intro on interpreting data Ideas for other applications Why Create This Viewer? New Regulatory Requirements Why Create This Viewer? Educational Outreach Why Create This Viewer? Problem Areas by Pollutant Category Why Create This Viewer? Can We Correlate EII and Spills? What Does This Viewer Show? https://arcg.is/e0Pbe Spatially displays WQC pollutant data Has various statistical analyses of pollution data date range Allows sorting by pollutant group and Can display large spills and unrecovered volumes of pollutants Context and Cautions No toxicity information Heat map/Hotspot map are based on occurrences, not volumes Some data and trends are more easily seen in non-spatial analyses Context matters, especially for volumes Spatial vs Non-Spatial Spatial vs Non-Spatial Spatial vs Non-Spatial Spatial vs Non-Spatial Future Applications and Projects Combining pollutant data with drainage maps to prioritize outfalls for dry weather screening Publicly available tool for raw pollutant location data Exploring how spills degrade stream health Thanks! Any questions?
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: February 19, 2020 Lantana PCA NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Michael Whellan Armbrust & Brown, PLLC LOCATION: 7415 Southwest Parkway COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office (512)974-2132, atha.phillips@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code Chapters 25-7 (Drainage) and 25-8 (Environment), including Chapter 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to allow construction of a mixed-use residential project located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone. Staff recommended with conditions. 1. Applicant will provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025 and development on this lot will be restricted to only allow trails. 2. Impervious cover for the project will be capped at 17.5 acres (49% of current site plan SP-2014-0262C(XT2)). Project Consent Agreement Lantana (PCA) Briefing to the Environmental Commission Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office February 19, 2020 What is a PCA? • PCA = Project Consent Agreement • PCAs are part of the 245 process detailed in 25-1-544 • PCAs are considered when the extent of a project’s vested rights are unclear and for incentivizing projects with clearly established vested rights to achieve greater compliance with current regulations • The 245 process lives within the Development Services Department • DSD has determined that this project is a candidate for a PCA Site Data: • Williamson Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone (SOS Applies) • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Contributing Zone of the Edwards Aquifer • Full-Purpose • Existing approved site plan (SP-2014-0262C(XT2)) • Existing project has vested rights under 245 • Existing site plan wants to change zoning from Office to Mixed Use • Mixed Use would allow for multi-family use • Existing Preliminary Plan referenced within the vesting documents limits multi-family Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Hwy 290 West Site Location Barton Creek Watershed Williamson Creek Watershed Watershed Boundary Site Location Site Location Site Location Current Code Amendments: Modification to 25-8 Environmental: 1. 25-8-301 Restricts driveways of slopes greater than 15% • Project shall not exceed 65% impervious cover on slopes 10-20%, …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 4, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: HEB 10 SP-2019-0034C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Joe Farias Stantec Consulting Services LOCATION: 7901 W US 290 Hwy, Austin, TX 78749 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879 Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone Classification, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) in the Barton Springs Zone. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of 4 feet (maximum fill 14 feet) in the Barton Springs Zone. 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) to construct a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25 percent. 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) to construct a parking area that is not a parking structure on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 1 Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met, with the following conditions: 1. Engineered structural containment for fill exceeding 4 feet; 2. No non-organic mulch (including stone of any size) allowed in the 3. Rainwater harvesting storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 4. Condensate storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 3,000 landscaped areas; 3,000 gallons; gallons; 5. Cut shall be limited to a maximum of 7 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan; and 6. Fill shall be limited to a maximum of 14 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 2 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: HEB 10 Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) in the Barton Springs 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: The site elevation rises briefly and then slopes down, southward from The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code …
H-E-B Store #10 Environmental Commission Variance TBPE No. 6324 TBPLS No. 10194230 January 10, 2020 HEB Variance Backup One, p. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Variance Case Information Reece Whitley 1905 Aldrich St, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78723 512-328-0011 Reece.Whitley@stantec.com H-E-B Store #10 SP-2019-0034C 7901 West Highway 290 US Pamela Abee-Taulli Pamela Abee-Taulli Ordinance 920903-D Williamson Creek Watershed ☐Urban ☐ Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ■ Barton Springs Zone HEB Variance Backup One, p. 2 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment ■ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway ■ Yes ☐ No 5270 feet Water and Waste Water service to be provided by City of Austin Request Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) The variance request is as follows (Cite code references: Existing ___0____ _30.29__ ___0%__ Proposed _322,344_ _30.29__ _25%___ The proposed H-E-B Store #10 located at 7901 West Highway 290 US in the full purpose jurisdiction of City of Austin, Travis County, Texas. A site vicinity map has been provided as Vicinity Map Exhibit. The proposed development will consist of approximately 88,000 square feet of retail grocery store with on-site parking. The Proposed site is a ±30.96 acre tract of undeveloped land with nature vegetation, small and heritage cedar and oak trees, and a gradual slopes of 1% to 12%. The surface elevations range from a low point elevation of ±908 Mean Sea Level (MSL) located at the east end of the tract, to a high point elevation of ±977 MSL located on the west edge of the property along FM 1826. Overall, the property slopes west to east, draining toward the existing channel within the property. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s Web Soil Survey, the property consists of soil classified as Brackett-Rock outcrop complex (BID) and Volente silty clay loam (VoD), and Hydraulic Soils Group C and D. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), …
HEB Variance Backup Two, p. 1 H-E-B STORE #10 Exhibit 5 Topographic Map January 10, 2020 EXHIBIT 5 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP C:\Users\tpho\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\405YLYUD\20200110_env_comm_variance.docx/sg 5 HEB Variance Backup Two, p. 2 1 2 3 4 5 N n o i t c u d o p e R r . c e t n a t S f r r o y t r e p o p e h t e a s g n w a d d n a s n g i s e d r i l l a o t s t h g i r y p o C e h T e h t e a c s T l O N O D . s n o i s n e m d i l l a r o f l e b i s n o p s e r e b d n a y f i r e v l l a h s r o t c a r t n o C e h T . y a e d l t u o h t i w c e t n a t S o t d e t r o p e r e b l l a h s s n o i s s i m o r o s r o r r e y n a - i g n w a d r . n e d d b o r i f s i c e t n a t S y b d e z i r o h t u a t a h t n a h t r e h t o e s o p u p y n a r r o f e s u r o 4 2 3 6 - F # E P B T 0 3 2 4 9 1 0 1 # S L P B T . c n i I s e c v r e S g n i t l u s n o C c e t n a t S 0 0 3 e t i u S t e e r t S h c i r l d A 5 0 9 1 4 4 5 3 - 3 2 7 8 7 X T n i t s u A …
RESILIENT EL PASO N I C O L E F E R R I N I , C H I E F R E S I L I E N C E O F F I C E R 1 KEY PRINCIPLES OF A RESILIENCE STRATEGY Broad Understanding of Resilience Inclusive, Strategic + Actionable Fact Based + Data Driven Forward Looking, Not Reactionary Accountable + Transparent 2 2 N I C O L E F E R R I N I , C H I E F R E S I L I E N C E O F F I C E R 9 1 5 . 2 1 2 . 1 6 5 8 F E R R I N I N M @ E L PA S O T E X A S . G O V 6
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200304 005a Date: March 4, 2020 Subject: Discuss and consider the future of Austin resilience planning Motion by: Katie Coyne Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the future resilience of our City is a fundamental area of focus for this body; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that climate and other shocks and stressors to our environmental, social, and economic systems disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color; WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20190509-019 May 9th, 2019 directing the City Manager and Office of Sustainability to explore the best path forward for creating a comprehensive, community-wide climate resilience plan that is fair, just, and equitable; and, asked for recommendations for funding options for the hiring of a Chief Resilience Officer and a consultant to lead Resilience Planning efforts; WHEREAS, City staff delivered an interim memo on August 22, 2019 outlining no clear path forward for this work and did not meet an October 31, 2019 deadline for final recommendations; WHEREAS, many City departments and community leaders are actively working on projects and programs that positively impact resilience outcomes but there is not a comprehensive vision for that work city-wide or regionally; WHEREAS, the Rockefeller Foundation recently launched their Global Resilient Cities Network and is amenable to working collaboratively with the City of Austin on our future resilience planning work; WHEREAS, three other major cities in Texas (El Paso, Houston, and Dallas) have all completed resilience plans and have Resilience Officers in place working to implement their plans; WHEREAS, resilience experts are moving to convene cities across the state on these issues to present a united front in the face of statewide politics; WHEREAS, there has been disagreement between stakeholders on the path of our resilience work and the intent behind Council’s May 2019 resolution; and, 1 WHEREAS, the widely-held opinion of resilience practitioners statewide and globally is that resilience plans should look beyond climate shocks and thoughtfully weave together a plan of action that centers equity and holistically addresses economic, environmental, and social resilience to both shocks and stressors. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the following action by our City leadership: 1. Clarify the intent of City Council’s Resolution No. 20190509-019 from May 9th, 2019. 2. Take steps to move forward a comprehensive resilience strategy for our City that looks beyond climate shocks and thoughtfully weaves together a plan …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200304 006a Date: March 4, 2020 Subject: Lantana Project Consent Agreement Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Peggy Maceo RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting the Commission consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code Chapters 25-7 (Drainage) and 25-8 (Environment), including Chapter 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to allow construction of a mixed-use residential project at located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City of Austin staff recommend approval of the variance requests with conditions. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested project consent agreement (PCA) to allow for the construction of a mixed-use development with a residential component with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. applicant shall provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025 and development on this lot will be restricted to only allow trails; 2. impervious cover for the project will be capped at 17.5 acres (49% of current site plan SP-2014- 0262C(XT2)); and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Phase 5 will develop within 25% impervious cover on a net site area; 2. dedicate 6.32-acre Tract 1 as additional lands to meet impervious cover needs; 3. dedicate necessary acreage of Tract 2 as additional lands for the Phase 5 development to not exceed 25% impervious cover Net Site Area on; and 4. pursue use of rain garden in Phase 5 as allowable under TCEQ Edwards Rules. 1 VOTE 6-0 Approved By: For: Bedford, Thompson, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200304 006b Date: March 4, 2020 Subject: HEB 10, SP-2019-0034C at 7901 West US Hwy 290 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting the Commission consider several variance requests: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) in the Barton 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of 4 feet (maximum fill 14 feet) in the Barton 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) to construct a building on a slope with a gradient of more Springs Zone. Springs Zone. than 25 percent. 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) to construct a parking area that is not a parking structure on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City of Austin Staff recommend approval of the variance requests with conditions. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested project consent agreement (PCA) to allow for the construction of a mixed-use development with a residential component with the following Staff Conditions: 1. engineered structural containment for fill exceeding 4 feet; 2. no non-organic mulch (including stone of any size) allowed in the landscaped areas; 3. rainwater harvesting storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 4,000 gallons; 4. condensate storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 3,000 gallons; 5. cut shall be limited to a maximum of 7 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan; and 6. fill shall be limited to a maximum of 14 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan; and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. eight heritage trees to be preserved in place with supplemental drip irrigation. 1 VOTE 6-0 Approved By: For: Bedford, Thompson, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 4, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 in Council Chambers City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Pam Thompson Peggy Maceo Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Linda Guerrero Commissioners Absent: Andy Creel Curtis Smith Ryan Nill Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Marc Coudert Susana Herrera Chris Herrington Thain Maurer Atha Phillips Pamela Abee-Taulli Mike McDougal CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. None 1. EDUCATION a. Update on City of El Paso Resilience Strategy, Nicole Ferrini, City of El Paso Chief Resilience Officer (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 19, 2020 (5 minutes) 1 3. 4. 5. 6. The minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 19, 2020 were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, and Gordon were absent. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on XSpace Group SP-2019-0189D variances b. Process for how to discuss miscellaneous reports at Environmental Commission meetings Item conducted as posted. No action taken. (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. Presentation on Water Quality Compliance Pollution Data Viewer—Thain Maurer, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department (20 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider the future of Austin resilience planning—Katie Coyne, Environmental Commission Member and Vice Chair (20 minutes) Speakers Thomas Visco A motion to consider the future of Austin resilience planning was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, and Gordon were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Lantana PCA Applicant: Michael Whellan, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Watershed: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Location: 7415 Southwest Parkway (District 8) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Zone Request: Consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code …
1. 2. Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Committee February 28, 2020 at 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. One Texas Center 505 Barton Springs Road, 11th Floor The Cavern Conference Room Austin, Texas 78704 Agenda Peggy Maceo (D-7) Pam Thompson (D-3) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) COMMISSIONERS: CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of February 13, 2020 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider Land Development Code Revision relating to tree regulations— Keith Mars—Community Tree Preservation Division Manager, Development Services Department ADJOURNMENT 3. 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, at (512) 974- 3443; 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). 1
*SUPPLEMENTAL HERITAGE TREE PRESERVATION PROGRAM DRAFT • Shall only apply to heritage trees with one stem 30" or larger located in a property fronting a Transportation Priority Network, for a development that has at least a 50% (75%) residential component and provides at least 10% on-site affordable housing. It shall be demonstrated that heritage tree cannot be transplanted because of condition or location and that there are no alternative designs or other variances that applicant could obtain to preserve the tree. • To qualify heritage tree shall be preserved in compliance with city standards. • Will include a Restrictive Covenant confirming that the development will have at least a 50% (75%) residential component and provide at least 10% on-site affordable housing. • In order to preserve the heritage tree staff shall provide the following alternatives, to provide the minimum necessary to preserve the tree, that is to replace the number of units lost if the heritage tree is preserved: decreased front and back setbacks, increased FAR, increased height • These additions shall be provided in addition to the bonus or incentives given for affordable housing. • the city arborist shall determine the minimum necessary to preserve the heritage tree. On a case by case basis, more than ½ CRZ shall be preserved if staff determines this 1s necessary. • These additions shall be given at site plan review on a case by case basis. • Preserving the heritage tree shall be counted as a Community Benefit when meeting the Downtown Density Bonus Program. (Green Roofs/trading/units/determined by staff) • Staff shall establish a penalty for removing the heritage tree without a variance. Division 23-4C-4: Tree Planting Requirements 23-4C-4010 General Provisions (~) Tree pl~ting required by this division shall be quality nursey stock, site appropnate, emphasize long lived native shade species, diversity, and increase the City's resilience to pest, disease, and climate, and be planted and maintained to ensure tree establishment. (B) All trees shall be provided with adequate soil volume to promote health and tree lifespan. Rules shall be adopted to fulfill these requirements and further the City's canopy goals in Section 23-4C-1010 (General Provisions). · >' t> .., O .. ~ it "!b Y. 'f'l'1!. J l 23-4C-3020 Administrative Modifications (C) For a property that fronts a corridor designated by Division 23-3A-5 (Growth Concept Map and Transit Priority Network), the director may grant an administrative modification from Section 23-4C-301 0 …
1. 2. 3. 4. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting February 19, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Katie Coyne (D-6) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. EDUCATION a. Update on Texas Children in Nature and the Austin Cities Connecting Children to Nature project—Sarah Coles Texas Children in Nature State Coordinator and Melody Alcazar, Program Coordinator, Austin Parks and Recreation Department (15 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 5, 2020 (5 minutes) ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on Davenport West PUD Amendment 12 b. Update on Ventura at Parmer Lane, SP-2018-0564D (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. Carbon Impact Statement Tool and Air Quality Update—Caitlin Admire and Phoebe Romero, Office of Sustainability (30 minutes) 1 5. 6. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Overview of the Austin Energy Green Building Program—Heidi Kasper, Manager, Residential Green Building and Kurt Stogdill, Manager, Green Building and Sustainability, Austin Energy (30 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Lantana PCA Applicant: Michael Whellan, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Watershed: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Location: 415 Southwest Parkway (District 8) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Zone Request: Consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code Chapters 25-7 (Drainage) and 25-8 (Environment), including Chapter 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to allow construction of a mixed-use residential project located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions. (45 minutes) 7. 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 Ann Neely c. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne d. …
Texas Children in Nature ENCOURAGING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO SPEND TIME OUTSIDE, BECAUSE CHILDREN WHO SPEND TIME IN NATURE ARE HEALTHIER, HAPPIER AND SMARTER. Vision We envision that Texas children and their fa m ilie s , fro m a ll w a lks o f life , w ill s p e n d m o re tim e o u td o o rs , e n g a g in g w ith n a tu re fo r a h e a lth ie r, h a p p ie r a n d s m a rte r Te xa s . Ou r Mis s io n is to s tre n g th e n a n d le ve ra g e th e n e tw o rk a n d re g io n a l c o lla b o ra tive s to im p ro ve th e c o n n e c tio n b e tw e e n n a tu re a n d a ll c h ild re n a n d th e ir fa m ilie s in Te xa s . History In 2009 SB 205 resolved to address the problem of Nature De fic it Dis o rd e r th ro u g h th e c re a tio n o f a w o rkin g g ro u p b e tw e e n TPWD a n d TEA. Ou t o f th is a g ro u p o f le a d e rs fro m a c ro s s th e s ta te g a th e re d a n d fo rm e d TCiN in 20 10 . Sin c e th a t tim e TCiN h a s b e e n p a rt o f TPWD. In 2010 TCiN released its first strategic plan, la yin g o u t five p illa rs o f w o rk to b e d o n e . • He a lth • Co m m u n ity • Ac c e s s • Ed u c a tio n • Ma rke tin g Th e TCiN c o lla b o ra tive is a …
Strategic Plan 2016 www.texaschildreninnature.org 1 Dear fellow Texans, We all have fond childhood memories of a special place where play, imagination and wonder reigned. For most, that place was outdoors. Through these experiences, we gained understanding, appreciation and a personal relationship with the natural world. Sadly, today’s children are allowed less time for unstructured, creative play in nature than ever before. As the trend away from outdoor play and learning deepens, we are witnessing sobering consequences for children’s health, well-being and quality of life. Additionally, this youngest generation is missing out on critical experiences that lay the foundation for future stewardship of our natural resources. We can reverse this trend. One achievable solution is to restore active play and learning in nature. This issue has brought together an unprecedented coalition of partners from all walks of life who formed Texas Children in Nature. These experts from many disciplines thoroughly examined the issues and outlined their recommendations in this strategic plan. Their wisdom, insights and integrity are reflected throughout the plan. By design, the plan is concise, optimizes partnerships and focuses on implementation across multiple public and private sectors. Please consider the recommendations in this plan and join us in restoring our children’s well-being and their relationship with Texas’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The trend is real, the problem is solvable and the time to act is now. Thank you for caring for our wild things and wild places. They need you now more than ever. Carter Smith Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Children in Nature Strategic Plan 2016 Executive Summary Strategic Agenda Health Education Access Community Marketing Steering Committee Citations About Texas Children in Nature 4 6 8 10 13 16 19 20 22 22 2 Strategic Plan 2016 www.texaschildreninnature.org Executive Summary The evidence is clear and growing. Nature is not just a “nice-to-have” for people with the means. Nature is a “need-to-have” for all people, essential to our health, human development and in building stronger, more vibrant communities. Texas Children in Nature is dedicated to benefitting both nature and people. We envision that all children and their families, from all walks of life, will spend more time outdoors, engaged with nature for a healthier, happier, smarter Texas. The mission of the Texas Children in Nature network is to strengthen and leverage the work of the partners and regional collaboratives to improve the connection between nature …
Austin Environmental Commission Carbon Emissions and Air Quality Impacts February 19, 2020 Carbon Impact Statement 2015 Climate Plan Net-Zero community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Currently being updated. 2018 Austin Community Climate Footprint Industrial 8% Natural Gas 7% Other Electricity 7% Transportation 38% Waste 2% AE Electricity 38% 12.8 million metric tons CO2e 4 Carbon Impact of New Development WHERE development happens: - near transit and alternative mobility options, - in IA Activity Centers and Corridors; HOW development is designed: - energy efficient buildings, - on-site renewable energy, - efficient land use and connectivity, - a mix of uses, and - adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Carbon Impact Checklist Tool Carbon Impact Checklist Tool TRANSPORTATION ➔ Bicycle Transit Connectivity ➔ Bicycle Infrastructure ➔ Walkability ➔ Utilize TDM Strategies ➔ Electric Vehicle Charging ➔ Maximize Parking Reductions Carbon Impact Checklist Tool LAND USE ➔ Imagine Austin Activity Center or Corridor ➔ Floor -to -Area Ratio (FAR) Carbon Impact Checklist Tool WATER + ENERGY ➔ On-site Renewable Energy ➔ Reclaimed Water Carbon Impact Checklist Tool FOOD and MATERIALS ➔ Access to Food ➔ Adaptive Reuse Projects Submitted to Date 425 W. Riverside (AKA Snoopy PUD) Project Name Holdsworth Center Goodnight Ranch Austin Green Camelback COTA 218 S. Lamar Project Total CIS Score 7 9 10 8 8 7 7 9 3501 Ed Bluestein (AKA Eightfold/Motorola) 305 Congress (AKA Statesman Site) Not yet Submitted 2018 O3 Season Weekday NOx Emissions for Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA Air Quality Co-benefits • 50% of Carbon Impact Statement questions are centered on transportation • Passengers cars are the largest source of NOx emissions in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA • Sustainable transportations choices have the biggest air quality impact on NOx/ ground -level ozone CAPCOG 2018 Air Quality Report Air Quality Updates Hack for Resilient Communities • Hosted by UT Center for Transportation Research on Saturday, February 29 th from 10:30AM -7:30PM • Call for all participants of all discipline levels to help design and implement software tools to improve community resiliency using real Austin transportation, pollution, weather and health data Localized Monitoring • PurpleAir sensors, which measure particulate matter, are used to help provide a real-time air quality monitoring network • A couple of sensors were installed by the UT Center for Transportation Research in the Dove Springs neighborhood for Hackathon event analysis • Several are installed throughout the city by different people or organizations, and the …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: February 19, 2020 Lantana PCA NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Michael Whellan Armbrust & Brown, PLLC LOCATION: 7415 Southwest Parkway COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office (512)974-2132, atha.phillips@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code Chapters 25-7 (Drainage) and 25-8 (Environment), including Chapter 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to allow construction of a mixed-use residential project located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone. Staff recommended with conditions. 1. Applicant will provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025 and development on this lot will be restricted to only allow trails. 2. Impervious cover for the project will be capped at 17.5 acres (49% of current site plan SP-2014-0262C(XT2)). Project Consent Agreement Lantana (PCA) Briefing to the Environmental Commission Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office February 19, 2020 What is a PCA? • PCA = Project Consent Agreement • PCAs are part of the 245 process detailed in 25-1-544 • PCAs are considered when the extent of a project’s vested rights are unclear and for incentivizing projects with clearly established vested rights to achieve greater compliance with current regulations • The 245 process lives within the Development Services Department • DSD has determined that this project is a candidate for a PCA Site Data: • Williamson Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone (SOS Applies) • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Contributing Zone of the Edwards Aquifer • Full-Purpose • Existing approved site plan (SP-2014-0262C(XT2)) • Existing project has vested rights under 245 • Existing site plan wants to change zoning from Office to Mixed Use • Mixed Use would allow for multi-family use • Existing Preliminary Plan referenced within the vesting documents limits multi-family Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Hwy 290 West Site Location Barton Creek Watershed Williamson Creek Watershed Watershed Boundary Site Location Site Location Site Location Current Code Amendments: Modification to 25-8 Environmental: 1. 25-8-301 Restricts driveways of slopes greater than 15% • Project shall not exceed 65% impervious cover on slopes 10-20%, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200219 005a Date: February 19, 2020 Subject: Green Building Materials Motion by: Linda Guerrero Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, many common materials used in buildings contain toxic chemicals; and WHEREAS, building construction workers and building occupants can be exposed to toxic chemicals through direct contact or inhalation; and WHEREAS, many non-toxic and less toxic alternative building products are available at little or no additional cost. NOW BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends to City Council to ensure Austin Energy and other City entities are consistently working to improve building design standards to restrict toxic material use in constructing or redeveloping structures in the City of Austin BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Environmental Commission recommends that the Austin Energy Green Building program explore revised standards that will actively encourage the installation of non-toxic and less-toxic alternatives through its voluntary point system. VOTE 10-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, Neely, Maceo, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
1. 2. Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Committee February 13, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. One Texas Center 505 Barton Springs Road, 8th Floor Conference Room 805 Austin, Texas 78704 Agenda COMMISSIONERS: Peggy Maceo (D-7) Pam Thompson (D-3) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of October 23, 2019 b. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of January 7, 2020 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Update on climate change adaptation in Austin’s community forest workshop update—Emily King, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Development Services Department (DSD) b. City Arborist Report including heritage trees—Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD c. Urban Forestry Program update—Emily King, Urban Forestry Program Manager, DSD ADJOURNMENT 3. 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, at (512) 974- 3443; 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). 1
Meet the Youth Forest Council Interns! This January, the Community Tree Preservation Division launched the Youth Forest Council, an immersive, yearlong paid internship connecting young people (ages 16-19) in Austin to careers in natural resources and public service. Twelve young Austinites have joined DSD’s Tree Team and will be working alongside staff to further the goals of Austin’s Urban Forest Plan. The interns represent 6 different council districts, 7 local high schools, and 3 colleges. They were chosen from among 40 applicants who applied to the first year of the program through a hiring process that included a written application and in-person interview. Interested in connecting with the Youth Forest Council interns further? Email youthforestcouncil@austintexas.gov to join an email list for their future events. February 2020
Urban Forest Program Updates for Urban Forestry Committee F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 Topic Highlights • Urban Forest Health • Climate Change Planning • Youth Engagement • Coordination • Urban Forest Grant Urban Forest Health • Neighborhood level oak wilt suppression • Emerald Ash Borer planning Climate Change Planning • June 2019 Workshop: Vulnerability Assessment • November 2019 Workshop: Planning and Adaptation • Summer 2020: Final Report Published Climate Change Planning V u l n e r a b i l i t y A s s e s s m e n t o f A u s t i n ’ s U r b a n F o r e s t a n d N a t u r a l A r e a s C h a p t e r 1 : T h e C o n t e m p o r a r y L a n d s c a p e d e s c r i b e s e x i s t i n g c o n d i t i o n s , p r o v i d i n g b a c k g r o u n d o n t h e p h y s i c a l e n v i r o n m e n t , e c o l o g i c a l c h a r a c t e r , a n d c u r r e n t m a n a g e m e n t o f d e v e l o p e d a n d n a t u r a l a r e a s i n t h e A u s t i n r e g i o n . C h a p t e r 2 : C l i m a t e T r e n d s , P r o j e c t i o n s , a n d I m p a c t s s u m m a r i z e s o u r c u r r e n t u n d e r s t a n …
Community Tree Preservation Division FY19 Special Revenue Fund Report This report summarizes the Community Tree Preservation Division’s special revenue fund activity in Fiscal Year 2019 and provides a five-year forecast. The below information includes the financial activities of both accounts combined. FDU Budgeted Exp. Expenses Revenue End of FY Balance Urban Forest Replenishment Fund 7655-5300-1500 $ 3,166,997 $ 2,419,136 $ 1,258,199 $ 3,798,747 Planting for the Future Fund 7340-5300-2110 $ 500,000 $ 467,891 $ 91,016 $ 225,408 Spending by Category • After an unusual spike in revenue in FY181, the FY19 revenue Informing (Education) Growing (Planting) 66% • was back in line with projections based on previous years. Inversely, project expenditures increased significantly*, reducing the account balance by 26%. • This trend is projected to continue over the next two years2. • Within five years we are planning to achieve a balance of revenue and expenditures. • The Planting for the Future Fund now only receives revenue from utility bill contributions for tree planting in parks. Most of this account is expected to be spent in 2020. s n o i l l i M $5 $4 $3 $2 $1 $0 20% 12% 2% Caring (Maintenance) Inspiring (Arts) 2 Funds Balance FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 * The UFRF contributed $1M to the Austin Mobility Bond to plant more street trees with the upcoming roadway improvements3. An additional $750K will be contributed for street tree plantings over the next two years4. That, along with continued Urban Forest Grant and Urban Forest Funding Portal expenditures, will reduce the running balance to around $1M by 2024.2 4 4 5 Year History 5 Year Projection 1 3 Expenses Revenue $3,000,000 $2,000,000 ____ ____ ____ $1,000,000 $0 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
City Arborist Program Heritage Tree Report July - Sept 2019 Issue Date Address Diameter Removed Condition 7/1/2019 12417 RIVER BEND Unit 7 7/1/2019 1604 TRAVIS HEIGHTS BOULEVARD 7/1/2019 4018 TRAVIS COUNTRY CIRCLE 7/1/2019 1004 NEANS DR 7/1/2019 5904 UPVALLEY RUN 7/2/2019 603 TILLERY ST 7/2/2019 S LAKESHORE BOULEVARD 7/2/2019 4006 AVENUE B 7/2/2019 4521 FRONTIER TRL 7/2/2019 4521 FRONTIER TRL 7/2/2019 4521 FRONTIER TRL 7/3/2019 3009 GILBERT ST 7/3/2019 3009 GILBERT ST 7/3/2019 3009 GILBERT ST 7/3/2019 3009 GILBERT ST 7/3/2019 1501 ULLRICH AVENUE 7/3/2019 11707 OAKWOOD DRIVE 7/3/2019 1303 ROMERIA DR 7/3/2019 2005 PASADENA DR 7/3/2019 2005 PASADENA DR 7/3/2019 2005 PASADENA DR 7/3/2019 4501 SHOAL CREEK BLVD 7/3/2019 4501 SHOAL CREEK BLVD 7/3/2019 4518 BULL CREEK RD 7/3/2019 210 ACADEMY DR 7/3/2019 210 ACADEMY DR 7/3/2019 210 ACADEMY DR 7/3/2019 210 ACADEMY DR 7/3/2019 210 ACADEMY DR 7/3/2019 210 ACADEMY DR 7/5/2019 2008 E 10TH ST 7/5/2019 2216 LINDELL AVE 7/5/2019 2216 LINDELL AVE 7/8/2019 4520 RIMROCK TRL 7/8/2019 7701 DANWOOD DR 7/8/2019 7701 DANWOOD DR 7/8/2019 3003 WILLOWOOD CIR 7/8/2019 3003 WILLOWOOD CIR 7/8/2019 3003 WILLOWOOD CIR 7/8/2019 3003 WILLOWOOD CIR 7/8/2019 3003 WILLOWOOD CIR 7/8/2019 3003 WILLOWOOD CIR 7/8/2019 2904 SILVERLEAF DR 7/8/2019 2904 SILVERLEAF DR 7/8/2019 4104 HYRIDGE DR 7/8/2019 4104 HYRIDGE DR Public Species No No No No Yes No Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No Pecan Cypress Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Pecan Live Oak Cedar Elm Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Red Oak American Elm Pecan Shumard Oak Pecan Pecan Live Oak Live Oak American Elm Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak American Elm Pecan Cedar Elm Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Spanish Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak 44 Yes 30 Yes 24 Yes 24 No 37.25 No 30 No 34 Yes 25 Yes 31 No 33 No 38 No 25.5 No 27 No 32.5 No 37.5 No 25.5 Yes 36 Yes 28 Yes 43 No 30 No 30 No 27 No 25 No 32 No 43 No 28 No 28 No 28 No 24 No 30 …
City Arborist Program Heritage Tree Report Oct - Dec 2019 Issue Date Diameter Removed Condition Address 10/1/2019 2221 HOLLY ST 10/1/2019 2221 HOLLY ST 10/1/2019 2221 HOLLY ST 10/1/2019 2221 HOLLY ST 10/1/2019 14700 CATARINA WAY 10/1/2019 2117 BARTON HILLS DRIVE 10/1/2019 10200 IDA GROVE LANE 10/1/2019 2508 IONIAN CV 10/1/2019 1008 GULLETT ST 10/2/2019 1901 FOREST TRAIL 10/2/2019 4206 GNARL DRIVE 10/2/2019 605 E 45TH STREET 10/2/2019 3805 STEVENSON AVE 10/2/2019 3805 STEVENSON AVE 10/2/2019 87 NAVASOTA STREET 10/2/2019 2000 PEACH TREE ST 10/2/2019 2000 PEACH TREE ST 10/2/2019 2000 PEACH TREE ST 10/2/2019 3006 E 14TH ST 10/2/2019 4200 WILDWOOD RD 10/2/2019 4200 WILDWOOD RD 10/2/2019 4200 WILDWOOD RD 10/2/2019 1187 OAK GROVE AVE 10/2/2019 1187 OAK GROVE AVE 10/3/2019 2904 STARDUST DRIVE 10/3/2019 11400 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DRIVE Bldg A 10/3/2019 11400 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DRIVE Bldg A 10/3/2019 11400 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DRIVE Bldg A 10/3/2019 2905 OAKLANE DRIVE 10/3/2019 2505 COMBURG CASTLE WAY 10/3/2019 4203 WOODWAY DRIVE 10/3/2019 9813 MANDEVILLE CIR 10/3/2019 9813 MANDEVILLE CIR 10/3/2019 9813 MANDEVILLE CIR 10/3/2019 9813 MANDEVILLE CIR 10/4/2019 3002 BRIDLE PATH 10/4/2019 4002 SHAVANO DR 10/4/2019 11407 SIERRA BLANCA 10/4/2019 11407 SIERRA BLANCA 10/4/2019 1608 FOREST TRL 10/7/2019 9111 MEACHAM WAY 10/7/2019 5606 SHADY OAK CT 10/8/2019 3211 BONNIE ROAD 10/8/2019 6108 JANEY DRIVE 10/8/2019 36 COMAL STREET 10/8/2019 411 W ALPINE ROAD Public Species Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes No No No No Yes Pecan Pecan Pecan Pecan Post Oak Cedar Elm Post Oak Live Oak Pecan American Elm Monterrey Oak Cedar Elm Live Oak Live Oak American Elm Pecan Pecan Pecan Pecan Post Oak Post Oak Post Oak Live Oak Live Oak American Elm Live Oak Cedar Cedar Cedar Elm Cedar Elm Red Oak Post Oak Cedar Elm Cedar Elm Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Pecan Post Oak Live Oak Pecan Red Oak American Elm Live Oak 32 No 29 No 33 No 28 No 26 Yes 26.25 Yes 30 Yes 25 No 32 No 28 Yes 24.8 Yes 34 Yes 47 No 32 No 46 Yes 30 No 26 No 34 No 25.5 No 27 No 26 No 28 No 33 No 26 No 24.5 Yes 46 No …
SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Friday, February 7, 2020 – 11:30 A.M. Board and Commission Room, Room 1101, City Hall 301 W. 2nd St, Austin, Texas 78701 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Parks and Recreation Board Rich DePalma (Mayor) Romteen Farasat (D-4) Dawn Lewis (D-10) Vacant AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER B. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Environmental Commission Linda Guerrero – Chair (D-9) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Pam Thompson (D-3) Speakers must be signed up prior to the meeting being called to order, and each speaker will be allotted three (3) minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board meeting of October 16, 2019. D. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Stakeholder and Public Notification Requirements When Considering New Tree Plantings at Barton Springs Pool, Lucas Massie, Parks and Recreation Department 2. Upper Dam Project Update, Mike Kelly, Watershed Protection Department 3. Discuss and Set Future Meeting Dates, Linda Guerrero, Committee Chair E. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS F. 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 (48 hours) Page 1 of 2 before the meeting date. Please call Sammi Curless, with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, at 512- 974-6716, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Sammi Curless at sammi.curless@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-974-6716. Page 2 of 2
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD October 16, 2019 – 11:30 AM Council Chambers, City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Parks and Recreation Board: Present: Dawn Lewis (left meeting at 1:28 pm) Rich DePalma Absent: Tom Donovan Romteen Farasat Environmental Commission: Present: Mary Ann Neely (left meeting at 2:12 pm) Linda Guerrero—Chair Peggy Maceo Pam Thompson A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order by the Chair at 11:35 a.m. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Committee Member Lewis moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board meeting of May 29, 2018. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Maceo. Motion carried on a vote of 6-0, with two committee members absent. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION There was one general citizen communication. D. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 2. Upper Dam Project Update, David Johns, Watershed Protection Department After presentation of the agenda item by City staff, there were seven citizen communications, with additional citizens donating time to speakers. Committee Chair Guerrero moved to have the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department outline a stakeholder process for the Upper Dam Project with consideration for a third-party analysis, and notify the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and the Parks and Recreations Board of the outcome of that decision, reporting back on the stakeholder process for review by the Joint Committee. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Lewis. Motion carried 6-0, with two committee members absent. 3. Barton Springs Bathhouse Update, Sergio Altamirano, Public Works Department & John McKennis, Parks and Recreation Department After presentation of the agenda item by City staff and project consultant, there were three citizen communications. No action was taken by the Joint Committee. Due to staff time constraints, Item D5 was moved up on the agenda and heard before D4. 5. Review, clarify, and discuss notification requirements for tree plantings on the South side of the Barton Springs pool including written agreements with the public and stakeholders, Linda Guerrero, Committee Chair & Peggy Maceo, Committee Member. There were two citizen communications. After staff presentation and discussion, Committee Chair Guerrero moved that the Parks and Recreations staff and the Forestry Division staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups, and nonprofits that request planting within the Barton Springs pool area. The written planting agreement will be directed to the …
Barton Springs Tree Planting Process Joint Committee Ask PARD Staff and Forestry Staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups and nonprofits that request tree plantings within the Barton Springs Pool area. The written planting agreement will be presented or communicated to the Joint Committee as a notification process. Planting Guiding Principles • Masterplan • • “new trees should be planted to preemptively replenish the canopy and to densify the shade” “selected from the native Texas tree palette and should be chosen for their beauty, their durability and their appropriateness to their waterside location” • Age Diversity • Species Diversity Planting Notification • Planting will be shard via a memo by July 1st each year • Presentation when the Joint Committee meets between July 1st and the start of the tree planting season Steps After Notification • PARD makes tree purchases. Possible donation support • Planting dates established • Maintenance details coordinated • Work with volunteers and support groups Tree Inventory
M E M O R A N D U M Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board Michael P. Kelly, P.E., Managing Engineer Environmental Resource Management, Watershed Protection Department January 16, 2020 TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board, Item 4b, Upper Dam Project Update In response to discussions at the October 16, 2019 Joint Committee meeting on the Barton Springs Pool Upper Dam proposal, staff has the following update. Staff presented a proposal to install three gates into the upper dam that would allow periodic inflows of Barton Creek water into Barton Springs Pool. Public testimony on the proposal included the following categories of concern: Increases in pollutant concentration, risk to human health; Increases in algae; • Changes to temperature; • • • Certainty of gate operations; • Costs/benefits and • Certainty of ecological benefits. Staff from Watershed Protection and Parks and Recreation appreciate this first round of stakeholder input. The concerns raised by the public echo questions posed by staff in developing a plan to further investigate the feasibility of this proposal. After examining the existing data and information and determining what is needed to make conclusive projections regarding the performance of the gates, staff decided that we are unable at this time to recommend moving forward with the next phase of the gate project. In order to move forward, staff needs to gain a more complete understanding of the pool ecosystem that will allow us to define a desired condition warranting the investments in a gate system. That understanding requires more information on historical and baseline conditions in the pool. It also requires that we develop a more comprehensive model of the pool system that will allow staff to manipulate the inflow variables to calculate impacts on temperature, pollution concentration, impact on pool cleaning and gate operations. To that end, staff will develop a workplan for consideration in Fiscal Year 2021 that outlines all the needed steps to develop a more complete understanding of the pool. Should this plan rise to high priority as a department activity, staff will include in our project list for Fiscal Year 2021. At that time, we will be able to provide an updated briefing on potential next steps. Should the Joint Committee members have any follow up questions, please contact Mike Kelly at 512- 974-6591 or mike.kelly@austintexas.gov. cc: Jorge …
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2020 Meeting Schedule Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Barton Springs Tree Planting Process Joint Committee Ask PARD Staff and Forestry Staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups and nonprofits that request tree plantings within the Barton Springs Pool area. The written planting agreement will be directed to the Joint Committee as a notification process. Planting Guiding Principles • Masterplan • • “new trees should be planted to preemptively replenish the canopy and to densify the shade” “selected from the native Texas tree palette and should be chosen for their beauty, their durability and their appropriateness to their waterside location” • Age Diversity • Species Diversity Planting Notification • Planting will be shard via a memo by July 1st each year • Presentation when the Joint Committee meets between July 1st and the start of the tree planting season Steps After Notification • PARD makes tree purchases. Possible donation support • Planting dates established • Maintenance details coordinated • Work with volunteers and support groups Tree Inventory Contact Lists Twitter Facebook Nextdoor Barton Springs Conservancy Barton Springs Conservation District AISD Save Barton Creek Association Hill Country Conservancy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Friends of Barton Springs Expedition School Keep Austin Beautiful Sunshine Camps The Trail Foundation Communities in Schools Central Texas Austin Parks Foundation Zilker Botanical Gardens Conservancy Save Our Springs Alliance Zilker Neighborhood Association Friends of Zilker Neighborhood Barton Hills Neighborhood Association Trail of Lights Foundation and Zilker Kite Festival Blues on the Green Austin City Limits Music Festival Zilker Park Boat Rentals Watershed Protection Austin Water Waterloo Disc Golf Association Zilker Hillside Theater Austin Nature and Science Center Friends Group Umlauf Sculpture Gardens
1. 2. 3. 4. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting February 5, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Katie Coyne (D-6) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. EDUCATION a. Night Sky Preservation in Austin and Travis County—Cliff Kaplan, Hill Country Conservancy (15 minutes) b. Climate Vulnerability in Austin: A multi-risk assessment—Patrick Bixler, University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs (15 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of January 15, 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None 1 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Xspace Group, SP-2019-0189D Applicant: Garett-Ihnen Civil Engineers Watershed: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Location: 4229 N. FM 620, Austin, TX, 78734 (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Staff: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Protection Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to construct a driveway on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of four feet of depth Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. (30 minutes) b. Name: Aspen Heights Multifamily Wastewater Service Extension Request #4629 Applicant: Caitlin Kuglen, P.E., Kimley Horn Associates Location: 11210 N FM 620 RD, Austin, TX 78726 (2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Officer’s Office Watershed: Lake Travis Watershed, Water Supply Rural & Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Request recommendation Staff Recommendation: Staff recommend this request. (30 minutes) 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, …
Hill Country Alliance Night Sky Preservation in Austin and Travis County Presentation to the City of Austin Environmental Commission February 5, 2020 Contact: Cliff Kaplan Program Manager, Hill Country Alliance cliff@hillcountryalliance.org, 512.387.3097 Today’s presentation: • What night sky preservation is and why it matters • Current efforts for night sky preservation • Where the City of Austin can go from here I - 35 divides the mostly dark half of the US from the very light polluted half Light pollution can be caused by urbanization or industrialization, but it doesn’t have to be… Why does night sky preservation matter? Habitat: Preserving naturally dark nights is a vital part of preserving habitat. All of the plants and animals that live in Central Texas, including humans, are evolved for dark nights. (Exception: cave-dwelling species) Why does night sky preservation matter? Habitat: Preserving naturally dark nights is a vital part of preserving habitat. All of the plants and animals that live in Central Texas, including humans, are evolved for dark nights. (Exception: cave-dwelling species) • Pollinators (eg moths) • Fireflies • Frogs • Birds • Bats • Deer • Coyotes • Etc. etc. Why does night sky preservation matter? Wasted electricity: It is estimated that 33% of all outdoor lighting is wasted by shining where it is not intended to be. VS. Why does night sky preservation matter? Wasted electricity: It is estimated that 33% of all outdoor lighting is wasted by shining where it is not intended to be. That amounts to between 10 and 15 million tons of CO2 annually in the US, for residential lighting alone. Overall, $3 Billion are spent annually in the US on outdoor lighting shining where it is unintended. Source: International Dark-Sky Association, data from US Dept. of Energy Why does night sky preservation matter? Tourism and recreation: Central Texas destinations, including some in Austin, are enjoyed for their star-filled skies. Why does night sky preservation matter? Visibility for driving and security: Glare from unshielded lights reduces our ability to see at night, by making shadows darker. What is good lighting? • Fully Shielded: No sky glow, glare, or light trespass What is good lighting? Outdoor lights should be rated 3000K or below What is good lighting? • Fully Shielded: No sky glow, glare, or light trespass • Correlated Color Temperature at or below 3000K • Only on when needed: use switches and sensors • Not …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: February 5, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: XSpace Group SP-2019-0189D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Garett-Ihnen Civil Engineers (applicant) LOCATION: 4229 N. FM 620, Austin, TX, 78734 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department, (512) 974-1665, Jonathan.Garner@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone REQUEST: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to construct a driveway on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of four feet of depth STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Staff Findings of Fact Variance to LDC 25-8-301 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Construction of a driveway on slopes in excess of 15 percent (LDC 25-8-301) Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: XSpace Group SP-2019-0189D 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 entire portion of the property fronting the public right-of-way contains slopes in excess of 15 percent. The other three sides of the property are bound by private development, and there is no other alternative access into the site. Therefore, the only available access into the property and to the approximate 1.33 acres of developable land on the property (e.g., slopes 0-15 percent) is by crossing the existing slopes with a private driveway. 2. The variance: a) b) 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 only available access into the property and to the approximate 1.33 acres of developable land on the property (e.g., slopes 0- 15 percent) is by crossing the existing slopes with a private driveway. Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; Yes. Code and Criteria allow a driveway to be constructed on slopes over 15% when the driveway provides …
